Northshore Giving Guide 2024 Sponsored by: Fidelity Bank

Northshore Giving Guide Sponsored by: Fidelity Bank

At Fidelity Bank, our mission is to be HERE FOR GOOD, striving to enhance the quality of life for our clients and communities. We understand the importance of giving back because our team members not only work here but also live, shop, attend school, and raise their families here. With over 115 years of history, Fidelity Bank has a rich tradition of community support. The bank currently operates 18 branches across the metro area and plans to expand into Lafayette by 2024.

The Fidelity Bank Community Partners program is a community-based initiative demonstrating our commitment to social progress by investing in local nonprofits. Through collaboration with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions, we have been able to leverage resources and expertise to address complex social challenges.

Partnering with local nonprofit community foundations, such as the Northshore Community Foundation, enhances our impact across the communities we serve. Since its launch in 2018, Community Partners has grown to include nearly 300 local nonprofits. Through financial contributions, volunteerism, and dedicated resources, Fidelity Bank has played a pivotal role in addressing critical community needs such as education, healthcare, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and arts and culture.

Community Partners provides essential financial services, including business checking accounts, and offers an annual anniversary gift of up to $1,000. Madison Burris, Vice President and Director of Community Partners, noted, “We’ve learned from our Community Partners members that monetary donations or event sponsorships aren’t always sufficient to meet their needs. Many of our Community Partners are small nonprofits lacking resources to execute fundraising events.” In response, the bank invested in an inventory of branded assets— such as tables, tents, chairs, lights, a fully equipped cooking trailer, photo booths, misting stations, decorative items, and games—to support partners at no cost.

The combination of bank-owned assets, monetary contributions, and volunteer efforts by Fidelity Bank team members has proven to be highly effective, with over 1,000 volunteer hours contributed annually. Community Partners also identified a need for enhanced financial literacy education, prompting Fidelity Bank to appoint Javier Sanchez as Assistant Vice President and Financial Literacy Specialist. Sanchez, who is bilingual, focuses on improving financial health and education across age groups, collaborating with nonprofits to offer free financial wellness programs.

“Our objective is to identify gaps and tailor workshops and seminars that affect real change today and into the future,” Sanchez remarked. “We proudly collaborate with our nonprofit partners to help drive positive impact and results.

Burris added, “Community Partners supports the communities that support us. We are committed to contributing to organizations and initiatives in the Fidelity Bank footprint.

Through a sustained commitment and comprehensive community engagement, the Bank’s Community Partners program has empowered individuals and organizations to thrivecreating lasting positive change that not only transforms lives... but is working to transform communities.”

For more information on Fidelity Bank’s Community Partners program or Financial Literacy initiatives, contact Madison Burris at mrb@nolalending.com or visit bankwithfidelity.com.