14 JULY / AUGUST 2022 First Bank Richmond is committed to being an integral partner to the communities in which it serves. The bank’s philanthropic commitment is facilitated through financial support pledged through contributions and event sponsorships, board/employee leadership and participation with local nonprofit organizations, and in-kind donations and fundraising efforts to promote local initiatives. In 2021, the bank donated more than $574,000 to local nonprofit organizations, and 50% of bank staff served on boards or committees of local nonprofit organizations. The bank has identified four key areas of need in the community: education, financial literacy, physical and mental health, and the fostering of local nonprofit organizations and their initiatives. The bank strives to foster a work environment that encourages employee philanthropy. This culture is cultivated internally through employee participation during operating hours, ongoing training and development in areas of interest, and fundraising to support local nonprofit organizations’ initiatives and by offering incentives to increase employee participation, collaboration and engagement. At First Savings Bank, Jeffersonville, employee community outreach is ingrained into the bank’s culture. The bank has an internal tracking and reporting system for employee community service hours and an employee-led charity fund. In 2021, the bank provided $461,547 in financial support to various charities, nonprofits and community organizations. When tornadoes struck in neighboring Kentucky, bank staff rallied together to donate $23,000 of their own money, which the bank matched for a $46,000 donation to aid the affected towns. Bank employees volunteered over 4,600 community service hours in 2021, and the bank continually looks for ways to improve. The internal benefit of giving back creates an environment of servant-leadership – when employees are engaged, morale is better and work is better. The bank has a community-first mentality and believes that by doing what is right for the customer and community, success will follow. According to the bank, the story of banking should be a story about serving others. Horizon Bank, Michigan City, believes it is essential to be hands-on in the community in order to understand the needs of both customers and community members. To encourage volunteerism and community leadership, the bank provides paid time off to volunteer and recognizes highly involved advisers with awards each year. Community outreach is a large part of the company culture. Over 650 financial literacy events were either hosted or spoken at on behalf of the bank in 2021. The bank’s Business Diversity Council helps direct community initiatives and continually looks for proactive ways to support affordable housing, economic development and financial literacy to serve the less fortunate. In 2021, the bank provided nearly $890,000 in charitable grants to more than 450 organizations across its footprint. These funds supported education, economic development, arts, housing, COVID-19 relief and more. The bank is committed to collaborating with like-minded community members to advance the goal of preserving and building better communities that thrive economically. The directors, officers, and staff of Jackson County Bank, Seymour, believe in the importance of bringing time, talent and treasure to the communities it serves. The bank’s core values of honesty, encouragement, accountability, respect and teamwork determine its giving strategy. In 2021, the bank donated nearly $110,000 to local organizations, and employees spent 3,700 hours of their time volunteering. All staff members are frequently encouraged to donate their time when possible. The bank’s wealth management department manages The Greater Seymour Trust Fund, which holds more than $18 million in managed assets and awarded $377,444 in scholarships in 2021. The bank recognizes that it can only be healthy if the communities it serves are healthy. Additionally, the bank believes that its donations, volunteering and shared expertise aren’t just contributions – they’re commitments to make a positive impact in the places bank staff live, work and play. Merchants Bank of Indiana, Carmel, has always been a supporter of affordable housing and building a strong community. Through the bank’s MPACT (Merchants Positively Advancing Communities Together) program, employees engage in opportunities for community service First Savings Bank Horizon Bank
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