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The most
important thing
we do is good.
We prioritize making a positive impact on
our people, our communities, and beyond
through our Power of Good Corporate
Citizenship program.
our people, our communities, and beyond
through our Power of Good Corporate
Citizenship program.
Power of Good
When First Bank started in 1935, our mission was simple: do good by our community.
As we’ve grown into a large regional bank, our philosophy of doing good has expanded to include all aspects of ESG, from financial wellness and inclusivity in education and housing, to innovative lending programs designed for community development.
For us, it’s always been about more than banking. Doing good is in our DNA, and after nearly 100 years, we’re expanding and evolving that powerful mission in everything we do.
A good grant for a great cause.
First Bank offers Power of Good grants to nonprofit leaders and to educators throughout the Carolinas. We are currently awarding funding from the applications we have received so far.
The next round will be open and available for new applications in 2025.
Key Impact Areas
Our Power of Good projects, programs, experiences, and relationships reflect the good we’re doing together, with our communities.
Affordable Housing & Home Ownership
- $155 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits loans since 2017
- 96 loans for affordable multifamily housing developments since 2012
- $6.2 million in funding secured for development partners from Federal Home Loan Bank since 2017
- $1.2 billion in Community Development Loans from 2004 to 2020 to revitalize low- and moderate-income areas
- $49 million in loans for Habitat for Humanity homeowners since 2019
- United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross
Educators & Innovative Educational Programs
Book Club
The First Bank Book Club continues to help boost literacy rates. In 2022, we arranged for authors to visit public elementary and middle schools and gave away more than 2,000 books to students.
Get Involved
Out-Of-This-World Educator Awards
In our annual awards, 10 outstanding instructors who went above and beyond to inspire their students were awarded $5,000 in 2024 for their selfless service.
See Their Stories
Project Launch
To accelerate ideas and support solutions for overcoming educational challenges, throughout 2022 First Bank awarded $500,000 to lift up local communities with education initiatives and programs that promote learning.
Meet The Winners
Mental, Physical & Financial Wellness
Teach Children to Save
First Bank is an active participant in the American Bankers Association’s Teach Children to Save efforts, with associates visiting over 100 schools and donating funds each year to support financial education in grades K through 12.
See The Impact
First@Work
Through our First@Work program, Bank associates offer in-person and online financial education seminars for employees at local businesses and at events in their communities.
Reward Employees
Educational Resources
First Bank maintains many educational resources covering a range of topics like personal finance, budgeting, starting a business, buying a home, and understanding a credit score.
Start Learning
Food Scarcity & Supply
First Bank supports many local food banks and organizations combating food scarcity including:
One good deed goes a long way.
Good deeds take mere seconds, but their impact can be felt for days, weeks, or even years. Starting in 2021, First Bank created the annual Local Good Deeds celebration. Each year associates do a good deed and then pass it on creating a viral community initiative.
We’re committed to doing good for our employees, customers, and communities:
Governance Responsibility
Strong corporate governance policies ensure we do right by our customers, employees, and communities. We’ve structured the composition of our board, compensation and stock policies, and long-term incentives to reward ethical business practices.
See Our Policies
Diversity & Inclusion
Established in 2020, the First Bank Diversity Council represents the ideas and concerns of our associates regarding Diversity and Inclusion, and works to align these efforts with Our Promise to Service Excellence.
Learn More