AgFirst’s charitable contributions support multiple communities in 2022

Serving our community is a part of our spirit of giving and this year, AgFirst donated more than $700,000 to organizations that advance and support agriculture, community development, education, and health and human services. Some of the notable contributions that made an impact in various communities include the following:

MIDLANDS COMMUNITY PARTNERS

AgFirst works with several community partners year-round to enhance the quality of life in the Midlands and support people in need. From giving $50,000 to our neighbor Transitions Homeless Center to $25,000 to Columbia Urban League, these contributions uplift those who need help the most. To support United Way’s impact on the Midlands, the bank donated $60,000 to the organization as it provides programs and resources for the region’s most vulnerable.

To ensure more individuals in our community have access to nutritious food, AgFirst contributed $10,000 to Harvest Hope Food Bank and $10,000 to FoodShare to combat food insecurity.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES

Knowing the importance of investing in diverse communities and creating opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds, AgFirst continues to invest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In support of HBCUs, the bank donated $88,000 to Benedict College, Claflin University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and South Carolina State University to provide scholarships, laptops and professional development opportunities for students. This year, AgFirst was named South Carolina State University Career Center Employer of the Year for the bank’s ongoing contributions to the joint Partnering for Progress initiative.

Continuing our investment in education, the bank donated $25,000 to the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture and $12,000 for our annual Native American and Latino Scholarships, where four college students with a passion for serving rural communities and agriculture each received a $3,000 scholarship.

HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS

When Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian uprooted the lives of many in the Southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States and Puerto Rico, AgFirst quickly responded contributing $100,000 (in addition to the $25,000 corporate donation earlier in the year) to the Red Cross supporting the organization’s relief efforts providing food, shelter, medical and other supplies to hurricane victims.

EMPLOYEE-REQUESTED CONTRIBUTIONS

AgFirst is proud to have employees engaged in organizations making a difference in our community. To support organizations our employees are involved in, the bank donated nearly $35,000 through employee requested donations. Some in a long list of organizations include Community Options, Pathways to Healing, Columbia Opportunity Resource, Midlands Housing Trust Fund and Ezekiel Ministries.

The bank and its employees donated $15,000 to organizations on this year’s charity schedule, such as Oliver Gospel Mission, Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter, Ronald McDonald House and Wounder Warrior Project.

We’re proud to contribute and partner with organizations committed to supporting a variety of causes. In 2023, we look forward to continuing our year-round support of agriculture initiatives, while creating opportunities for students and working to empower our community partners in making a difference in the lives of many.