Alliance Bank started this year’s giving off strong with a $1,500 donation to the White County Veterans Service Office in January. This donation was from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause Program. Pictured (l to r): bankers Tiffany Delph, Kim Steele, Kim Shidler, Tara Garling, Catie Diener, CVSO Nathan Baker, secretary Sharon Wehner, and banker Alana Baker.

“Because our communities believe in us, we can invest in our communities,” said bank president Shane Pilarski. “An important part of Alliance Bank’s mission is investing in our communities. It is no accident that the bank’s best earnings year coincides with our biggest year of giving back.”

Community engagement and giving is a key differentiator between community banks and larger regional or nationwide financial institutions. The community bank model uses local deposits to fund local loans - in Alliance’s case to primarily help small businesses, farmers and home owners. The bank gives a portion of its profits back to the local communities it serves. Alliance Bank appropriated an additional $32,000 for donations to celebrate Giving Tuesday last year. “Our hard-working employees selected the recipient organizations and hand-delivered the gifts,” a bank spokesperson reports.

Alliance Bank prioritizes organizations whose values closely align with its own interests in agriculture and community development, but still supports a wide variety or non-profits. Alliance bankers funded nearly 170 requests last year from its seven offices. In addition to corporate level giving, all office have their own giving budgets to address the needs and opportunities seen in their own communities.

“Local organizations and non-profits create such a positive impact in the areas that we serve,” said relationship manager Kelsie Zellers. “Without them, the places that we call home wouldn’t be what they are today. We truly value and appreciate everything they do and to build and strengthen our communities.”

Olivia Weaver with 100 GRAND candy giveaway

In addition to donations, Alliance Bank employees reported nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer service in 2023. The bankers serve on many local non-profit boards, including Economic Development, Main Street, Community Foundation, and Junior Achievement (among others). Employees also participate in numerous events, often bringing along games and giveaways.

A message from Eastlawn Elementary PTO, regarding its school carnival reads,  “Alliance Bank, how can we thank you enough? From donating bags to all students, to working an awesome Plinko game with amazing prizes ... you truly went above and beyond. With your support, we were able to continue making this event free to ALL students!”

Alliance Bank is thankful for its non-profit partners who are tackling challenges and seizing opportunities every day in the region. “We are humbled to be able to support their efforts, thanks to the business of our loyal clients,” said the bank spokesperson.” Be sure to stop by your local Alliance Bank office in the next few weeks to pick up your 100 GRAND.”

Alliance Bank is a locally owned community bank, proudly serving the residents of Francesville, Monon, Monticello, Otterbein, Oxford, Rensselaer, Winamac and surrounding communities since 1930. Learn more online at MyAllianceBank.com or call 888-567-2101.