First Citizens Community Bank: A Proven Leader in Financial Empowerment

A Legacy of Community Commitment

Since its inception in 1898, First Citizens Community Bank has been dedicated to fostering financial well-being and economic prosperity in the communities it serves. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the bank has grown to become one of the largest financial institutions in the Southeast, with over $50 billion in assets and a presence in 19 states.

Core Values and Mission

First Citizens stands firmly by its core values of integrity, excellence, community, and innovation. These principles guide every aspect of the bank's operations, from its customer service to its community involvement.

The bank's mission is to provide exceptional financial services that empower individuals, families, and businesses to achieve their financial goals. First Citizens believes that financial inclusion is essential for economic growth and community development, and it strives to make banking accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Financial Services for Every Need

First Citizens offers a comprehensive suite of financial services designed to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. These services include:

• Personal banking: Checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards
• Business banking: Business loans, lines of credit, and cash management services
• Wealth management: Investment advisory services, trust and estate planning
• Insurance: Auto, home, and life insurance

Community Involvement and Impact

First Citizens is deeply involved in the communities it serves. The bank believes that giving back is not just a responsibility but an investment in the future. Through its First Citizens Foundation, the bank supports a wide range of initiatives that address community needs, including:

• Financial literacy: Programs that teach individuals and families about managing their finances
• Community development: Projects that improve housing, education, and healthcare access
• Arts and culture: Support for local artists and cultural organizations
• Environmental sustainability: Initiatives that promote environmental conservation

Impact by Numbers

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), First Citizens has been consistently ranked among the top banks in the country for its community development lending. In 2022, First Citizens:

• Allocated over $1 billion to community development loans
• Invested $25 million in affordable housing projects
• Provided financial education to over 100,000 individuals

Effective Strategies for Community Impact

First Citizens has developed a number of strategies to maximize its impact on the communities it serves. These strategies include:

• Community partnerships: Collaborating with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community leaders to identify and address community needs
• Targeted lending: Providing loans and investments to organizations and businesses that are committed to community development
• Employee volunteerism: Encouraging employees to donate their time and resources to community organizations
• Financial literacy programs: Offering workshops, seminars, and online resources to help individuals and families improve their financial knowledge and skills

Stories of Impact

First Citizens's commitment to community development has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. Here are a few stories that illustrate the bank's impact:

1. Homeownership for a Deserving Family

The Johnson family had been renting for years, but they dreamed of owning their own home. With the help of a First Citizens community development loan, they were able to purchase a modest home in a safe and stable neighborhood. The loan provided them with the opportunity to build equity and create a better future for their children.

2. Revitalizing a Historic Neighborhood

The Elmwood Community Association in Greensboro, North Carolina, was struggling to revitalize their historic neighborhood. First Citizens provided a loan to the association to help fund infrastructure improvements, such as new sidewalks and streetlights. The loan helped make the neighborhood more attractive and livable, attracting new residents and businesses.

3. Empowering Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but many face challenges accessing capital. First Citizens offers a variety of loan and financing programs designed to help small businesses grow and create jobs. ABC Plumbing in Raleigh received a First Citizens loan that allowed them to expand their operations and hire additional staff.

Why Community Development Matters

Community development is essential for economic growth and social progress. It creates jobs, improves housing and education, and strengthens the overall health and well-being of a community. First Citizens Community Bank believes that financial inclusion and community development are inextricably linked, and it is committed to investing in the future of its communities.

Benefits of Community Investment

There are numerous benefits to investing in community development, including:

• Economic development: Community development projects create jobs, attract businesses, and support the local economy
• Improved quality of life: Community development projects improve housing, education, and healthcare access, leading to a better quality of life for residents
• Increased social capital: Community development projects bring people together, creating stronger social networks and a sense of community
• Environmental sustainability: Community development projects can promote environmental conservation and sustainability
• Enhanced community safety: Community development projects can help reduce crime and improve public safety

Call to Action

First Citizens Community Bank believes that everyone deserves access to financial empowerment and the opportunity to succeed. The bank is committed to continuing its legacy of community investment and making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

If you are interested in learning more about First Citizens's community development initiatives or would like to get involved, please visit the bank's website at www.firstcitizens.com or contact your local First Citizens branch.

Appendix

Table 1: First Citizens Community Development Lending

Table 2: First Citizens Affordable Housing Investments

Table 3: First Citizens Financial Literacy Programs