Beyond Charity: Cultivating Genuine Investment in Our Communities
I've often shared that contrary to what people think, just because you see a financial institution in a neighborhood doesn't mean that financial institution is actually serving the people in that neighborhood. Sometimes, it's the most expensive reputation management initiative the institution has—it is an extension of their charitable efforts. Banks are highly regulated, and part of that regulation dictates they be present in certain markets. However, how many of you know that being present doesn't mean being invested?
I am in my sixth year at the bank, and there are some truths I've come to understand that I’ll share over the coming months:
Truth #1: Communities Need Investment of Capital, Not Simply More Charity
Charity was important to my upbringing; I would not have survived without it. But our neighborhoods will not advance if charity in our community becomes the only way of life. There has to be a mindset shift in both banks and the community.
Mindset Shift for the Community:
Understanding Banks: A bank is a small business; if they lend you money, they want to be paid back. Banks that are not paid back go out of business. If a bank denies you for legitimate reasons—reasons that you probably understand—do the work to position yourself to be approved. When I first joined the bank, I got every deal that you wouldn't personally fund thrown my way. Common reasons for denial included:
No job or source of repayment
Defaults at other banks
Failure to honor agreements
Mere ideas without business plans
Being overextended
Non-communicative when you start asking more questions
No balance sheet or collateral
My goal is to speak plainly. If I say no, it's not a permanent no; it’s a "do the work and come back." If I tell you no, it's in both your best interest and ours—no other reason.
Mindset Shift for Banks:
Understanding People: Every human being has dignity and worth and deserves a shot at reasonably priced credit. When they are not ready, we must speak plainly about what it takes for them to get ready. People and the communities they live in need more capital, not simply your charitable checks and subprime programs that extract value rather than create it.
Final Thought:
The relationship between banks and the communities they serve must evolve beyond superficial presence and charitable gestures. It requires genuine investment of capital, transparent communication, and mutual understanding. By adopting a dual mindset shift—where communities understand the operational realities of banks and banks recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual seeking credit—we can create a foundation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity. Together, we can build stronger neighborhoods where financial institutions are true partners in progress, driving meaningful change and fostering lasting economic resilience.
It Matters Where You Bank.