Donations

Investing in communities to improve the quality of life

CornerBank is on your corner - a local, accessible community bank.  As such, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in each of the communities in which we operate.  To ensure a positive future, we take a responsible role as a good corporate citizen in the communities where our customers and employees work and live.  CornerBank is in your corner - taking an active part in the community's social, cultural and economic development through financial contributions and by encouraging employee volunteerism.  An investment in the community is an investment in the long-term security of our customers and employees.

Program goals are to support organizations in the communities where CornerBank affiliate facilities are located - Arkansas City, Douglass, Lawrence, Oxford, Wellington, Wichita and Winfield.  Special consideration is given to non-profit organizations with which employees serve in a volunteer capacity.

Within these communities, the company gives priority to programs focusing on economic development, education, youth and health and places emphasis on contributions that promote quality and excellence, respond to community needs and enhance the long-range interests of the community.  CornerBank concentrates on funding specific programs or projects rather than undefined operating support.

To encourage employee involvement in the community, CornerBank's Volunteer Appreciation Program recognizes employees' volunteer efforts by annually providing up to $100 grants to non-profit organizations in the United States with which employees volunteer a requisite number of hours.

Organizations that encourage a better working relationship between business and the community, particularly economic development, are supported.  CornerBank demonstrates its commitment to civic affairs through participation in local Chambers of Commerce, Main Street programs and economic development agencies.

Education
Education at all levels is a major area of interest, with a focus on high-quality youth programs.  Grants may be made for start-up programs, limited operating support or special programs.  Currently, support for childhood education includes the CornerBank School Banking Program, which provides basic financial education to elementary students, and various programs at the middle school and high school level, including the FDIC's Money Smart program.  Support of higher education is in the form of the following company initiatives:  Matching Gifts Program, where CornerBank matches employee contributions at qualifying levels to accredited colleges and universities; a tuition reimbursement program for employees attending college in related degree fields; and a grants program for colleges and universities.

Arts & Culture
A rich arts environment helps ensure a higher quality of life for all citizens.  CornerBank supports the arts because we recognize the importance of cultural resources to the economic vitality and quality of community life.  In considering requests for support, priority is given to arts organizations that stress excellence and community participation. 

Health & Welfare
The majority of support in the health and welfare field will be provided through company and employee contributions to annual United Way campaigns in communities where CornerBank affiliate facilities are located.  Although support in the health care field is not provided for operating funds, financial assistance may be provided for specific needs.

REQUEST PROCESS

Cash contributions
Cash contributions must be made in writing on the organization's letterhead.  The request must include a copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt determination from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The request should address the following:

• Purpose and background information of organization
• Persons benefitted by organization (number, age, range, etc.)
• Time frame in which contribution is needed
• Amount of contribution requested
• Planned use of contribution
• Follow-up evaluation of contribution impact.

The Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer will review cash contribution requests as received. Cash contributions in excess of $1,000 will be reported monthly to the Executive Committee 

The Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer reviews product contribution requests weekly.  The policy is consistent with the cash contribution philosophy outlined previously.  Examples of product contributions available include savings bonds, coin sets or CornerBank specialty items (pens, hats, calculators, etc.), when available. 

Product contributions must be made in writing on the organization's letterhead.  The request must include a copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt determination from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The request should address the following:

• Purpose and background information of organization
• Persons benefited by organization (number, age, range, etc.)
• Time frame in which contribution is needed
• Type of contribution requested
• Planned use of contribution
• Pick up arrangements

Areas not funded Generally, CornerBank does not provide product or financial support to the following:

• Individuals
• Beauty/Scholarship pageants
• Nursing and convalescent homes
• Prisoners
• Labor groups
• Social clubs

In addition, organizations eligible for support generally will not be funded when the purpose is to cover any of the following:

• Past operating deficits
• Travel
• Conferences
• Advertising
• Undefined operational support

Forward written requests for cash and product contributions to:

CornerBank, N.A.
Attn:  Marketing
P.O. Box 545
Winfield, KS 67156