For more than a century, First State Bank has served Macomb County as both a local bank and a committed community partner. As the only community bank headquartered in Macomb County, First State Bank considers community investment a core part of its mission, including support for nonprofit organizations throughout the county.

According to Kelly Walters, executive vice president of First State Bank and current board chair of Advancing Macomb, nonprofit organizations play a critical role in strengthening local communities and improving quality of life.

“Advancing Macomb, in particular, is a hub for nonprofit support and has an exponential impact through its work advising and guiding Macomb County nonprofits,” said Walters. “Supporting nonprofits like Advancing Macomb is an important way that First State Bank can continue supporting growth and ongoing vitality in our local communities.”

Philanthropy and community engagement are embedded in First State Bank’s culture and business philosophy.

“As a community bank, involvement is part of our business model,” said Amy Persyn, chief marketing officer for First State Bank. “We do our best to get involved, help identify solutions, offer resources beyond donations, build trust and partnerships, and help address capacity shortages.”

That support comes at an especially important time for many nonprofit organizations. Rising demand for services, increasing operational costs and limited staffing continue to create significant challenges for nonprofits across the region.

“There is a greater need than ever to align goals, encourage investment in philanthropy and create narrative on how the impact of that giving is good for business,” Persyn said.

First State Bank also recognizes the importance of building long-term nonprofit capacity through leadership development and education. Walters noted that many smaller organizations lack access to the operational knowledge and resources needed to grow sustainably.

“Advancing Macomb’s Nonprofit Accelerator and educational programs help strengthen nonprofit leadership and organizational capacity, enabling nonprofits to serve our communities more effectively,” said Walters.

The bank’s leadership involvement with Advancing Macomb reflects that commitment. Persyn described Walters’ role as board chair as a meaningful extension of the bank’s dedication to Macomb County.

“Kelly lends incredible dedication, leadership, encouragement and expertise,” said Persyn. “Our 108-year-old bank has the privilege of sharing our best with Advancing Macomb and the community in which we were conceived and are headquartered.”

“First State Bank has been an incredible partner to Advancing Macomb and the nonprofit community throughout the region,” said Phil Gilchrist, executive director of Advancing Macomb. “Their commitment goes far beyond financial support. They consistently invest their time, leadership and expertise to help strengthen organizations and create long-term impact throughout Macomb County.”

In addition to Advancing Macomb, First State Bank supports community programs and partnerships across Macomb and Oakland counties. One example is the bank’s annual Banksgiving event, which awards $30,000 in grants to local nonprofits serving the two counties. This program shines a light on organizations making a meaningful difference in the community while providing funding to help nonprofits expand their programs and services. Community members nominate organizations each year, and grant recipients are selected through public voting.

One Banksgiving success story is Macomb Foster Closet, which provides clothing and other essential items at no cost to children in foster care. With funding from Banksgiving, the organization began an expansion project that created additional space for donations and enabled it to serve more families while providing additional resources for children in foster care.

In addition, First State Bank supports organizations like Habitat for Humanity Macomb through initiatives focused on rental assistance, down payment assistance and financial literacy. The bank also served as the presenting sponsor of Connect Macomb’s inaugural Community Impact Day. This countywide volunteer initiative brought businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and community members together to support nonprofit organizations throughout the county.

Ultimately, bank leadership says their focus extends beyond transactions and traditional banking services.

“The greater good is what we, as an institution, are after, not just deals,” Persyn added. “When individuals and businesses choose us, their investments recirculate and enhance the neighborhoods our community partners are called to serve.” For more information about First State Bank, visit www.fsb.bank.