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As part of our committment to the communities we serve, Benchmark reaches out to community organizations in various ways. The bank has both a structured donations program and is prepared to give presenations on financial topics to area groups and institutions, especially schools. Sometimes we are able to offer assistance with community efforts in other ways, for example by displaying information in our lobbies.
Each branch differs in its ability to honor such requests. Below is information about our donations program and our presentations. Each contains a link to a special request form. For requests other than donations or presenations, contact the branch manager in your area.
Donation Goals & Guidelines
For 40 years, Benchmark Community Bank has been helping the communities it serves by contributing to local organizations. Each year the bank receives hundreds of requests for donations to very worthy causes.
In addition to monetary donations, Benchmark often provides savings bonds or in-kind contributions, usually logo items such as umbrellas for raffles, silent auctions and drawings. Plus, Benchmark employees volunteer thousands of hours to area organizations. Last year, they collectively gave 6,927 hours to community organizations!
In an effort to make sure each community we serve is benefiting from Benchmark's Donation Program in the best possible way, we have established some goals and guidelines. They include support, whenever possible, for:
- Civic organizations and events including chambers of commerce, fire and rescue departments, libraries, and similar services.
- School groups and local youth organizations.
- Groups whose purpose or mission is to strengthen the social fiber of the community and/or improve the quality of life for its residents.
- Local chapters of charitable and research foundations.
If your organization fits into our goals and you would like to be considered for a donation from Benchmark, please fill out a Donation Request Form. It will be submitted to the manager at a branch in your area. You can be assured that it will be given serious consideration.
Although we try to honor as many requests as possible, as you can imagine, we cannot fulfill them all. Each branch is given an annual donations budget which is adhered to as closely as possible. If your request is turned down this time around, we invite you try again in the future.
Whether Benchmark is able to help your organization this year or not, we wish you the very best in your pursuits. We also encourage you to consider our special interest-bearing checking account for non-profits, Community First. This is just another way that we help the community organizations in our area.
Presentation Goals and Guidelines
Benchmark is always glad to arrange talks, demonstrations, or displays for groups wishing to learn more about financial issues from using a checking account to planning for retirement. We can also give advice on coping in today's complex society. Below are some of the most popular topics requested:
- Learning to Save for Young Children
- Basic Financial Management for Teens
- Planning for College
- Planning for Retirement
- Preventing Identity Theft
- Spotting Fraud and Scams
