HumanLinks Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to systematic improvements in education, healthcare and sustainable agriculture, has recently partnered with Banner Bank to provide loans to Washington farmers who suffered losses this past year due to damaging floods and health related issues.

Administered by Banner Bank, with branches in Redmond and Kirkland, the program enabled access to farmers who may not have been able to secure a loan through a more conventional bank.

This community partnership was established to address and combat the crisis facing some local farmers. By providing innovative and flexible loan assistance, Banner Bank works with community partners to support the good work that takes place in those communities. The public/private partnership with HumanLinks Foundation is an example of their commitment to making a positive difference in the communities they serve. A micro-loan program was offered to sustainable farmers and established to help strengthen the Washington farming community.

This partnership is a creative way to provide meaningful, positive, and sustainable change in these challenging economic times, demonstrating an example of doing business in a responsible way, and partnering corporations and communities to support local efforts and achieve success proactively.

In addition to the loan program, grants were also awarded by the HumanLinks Foundation, a family foundation established in 1999, to help replace lost equipment and feed, improve infrastructure and lower operating expenses. More than 60 inquiries from across Washington were received for the two programs including farms in Sumas, Carnation, Fall City, Acme, Stanwood, Vashon, Doty, and Roy.

For more information about the loan program and fund availability contact Nancy Iscovitz at nancy@humanlinksfoundation.org or (206) 442-2061.