Community Reinvestment: Giving

We believe reinvesting in the communities we serve is as important as the products and services we provide. Giving is one of our company’s nine core principles and one we’ll always stand behind. Together we make a difference. We encourage others to live generously and pay it forward.

Our Promise

Each employee, client and community member has been the fiber of our success and the reason we can continue to reinvest 10 percent of the bank's pre-tax income back into the communities. The reinvestment is made in the form of sponsorships, grants to local nonprofits and educating our local youth through our financial literacy efforts. It takes many hands to make a great community and a great company – we promise to continue to do our part for both!

Key Focus Areas

We align our community reinvestment activity toward community organizations who are striving to improve an array of needs in our community through:

  • Financial literacy resources
  • Economic development and revitalization
  • Affordable housing
  • Social, civic and human services
  • Youth and faith-based opportunities
  • Community cultural development

Financial Literacy Resources

We launched a Financial Literacy program as a resource to help families handle decisions concerning the economy, education and most importantly, personal finance. Over fifty percent of our annual giving is allocated toward financial literacy programming needs in the local areas. One way our employees have assisted with this mission is through programs like Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement (JA) inspires youth to make smart academic and economic choices while learning about entrepreneurship, savings and their community. Read more about our financial literacy efforts here.

Economic Development and Revitalization

We believe our communities are only as strong as our small businesses. Our local economies help employ our neighbors and families and keep Main Street strong. We love to work with those who help local businesses start, grow and create jobs. Investing in main street programs, economic development corporations and sustaining REV, First National Bank and Trust Company’s pitch competition for startup business, are a few ways we help retain community growth. Read more about REV here.

Affordable Housing

Access to stable, workforce ready and affordable housing are needs in each of our markets and any vibrant community. It is our desire to collaborate with organizations who can help remove barriers and increase opportunities for those in need of quality, affordable housing.

Social, Civic and Human Services

We have the desire to help each individual and family build a healthy and thriving life by collaborating with organizations in social and human services as well as civic nonprofits who cultivate change. Other needs such as affordable daycare and transportation accessibility are also quality of life essentials for a vibrant community.

Youth and Faith-Based Opportunities

To make an impact on our young people and help enrich their mind, body and soul is of upmost importance to First National Bank and Trust Company.

Community Cultural Development

We are committed to collaborating with organizations who help enhance unique quality of life amenities including culture, arts and entertainment in our various communities.

Additionally, we pride ourselves in sharing resources with our local nonprofit organizations, leaders and board of directors. Be sure to ask about our nonprofit services and read about those looking to do more with their gift for generations through our business banking and investment management teams.

Examples of Community Partnerships

FNBT Promise

Middle and high school students in local area have filed into gymnasiums and auditoriums to hear from speakers who educate, inspire and empower through First National Bank and Trust Promise. Additionally, an evening youth rally compliments the school visits where speakers can tell more of their story. Each speaker has used their unique talents to reach students and the First National Bank and Trust Company sponsors this in an effort to give back to the community. The event started in 2017 in Illinois, and we will launch in 2022 in our Wisconsin locations.

The Vault

Transforming a closed business into a positive, safe haven for teens and pre-teens. The Vault, youth center will focus on three areas: social, academic, and spiritual wellness. The Vault will also house other community rental room space for local community members.  FNBT helped jumpstart along with other businesses in a gift of $25,000 to help make this a reality! Since 2017 has reinvested over $40,000 to this organization!

Neighborhood Care Center

First National Bank has donated to the Neighborhood Care Center over the last few years which helps support their crisis relief services, clothing referrals and neighborhood market to assist with food insecurity. Neighborhood Care Center is working to build a network that will bring radical transformation to the rural communities and neighborhoods.

Arcadia Chamber of Commerce

First National Bank and Trust Company in Arcadia donated $7,500 to help jump-start community giving for the new ‘Welcome to Arcadia’ signs. The bank was one of the first corporate sponsors of this initiative. This two-phase project will include the installation of four signs near Arcadia city limits.

REV

First National Bank and Trust Company has partnered with DeWitt County Development Corporation (DCDC) for the past several years to host REV. Entrepreneurs and business owners have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges to win up to $15,000 to grow their business. From the pool of applicants, First National Bank and Trust Company and DCDC select up to five businesses where applicants are judged on aspects of their business.

Small Businesses Gap Financing

In early 2020, First National Bank and Trust Company participated in the SBA PPP Program and helped protect paychecks. Working with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and DeWitt County Development Council is also a way to sustain community growth.

Small Business Relief Funds

First National Bank and Trust Company also partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago to distribute an additional $28,000 in funding to four area nonprofits, bringing 2020 total to $58,000 in 2020.

The Warner Hospital & Health Services Foundation received $10,000, The Vault Community Center received $7,500, The DeWitt County Friendship Center received $5,500 and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of DeWitt County received $5,000.

First National Bank and Trust Company donated $10,000 and the FHLB Targeted Impact Fund contributed $18,000 to round out this year's COVID-19 Relief Program response totaling $28,000 for this second round.

Earlier in 2020, First National Bank and Trust Company and FHLB, $10,000 and $20,000 respectively, together distributed $30,000 to three nonprofits: The Neighborhood Care Center with First Christian Church, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Clinton Community YMCA.

Community Grants

Community grants are funded on a budgeted basis on May 15th of each year. Our first preference is given to the following areas:

  • Youth activities through community* organizations
  • Charitable organizations serving communities in which bank employees serve in leadership
  • Organizations that have or are developing a banking relationship with First National Bank and Trust Company
  • Faith based organizations and heart-felt gifts
  • Community services for low to moderate-income families as well as geographies above 50 percent free and reduced school lunch program.

To make community grant request a please use the form at the bottom of this page. To be considered, applications for the fiscal year (July-June) need to be submitted by May 15. 

Download Grant Request Form.

"When you drink from the well, remember the well digger." – Chinese Proverb