First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is a hometown bank that’s proud to put the community first. Founded in 1857 before Nebraska became a state, the current independently and privately owned FNBO footprint extends to eight states, and with six generations of family leadership in Omaha, FNBO remains focused on community support.
“We’re proud to have been part of the growth of Omaha,” said Christina Kahler, director of marketing & philanthropy at FNBO. The bank is intentional about its philanthropic efforts knowing that it is building and planning for a successful future.
As part of that mission, this year FNBO awarded $1,738,000 in Impact Grants, including $1,143,000 to 53 organizations across Nebraska and Western Iowa. This annual program makes a large impact in the community with grants supporting programs dedicated to workforce development and entrepreneurship; affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization; and adult education, financial literacy, and security.
“There’s a component of that commitment embedded in the culture at FNBO. Employees take pride in the way that FNBO supports the community,” said Whitney Baker, FNBO’s director of philanthropy and giving.
During the competitive application process, FNBO received 182 applications, with half receiving funding. Applicants undergo a rigorous review process, and those demonstrating the highest needs receive priority. Applicants list measurable goals and detail the strategies they will use to achieve them. Utilizing localized data helps applicants stand out among their peers. Although there are many deserving applicants, FNBO understands that some organizations have more resources, and it strives to create variety when choosing organizations.
“A strong community needs a strong bank. If the community does well, the bank does well. It’s a virtuous cycle. We believe that supporting the community is simply the right thing to do,” Kahler said.
The grant process also gives FNBO staff an opportunity to learn about some of the groups that need assistance. Worthy causes abound, and the process informs FNBO about what needs exist in the community. “It allows us a unique and informed view of the community by understanding the needs that come through this grant,” Kahler said.
In addition to ensuring impact grants align with organizational needs, FNBO’s team revaluates how goals were achieved one year later. “It’s looking at things at the micro and macro levels. The impact that they have over time is very clear. We have a vehicle to ensure that we are providing support in the communities that are needed,” Baker explained.
“FNBO recognizes that investments in workforce development, education, affordable housing, and financial literacy have returns that far outlast a one-time donation,” Baker continued. “Through this grant program, our goal is to find community partners working in these areas that not only impact individual lives, but build stronger and more financially successful communities.”
Baker and Kahler both worked for nonprofits before they joined FNBO, and both feel fortunate to be in positions where they can have a direct impact on their community.
This holds true for all FNBO employees, who provided 38,603 service hours in 2023. All FNBO employees receive eight PTO hours to contribute to community volunteerism, but many do more. The bank also enacts an Employee Impact fund during times of natural disaster. FNBO matches funds collected from employees and donates them to local organizations in order to provide direct relief. During the April 2024 tornado that impacted Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa, for example, employee contributions and the FNBO match totaled $75,000.
Nebraska Enterprise Fund has recived FNBO support for over three decades. This has allowed them to grow their service to all of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa.
“Because of FNBO, we can provide coaching and funding to clients, and they can eventually grow and work back into the banking system. We can help them with micro loans and small business loans before they are ready for bank loans,” said Jim Rief, director of Nebraska Enterprise Fund. “FNBO has always given back to us with their staff for leadership training for our staff and to the clients whom we serve. They give back with their time and talent along with their money.”
Through the FNBO grant, Volunteers Assisting Seniors can staff satellite assistance sites throughout the Omaha area with trained volunteers to assist low-income senior homeowners with the Homestead Exemption application process that helps them stay in their homes. “We recently saw a client who was misinformed by his tax preparer about whether they could deduct medical expenses for the application or not. They are entitled to do so, and we caught the error, which helped them become eligible for tax relief and allowed them to stay in their home,” said Toni Roberts, executive director of VAS.
It’s the investments in local organizations in need that make FNBO a vital part of the growth and sustainability of our Omaha community. “Commitment to the community is at the heart of what we do as a company,” Kahler said.
For more information about FNBO’s impact initiatives, visit fnbo.com/impact.
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
