Bank’s charitable donations top $630,000 in 2023

AgFirst donated more than $630,000 in 2023 to organizations that are making our communities better places to live and work! We’re proud that we’re fighting hunger and homelessness, funding scholarships for deserving students and supporting underrepresented groups in agriculture. A look at where we focused our efforts in 2023:

Midlands-area community partners 

From a $50,000 donation to Transitions Homeless Center to $25,000 to the Columbia Urban League, we're committed to improving the lives of the most vulnerable members in our community. During this year’s United Way workplace campaign, the Bank and its employees donated $167,000 to the organization to help our neighbors in need. A $25,000 contribution to the American Red Cross provided emergency assistance and disaster relief, while a $10,000 donation to FoodShare helped combat food insecurity by providing fresh, affordable produce for families. 

Knowing how Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands helps girls statewide discover their strengths, AgFirst donated $25,000 to the organization as it prepares today’s girls to become tomorrow’s leaders. 

Diversity initiatives 

The Bank donated nearly $100,000 to Benedict College, Claflin University, North Carolina A&T University and South Carolina State University for scholarships, professional development opportunities and resources to help students attending these Historically Black Colleges and Universities reach their full potential. Additional contributions included $25,000 to the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture and $9,000 in scholarships to Native American and Latino college students studying business or agriculture-related fields. 

Understanding that diversity in agriculture only strengthens the ag industry, AgFirst supported the National Black Growers Council by donating $10,000 to its annual meeting, where farmers come together to share strategies for creating and maintaining thriving businesses. The bank also supported the council’s model farm program in Orangeburg, S.C., the last stop on a farm tour across the Southeast for Black farmers interested in gaining insights about marketing, financing, farm management and more. 

AgFirst contributed $17,500 to the Center for Heirs Property Preservation, which helps historically underserved families protect and keep family land. The Bank also continued its support of Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture by donating $7,500 to increase food access and support regional farmers, while a new partnership with Project Victory Gardens resulted in a $3,500 contribution to the organization’s support of veterans through agritherapy, animal therapy and resilience training. 

Employee-requested contributions 

Our employees also guided another $26,000 in donations to organizations close to their hearts. The long recipient list includes the YMCA of Columbia, Columbia Opportunity Resource, Prisma Health Midlands Foundation and Ivy Heritage Foundation of Irmo, Inc. Employees also donated nearly $13,000 to local charities through AgFirst’s jeans day program, including Lexington Medical Extended Care, Boys & Girls Club, Palmetto Place Children’s Shelter, Mental Illness Recovery Center and the Salvation Army. 

We strive to make our agricultural and local communities stronger by investing our resources and time in organizations that make a difference. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue supporting causes that have a lasting impact. Our contributions, coupled with our employees’ community service, are making a difference both now and in the future. Together, we’re planting the seeds of positive change!