PORCH Receives $15K U.S. Bank Grant
A House Is Only the Beginning
PORCH Initiative Receives $15,000 Grant from U.S. Bank Foundation
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (June 30, 2026) – PORCH Initiative, a resident-led nonprofit that creates pathways to sustainable homeownership in South Cape, today announced it has received a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation. The grant will support homeowner education, financial readiness and mentorship programs for low-to-moderate-income residents.
"The funding from the U.S. Bank Foundation plays an important role in helping us expand initiatives that prepare residents for homeownership and equip them with the resources to succeed long after they receive the keys," said Rachael Long, chief operating officer of PORCH Initiative. “This support reflects the impact financial institutions can have when they invest in the communities they serve.”
PORCH aims to serve up to 90 residents through its Credit Mastery Workshop Series and Homeowner Mentorship Program.
The Credit Mastery Workshop Series empowers participants to build financial confidence, improve credit readiness and take control of their financial futures.
The Homeowner Mentorship Program provides curriculum-based peer-to-peer learning with current South Cape homeowners and PORCH alumni. Recognizing that purchasing a home is only the first step, the program offers ongoing support to cultivate community connections and housing stability.
A portion of grant funding will increase organizational capacity enabling PORCH to sustain and replicate outcomes for years to come.
“Homeownership is about more than buying a house — it’s about having the knowledge and tools to sustain it,” said Kristen Polchinski, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “We’re proud to work with PORCH to help homebuyers build confidence and work toward long-term stability.”
Since 2023, PORCH has helped 10 families achieve first-time homeownership, with 100% remaining stably housed today.
"Removing barriers to homeownership creates opportunities for generational wealth and stronger neighborhoods," said Terry Baker, board treasurer of PORCH Initiative and association executive of the Southeast Missouri Board of Realtors. "Together with the U.S. Bank Foundation, we’re investing in the future of South Cape one home at a time."
Through its Community Possible platform, U.S. Bank supports programs that connect individuals and families with sustainable housing opportunities and long-term financial stability.
For more information about PORCH Initiative and its programs, contact info@lovesouthcape.org
About PORCH Initiative
PORCH Initiative (People Organized to Revitalize Community Healing) is a resident-led organization that creates pathways to sustainable homeownership and neighborhood revitalization in South Cape Girardeau. Through education, wellness and community partnerships, PORCH equips residents with the tools and resources to build generational wealth. Since 2023: 10 homeowners, $1.2M+ reinvested into Cape Girardeau real estate and $5,000+ in annual property tax revenue for the local economy.
About U.S. Bancorp
Headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. Our three major business lines serve 15 million clients globally, and our team of nearly 70,000 people invest our hearts and minds to power human potential every day. Ranked 110th on the Fortune 500, we are deeply respected for our culture and long-term stewardship and admired for our diversified business mix and product capabilities.