Mifflintown, PA – Pennian Bank’s Local First Program is a unique way to assist local nonprofits with donation dollars simply by encouraging people to do their banking.
The Local First Program, launched in 2020, allows Pennian Bank customers to designate eligible checking or savings accounts to participating nonprofit organizations. Once a participating organization reaches 20 supporters, the Bank will make quarterly donations based on a percentage of the average balance in the supporters’ accounts.
“As a community bank, we have a commitment to the areas we serve, just like area charitable organizations,”says Scott Fritz, President and CEO of Pennian Bank. “Our local nonprofit organizations are providing more for our communities than ever, but are struggling with donations. That is where the Local First Program can help. It’s a cost-free, easy way for our customers to give back to their community.”
Fritz stressed that money is never taken out of the customer’s account. The Bank simply uses the balances as the basis to calculate the donation amount that they will make each quarter to the non-profit.
“We currently have 18 participating in the program across three counties, with eight of them receiving quarterly donations,” says Heather Miltenberger, SVP, Director of Marketing for Pennian Bank and an administrator for the program. “People find it hard to believe they can support their favorite local organizations just by doing their banking with Pennian and at no cost to them. However, we believe in finding unique ways to support our community and the Local First Program is one of them. Pennian is able to give back to these deserving organizations, all because of the support of our customers.”
In addition to donations, Pennian Bank assists participating organizations with marketing materials and social media promotions. With limited staff and resources, many organizations aren’t able to prioritize marketing. Offering this assistance as needed is another way Pennian Bank serves as a partner for the program.
While monetary donations are important for charitable organizations, Pennian Bank also believes in community involvement. Staff regularly participate in volunteer work with impactful organizations in the area. A team at Pennian Bank works with organizations to create group volunteer opportunities for staff, as well as encourage participation in community initiatives outside of working hours.
“We feel it’s important for our staff to have the chance to participate with organizations to see their good work first-hand and truly see the impact they have in our communities,” says Candace Hoffman, SVP, Director of Human Resources for Pennian Bank and part of the team that helps create these volunteer opportunities.
Organizations that are interested in learning more about the program can visit pennian.bank/about/local-first-program. Pennian Bank customers wanting to designate their eligible accounts, or new customers wanting to see what organizations are supported can also visit the website. From there, visitors can view a list of organizations or complete a supporter form. This can also be done by visiting any Pennian Bank office location.
About Pennian Bank
Headquartered in Mifflintown, PA, Pennian Bank has been serving the community since 1864. There are 11 offices located in Juniata, Perry, Dauphin and Cumberland Counties. Pennian Bank provides deposit, lending and cash management services for both individual and business customers. For additional information about Pennian Bank and the holding company, First Community Financial Corporation, please visit pennian.bank. Pennian Bank is Member FDIC.
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