{"id":125202,"date":"2022-11-28T09:23:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T14:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/?p=125202"},"modified":"2022-11-28T17:37:24","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T22:37:24","slug":"ncrc-announces-40-billion-community-benefits-plan-with-bmo-harris-bank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/ncrc-announces-40-billion-community-benefits-plan-with-bmo-harris-bank\/","title":{"rendered":"NCRC Announces $40 Billion Community Benefits Plan With BMO Harris Bank"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and BMO Harris Bank (BMO) today announced a Community Benefits Plan (CBP) that outlines a more than $40 billion commitment to local communities in the United States, with over $16 billion of the plan commitment targeted for the State of California. The plan outlines commitments to local communities across BMO\u2019s expanded footprint in the United States after the approval and closing of its proposed acquisition of Bank of the West, announced on December 20, 2021. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The five-year plan was developed with input from over 85 community groups from across the country through listening sessions facilitated by NCRC and the California Reinvestment Coalition, a public meeting and written comments submitted to regulators. The plan reinforces BMO\u2019s focus on increasing home ownership and supporting the growth of small businesses in low- to moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods and communities of color. It also strengthens these communities through investments and lending to support affordable housing and economic development as well as philanthropic giving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBMO\u2019s commitment to work together with us and leading community groups was vital to creating a plan that drives significant impact to the communities served,\u201d <\/span><b>said Jesse Van Tol, President and CEO, NCRC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThis community benefits plan is a substantial move in the right direction by addressing racial equity and access to capital in specific and tangible ways that will create more economic inclusion in the markets where BMO operates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe commend BMO leadership for its collaboration with the California Reinvestment Coalition (CRC) and our members over the last several months to put together an agreement that reflects the needs of California communities,\u201d <\/span><b>said Paulina Gonzalez-Brito, CEO, California Reinvestment Coalition, Oakland, California<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cMergers must provide a clear public benefit. This agreement accomplishes this through increased investment and services in LMI communities and communities of color and increased lending to BIPOC-owned small businesses. We look forward to working with BMO as it implements this agreement over the next five years.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-99196px;\"> online pharmacy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nexusclinical.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/minocin.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">purchase minocin online<\/a> no prescription <\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe want to thank all of the community groups that invested their time to meet with us and provide feedback that has helped shape this plan,\u201d <\/span><b>said David Casper, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cWe are committed to ongoing community engagement to realize the full potential of this plan.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe have a duty to continue addressing the barriers that disproportionately affect people of color and remain committed to creating more opportunities that achieve progress for all,\u201d Casper added. \u201cOur Community Benefits Plan reflects our promise to ensure we have a strong combination of financial and community-driven investments that will create a more equitable society anywhere we do business. Eliminating barriers to inclusion while building a thriving economy and sustainable future is at the core of our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The BMO plan is the 25th such <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/explainer-how-ncrc-brings-banks-and-local-leaders-together-for-community-benefits-agreements\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">community benefits agreement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> facilitated by NCRC. These combined agreements constitute more than half a trillion dollars in bank commitments to lend, enhance services and expand support for marginalized communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numerous NCRC member organizations who participated in the process expressed excitement for the progress the new agreement will foster:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe Community Reinvestment Act ensures that banks are held accountable to the communities that they serve,\u201d <\/span><b>said Peter Hainley, NCRC Board Treasurer and Executive Director, CASA of Oregon, Sherwood, Oregon<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cCommunity groups came together to provide BMO Harris Bank and Bank of the West with a plan that serves low and moderate income families. We look forward to helping make that plan actionable.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council is grateful for BMO Harris Bank&#8217;s commitment to more fully serve Wisconsin&#8217;s people and neighborhoods,\u201d <\/span><b>said Bethany Sanchez, NCRC Board Vice Chairperson and Senior Administrator Fair Lending, Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cWe look forward to working with our partners at the bank to continue their work to eliminate the racial homeownership gap and to support existing homeowners.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cBMO&#8217;s investments in tribal communities in Canada are significant. Native Community Capital applauds the bank&#8217;s leadership in making progress towards similar if not greater levels of investment in tribal communities in the U.S. and we stand ready to assist leading in such efforts,\u201d <\/span><b>said Dave Castillo, CEO, Native Community Capital, Laguna, New Mexico<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-99196px;\"> buy glucophage online <a href=\"https:\/\/airhealthourhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/glucophage.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/airhealthourhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/glucophage.html<\/a>  <\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIowa Community Capital appreciates the BMO Harris commitment to addressing gaps in access to capital and financial education needs for low-income target populations and underserved rural and urban entrepreneurs in states like Iowa,\u201d <\/span><b>said Mark Edelman, Board Chair, Iowa Community Capital, Boone, Iowa<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAs consolidation trends continue in the financial sector, banks must prove they can deliver positive benefits to the communities that have historically been shut out from fair financial services,&#8221;\u00a0<strong>said Rawan Elhalaby, Associate Director, Economic Equity, The Greenlining Institute, Oakland, California.<\/strong> &#8220;We&#8217;re hopeful that this agreement with BMO Harris will incentivize the bank to address the needs of communities it will operate in. The agreement includes crucial commitments to invest in climate resilience, expand capital access to BIPOC mortgage borrowers, and support small business lending in California. We look forward to continuing work with BMO Harris to ensure these commitments live up to the bank\u2019s goal to serve communities effectively and equitably.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCongregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE) appreciates the commitments from BMO Harris and Bank of the West to implement a solid Community Benefit Plan,\u201d <\/span><b>said Sonya<\/b> <b>Gray-Hunn, Lead Housing Organizer, Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement, San Bernardino, California<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThis collaboration is a strong start of financial institutions working directly with the communities to lay a foundation of transparency, cooperation and financial stability for generations to come.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFocusing on shared equity housing models may be a first for CRA agreements and demonstrates BMO has listened to its community partners and recognize growing and investing in innovative housing options like cooperatives and land trusts will be fundamental for inclusive community development,&#8221;\u00a0<strong>said Kevin Jackson, Executive Director, Chicago Rehab Network, Chicago, Illinois<\/strong>. &#8220;Thank you to all who participated to create equitable opportunity for LMI communities and households and repair the racial wealth gap.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cUniversal Housing Solutions CDC is a grassroots nonprofit organization in Chicago, Illinois,\u201d <\/span><b>said Phyllis Logan, Executive Director, Universal Housing Solutions CDC, Chicago, Illinois<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cWe welcome this opportunity to work with BMO Harris Bank in assisting many families within our communities of color in building wealth through homeownership. We look forward to participating with BMO Harris Bank to ensure that this Community Benefits Plan lives up to its directives.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen banks merge or consolidate, United South Broadway Corporation is most concerned about service continuity and access to credit and capital for low and moderate income communities,\u201d <\/span><b>said Deborah Norman, Program Manager, United South Broadway Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cWe commend the thoughtful process pursued by BMO Harris and NCRC to center community needs in this benefits agreement.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAs the community action organization of northwest Indiana, NWICA, understands the needs of low- to moderate-income families,\u201d <\/span><b>said Jennifer Trowbridge, President and CEO, Northwest Indiana Community Action, Crown Point, Indiana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThey need affordable housing. They also need support in order to level out of poverty. BMO&#8217;s Community Impact Fund and Rural Philanthropic Initiatives will help us achieve this for our communities.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The new plan continues and expands on the progress by both BMO and Bank of the West to promote economic growth and provide greater access to capital for all. The result is a bold plan that will increase investment and expand BMO\u2019s strategic partnerships in underserved communities. It\u2019s also an expansion of, and is incremental to, the BMO EMpower initiative, a $5 billion commitment which was launched by BMO Financial Group in 2020 to advance an inclusive economic recovery in the United States through a series of long-term initiatives designed to drive meaningful change and champion racial equity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A detailed summary of the major provisions of this more than $40 billion commitment can be found at the bottom of this release.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The plan has been endorsed by the following NCRC member organizations:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">African American Trade Association<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">African Career, Education, &amp; Resources Inc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Community Economic Development Association<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-99326px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/warsaw-apteka.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Warsaw-Apteka.com<\/a> <\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Reinvestment Coalition<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CASA of Oregon<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago Community Loan Fund<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago Rehab Network<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicanos Por La Causa<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Relations-Social Development Commission<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuum of Care Network of NWI<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Community Capital, Inc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Greenlining Institute<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat for Humanity of Iowa<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat for Humanity of Omaha<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Horizons, A Family Service Alliance<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Housing Action Illinois<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iowa Community Capital<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jewish Community Action<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">John Boner Neighborhood Centers<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milwaukee Christian Center<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Native Community Capital<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neighborhood Development Collaborative<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NeighborWorks Southern Colorado<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Northwest Center\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Northwest Indiana Community Action<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pima County Community Land Trust\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prestamos CDFI<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prosperity Indiana<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proud Ground<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small Business Majority<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Resurrection Project<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United South Broadway Corporation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Universal Housing Solutions CDC<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPI Loan Fund<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin, Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urban Land Conservancy<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Woodstock Institute<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>Summary of the Community Benefits Plan Agreed Between BMO and NCRC Members<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Increased Convenience\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BMO has committed to maintaining all BOTW branches with no planned closures related to this transaction. In addition to these existing branches, BMO will open five new financial services offices in underserved communities in California.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to an expanded branch network, new customers will have access to an enhanced digital platform and an array of innovative new products including our Savings Builder Account that pays customers for saving; our Credit Builder Account that helps customers increase their credit score; as well as a host of affordable mortgage options including a self-funded down payment assistance program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>A Historic Investment<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cornerstone of the plan is a more than $40 billion commitment that includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Advancing Home Ownership: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$7.5 billion in home mortgage lending to support LMI and minority homeowners. Key commitments and programs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 25 percent increase over the combined banks\u2019 historical home mortgage lending to LMI and minority individuals and communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 75 percent of home mortgage lending under the plan to people and communities of color<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An expansion of BMO\u2019s low-down payment and LMI portfolio home mortgage lending products across our new footprint<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The launch of a new Welcome Home Grant program in San Francisco and San Jose with over $125 million in home mortgage lending<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The creation of a $3 million Native Community Housing Fund to support affordable housing on tribal trust lands\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The expansion of BMO\u2019s financial literacy and education programs to support affordable homeownership<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$15 million in philanthropic support targeted to affordable homeownership and housing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doubling the number of our CRA mortgage bankers and increasing our CRA relationship managers by 50 percent over current levels, providing greater outreach and better service to LMI borrowers and communities of color\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Growing Small Businesses: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$16.5 billion in small business lending that will help jumpstart the growth of small businesses in underserved communities across BMO\u2019s footprint. Key commitments include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close to 60 percent of small business lending targeted to minority communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A $200 million commitment to expand BMO\u2019s small business programs that support women, Black and Latinx-owned businesses, and a new program for Native American-owned businesses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$5 million in support for non-profits, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other organizations that provide training and support for these small businesses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Strengthening Communities: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$17.5 billion in community development loans, investments, and other support for underserved communities to create greater opportunity for success. This commitment:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Includes $12 billion in lending for affordable housing and economic development and $3 billion in investments in low-income housing and new market tax credits, CDFIs, CRA-qualified private equity and other loan funds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Represents an increase of 50 percent compared to prior level of qualified community development investments made by the combined banks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Targets $150 million of investments to funds or CDFIs led by women or people of color<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Creating a More Equitable Society: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over 50 percent of the plan is expected to benefit communities and borrowers of color to help close the racial wealth gap and advance a more inclusive society. Key commitments include:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than $15 billion in small business and home mortgage lending to minority borrowers or in minority communities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$95 million of philanthropic giving committed to serve minority-led organizations and\/or organizations serving minority communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$5 million to support Native American communities, including a $3 million fund to support affordable homeownership on tribal trust land<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$325 million in special purpose credit programs for mortgage and small business lending designed for women and borrowers of color, including BMO\u2019s newly launched small business program for Native Americans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$150 million of investments to funds or CDFIs led by women or people of color<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve also committed to more diversity in our own business by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growing our diverse spend by 40 percent over the course of the plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Targeting 30 percent or more of BMO [Financial Group]\u2019s U.S. senior leadership roles to be filled by people of color and between 40 percent and 60 percent to be filled by women under our Zero Barriers to Inclusion policy<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doubling our current utilization of diverse owned media and increasing the number of strategic partnerships with outlets owned by or serving people of color<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expanding our workforce development program BMORE and tripling our hiring goals, focused on career development of diverse talent in coordination with various community partners<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Creating A More Sustainable Future\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of BMO\u2019s Purpose vision to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life, <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">we are taking steps to help build a sustainable future. BMO has been recognized for its sustainability efforts and is a member of financial sector sustainability initiatives, including the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking, the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, and was a founding signatory of the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2021, BMO announced our Climate Ambition to be our clients\u2019 lead partner in the transition to a net zero world. The BMO Climate Institute was established to accelerate our climate work and provide thought leadership at the intersection of climate change and finance, allowing us to better advise clients and partners on climate risk and opportunity. Under its Climate Justice Pillar and aligned with BMO\u2019s Purpose to empower entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers, the Climate Institute will support strategies to provide access to affordable capital for underserved groups and communities for the acceleration of climate solutions.\u00a0 The Climate Institute is also working closely with BMO\u2019s Fair and Responsible Lending team to assess the extent to which marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BMO has also committed C$300 million to the BMO Impact Investment Fund, deploying capital for sustainability impact in both the United States and Canada. Since 2019, Bank of Montreal has mobilized $176\u00a0billion CAD, including $71 billion in support of green objectives such as clean transportation, low-carbon energy, green buildings, waste management, and sustainable agriculture, with a goal to mobilize C$300 billion by 2025.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Increased Community Engagement<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commit $135 million in philanthropic giving to our communities over the course of the plan, a 50 percent increase over current levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create the bank\u2019s first Community Advisory Council comprised of members of the community with input from our community partners who helped formulate our plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form working groups to help focus and guide the bank\u2019s work in responding to the needs of communities of color and to tackle affordable housing issues in rural and low- income communities and communities of color<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form a Native Land Advisory Group to help the bank better understand and serve the needs of Native Americans which will comprise a greater share of the bank\u2019s footprint post-closing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expand our network of strategic partners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase outreach through diverse media outlets and partners for greater connectivity to diverse communities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expand our strategic partnerships, committing to at least 75 new philanthropic partners over the plan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Customers and communities win $40 billion in tangible commitments from pending bank 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