The Indiana Bankers Association Commitment to Community Awards, presented annually at the IBA Mega Conference, tell the story of banking by showcasing bank community service provided the prior calendar year. Three awards were given: banks with assets under $750 million, between $750 million and $3 billion, and more than $3 billion.
For the 2025 awards, Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Crawfordsville, won in the category of banks under $750 million in assets; our mid-size bank winner for institutions with between $750 million and $3 billion in assets was JCBank, Seymour; and Centier Bank, Merrillville, won for banks with $3 billion or more in assets.
Each of the following 18 nominees answered questions that aligned with an evaluation rubric, and all entries were reviewed and scored by representatives from the Illinois Bankers Association.
Asset Size: Under $750 Million
Alliance Bank, Francesville | FINALIST
Alliance Bank demonstrates a strong “show up” culture, with 63 of 70 employees contributing 1,038 volunteer hours in 2025 and actively supporting local events, schools and nonprofits. The bank combines hands-on service with leadership, as staff serve on boards and the president prepares to lead a local community foundation. Financially, Alliance delivered 174 donations totaling $83,472, prioritizing high-impact initiatives in rural areas with limited funding sources. Its outreach focuses on financial education, fraud prevention, downtown revitalization and youth development, including a long-running Junior Board program. With 90% employee participation, matching gift programs and clear impact tracking, Alliance aligns community investment with measurable outcomes while reinforcing the role of community banking.
Bath State Bank
Bath State Bank demonstrates outsized community impact through deep volunteerism and hands-on service. Despite a staff of 43, employees contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours annually and supported over 250 initiatives with $118,000 in donations. The bank emphasizes active involvement, from financial literacy programs and agricultural outreach to blood drives and youth engagement, including decades of in-school programming. A standout effort is its Electronic Recycle Day, which collected 27,273 pounds of waste from 34 zip codes in just four hours. With 100% employee participation and a culture rooted in service, the bank measures success through community response, strong word-ofmouth and continued growth, reinforcing its role as a trusted, relationship-driven community institution.
The Bippus State Bank
The Bippus State Bank demonstrates a strong commitment to community through donations, sponsorships and hands-on volunteerism that supports local nonprofits, schools and events. Employees play a central role, serving on boards and volunteering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters and local food pantries. The bank also contributes through United Way campaigns and community events that foster connection and local pride. Its employee-driven approach, including the Jeans Fund, empowers staff to support causes meaningful to them. Outreach efforts focus on addressing diverse needs, from housing and food security to health and wellness. Success is measured by broad, balanced impact, reflecting a relationship-focused approach to community banking.
DeMotte State Bank
DeMotte State Bank supports its communities through a combination of volunteerism, donations and creative outreach initiatives rooted in its long-standing commitment to local growth. Guided by its Pillars of Giving— community reinvestment, education and service—the bank contributes over $110,000 annually to more than 180 organizations. Signature programs like Scare Away Hunger, Treat Your Teacher, Blessing Trees and Spread The Love address specific needs such as food insecurity, classroom support and holiday assistance. Employees play a key role through active community involvement and local leadership. Success is measured not only by contributions but by community feedback and impact. Since 1917, DSB has exemplified relationship-driven banking by investing in the people, businesses and future of its communities.
First Federal Savings Bank, Evansville
First Federal Savings Bank demonstrates a strong commitment to community through hands-on service, strategic partnerships, and employee engagement. In 2025, 57 employees volunteered to serve more than 1,391 meals at United Caring Shelter, while also supporting initiatives like Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children in need. The bank contributed over $15,000 to United Way and secured $55,000 in grant funding for local housing organizations. Outreach efforts focus on addressing homelessness and basic needs, with required volunteer participation from leadership and incentives for broader staff involvement. Success is measured through participation, outcomes and partner feedback, reflecting a relationship-driven approach that emphasizes banking as a force for community stability and growth.
Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Crawfordsville | WINNER
Hoosier Heartland State Bank demonstrates a deep, sustained commitment to community by reinvesting 10% of its net income annually, totaling more than $2.5 million since 2013. The bank supports local nonprofits, schools and service organizations through donations, volunteerism and community events like Shred Day, blood drives and a prom dress giveaway. Signature initiatives such as Community Day and Shared Values Awards further amplify impact, with $48,000 distributed to 12 organizations in 2025. Employee engagement is strong, supported by volunteer time off and donation programs. HHSB measures success through participation data, financial contributions and community feedback, reinforcing its role as a trusted, relationship-driven partner dedicated to long-term community growth.
Logansport Savings Bank
Logansport Savings Bank marked its 100th anniversary in 2025 with meaningful investments in its community, employees and local economy. The bank completed a major downtown renovation using local businesses, expanded its team and grew assets while remaining rooted in Cass County. To celebrate, LSB awarded eight $1,925 grants to local organizations selected by employees and contributed $10,000 to restart Habitat for Humanity efforts. Its Junior Board program continues to develop student leaders while supporting local nonprofits. Staff are deeply engaged, serving across nearly 40 organizations. With more than $27,400 in additional community giving beyond planned contributions, LSB’s milestone year reflects a strong legacy of relationship-driven banking and ongoing commitment to local growth.
Asset Size: Between $750 Million and $3 Billion
Citizens State Bank, New Castle
Citizens State Bank demonstrates a longstanding commitment to community through employee-driven outreach, financial support and strategic investment. Serving 10 locations across six counties, the bank empowers staff with paid volunteer time off and encourages them to identify local sponsorship opportunities, resulting in over 325 volunteer hours and $150,000 supporting 176 organizations in 2025. Its outreach addresses diverse local needs, from food banks and youth programs to arts initiatives. The bank also tackles larger challenges, including a $1 million revolving loan fund to expand affordable housing. Success is measured through participation, feedback and community impact, reflecting a people-first approach to banking rooted in relationships, trust and long-term community growth.
First Bank Richmond
First Bank Richmond supports its communities through a strong blend of financial investment, employee engagement and strategic partnerships with local nonprofits. In 2025, the bank’s foundation contributed $680,000, while employees actively participated in fundraising, volunteerism and leadership roles, with over half serving on nonprofit boards or committees. Its outreach focuses on education, health, financial stability and nonprofit sustainability, highlighted by its “Doing Great Things Together” campaign, which amplifies nonprofit missions through fully funded marketing efforts, including 24 community billboards. Measurable impact includes blood drives, United Way fundraising and community events. This comprehensive approach reflects a relationship-driven banking model that strengthens both community well-being and long-term local connections.
First State Bank, Middlebury | FINALIST
First State Bank places community at the center of its mission through meaningful, hands-on engagement and sustained support. Its signature B Cause Day exemplifies this commitment, with the bank closing for a full day so all employees can volunteer with local nonprofits, completing projects that address immediate community needs such as food distribution, facility improvements and family support. Beyond this, the bank provides ongoing partnerships, sponsorships and employee-driven giving. With 100% staff participation, outreach is deeply embedded in its culture. Success is measured through both tangible outcomes and employee engagement, reinforcing a people-first philosophy that defines banking as service, partnership and a shared investment in community well-being.
JCBank, Seymour | WINNER
JCBank marked its 125th anniversary in 2025 by strengthening its commitment to community through targeted investments in housing, food security and healthcare. The bank contributed $170,816 to local organizations, including $35,000 dedicated to housing initiatives supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Partnerships with shelters, food programs and healthcare organizations ensure outreach addresses essential needs and promotes long-term stability. Employee engagement is a cornerstone, with team members contributing 6,010 volunteer hours across activities such as homebuilding, clean-ups and nonprofit leadership. JCBank measures success through both data and community feedback, tracking participation and outcomes while adapting programs to evolving needs, reflecting a people-first approach that emphasizes impact, relationships and community well-being.
Asset Size: $3 Billion and Above
Centier Bank, Merrillville | WINNER
Centier Bank demonstrates a deep, longstanding commitment to community through its “CentierGives” initiative, integrating philanthropy, volunteerism and financial education. In 2025, the bank supported over 900 organizations, contributed nearly $1 million, and logged more than 27,000 volunteer hours, with 65% of associates participating. Its outreach targets key needs such as education, mental health, food insecurity and housing, supported by local Community Engagement Ambassadors who guide efforts. Centier also delivered nearly 4,000 financial education sessions and fosters employee involvement through incentives and volunteer programs. Success is measured through impact analysis, participation and community recognition, reflecting a relationship-focused approach that prioritizes sustainable, meaningful community improvement.
First Merchants Bank, Muncie | FINALIST
First Merchants Bank supports its communities through a comprehensive approach rooted in volunteerism, financial wellness, community development and inclusive lending. In 2025, employees contributed more than 22,000 volunteer hours supporting 758 organizations, while the bank invested $2.3 million in community initiatives, including significant funding for CRA-qualified and BIPOC-led organizations. Financial wellness is a key focus, with more than 5,500 hours of education delivered to schools, nonprofits and community groups on topics like budgeting, credit and fraud prevention. Through partnerships, targeted investments and programs like Community Home and Business Lending, First Merchants expands access to opportunity, strengthens local economies and promotes long-term community growth and stability.
Lake City Bank, Warsaw
Lake City Bank supports its communities through a deeply local, relationship-driven approach. Employees live and work in the areas they serve, allowing them to stay closely connected to community needs and take action quickly. The bank fosters a strong culture of volunteerism, with employees regularly supporting organizations like United Way, Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement. In 2025, staff contributed over 4,000 volunteer hours and led more than 300 financial literacy workshops for both youth and adults. Lake City Bank also addresses critical needs like affordable housing through flexible lending, nonprofit partnerships and strategic investments, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to strengthening communities and improving quality of life.
Merchants Bank, Carmel
Merchants Bank supports its communities through its MPACT program (Merchants Positively Advancing Communities Together), which empowers employees to give time, talent and resources to local causes. Since 2018, employees have contributed more than 22,000 volunteer hours, focusing on financial literacy, affordable housing and small business support. Initiatives include free financial education, grant assistance for small businesses and programs like LEAP that help first-time homebuyers access housing. Employees receive paid time to volunteer and can support causes through the Merchants Foundation, which funds local organizations and hosts donation drives. Rooted in relationships and local engagement, Merchants’ approach reflects a commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.
Northwest Bank, Warren, Pennsylvania
Northwest Bank supports its communities by prioritizing financial inclusion, economic development and year-round philanthropic engagement. The bank provides affordable lending and financial services in rural and underserved areas, helping individuals achieve goals like homeownership, education and small business growth. A dedicated outreach team and financial literacy program deliver workshops that empower community members and strengthen local economies. Employees actively volunteer and support nonprofits focused on food, shelter and essential services, with paid volunteer time and structured programs encouraging participation. Northwest also partners with local governments on development initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to improving quality of life and building stronger, more inclusive communities.
STAR Bank, Fort Wayne
STAR Bank supports its communities through a strong commitment to charitable giving, sponsorships, and volunteerism. Over the past year, the bank contributed more than $450,000, supported 80+ nonprofits and sponsored 100+ community events across central and northeast Indiana. Guided by its pillars of Education, Arts and Economic Development, STAR invests in initiatives that expand student opportunities, increase access to cultural experiences and support housing and essential services. Employees further this impact through volunteerism, including paid service hours and large-scale efforts like STAR Service Day. By combining financial support with hands-on involvement, STAR strengthens communities, builds lasting partnerships and enhances quality of life.
WesBanco Bank, Wheeling, West Virginia
WesBanco Bank supports its communities through a relationship-driven approach that includes financial education, capital investment, sponsorships and employee volunteerism. The bank partners with organizations like PBS Fort Wayne and Community Harvest Food Bank, helping provide more than 16,000 meals through its Feeding Our Neighbors in Need campaign. Employees also support causes such as the American Lung Association through fundraising and volunteer efforts. Guided by five pillars—Include, Fund, Partner, Invest and Serve —WesBanco prioritizes financial inclusion, small business and community lending, and strategic partnerships. By investing time, talent and resources, WesBanco strengthens local communities and helps create opportunities for long-term economic growth and stability.
Thank you to the IBA-member banks that participated in the 2025 C2C Awards program! Nominations will open November 1 for the 2026 Commitment to Community Awards. Learn more and nominate your bank at indiana.bank/Commitment-Community-Award.
