December 8, 2020 – First National Bank of Decatur has donated $15,000 to the Racial Equity Fund of the Community Foundation of Macon County.
This fund provides grant funding to local nonprofit organizations directly addressing the challenge of racism and inequity in our community.
“This is a critical time for our community,” said Natalie Beck, president of The Community Foundation of Macon County. “By launching the Racial Equity Fund, we’re taking a major step toward realizing a vibrant region with opportunity for all. We’re extremely grateful to First National Bank President and CEO Matt Beavers and the bank’s board of directors for granting $15,000 to our Racial Equity Fund. This grant is the largest we’ve received to date for this new fund.”
The Racial Equity Fund supports both current and ongoing needs. Fifty percent of each donation is to be deployed for current year grants, and the remaining fifty percent is added to the Racial Equity Endowment to provide a legacy of support.
“First National Bank commends The Community Foundation of Macon County on its commitment to addressing racial equity and social justice issues,” Beavers said. “We’re committed to serving others to make life better, and we stand together with our communities in addressing the systemic racism and bias that impact so many people. As a financial organization, it’s our responsibility to use our resources and expertise in ways that address disparities and create positive change.” Funding for First National Bank’s $15,000 donation to the Racial Equity Fund was made possible through FNB’s membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago). Through that membership, FNB was eligible for a grant from FHLBank’s Targeted Impact Fund to be used to support relief efforts for populations hit hardest by COVID-19 and to promote equity and opportunity for communities of color. “The Racial Equity Fund is a perfect fit for this grant,” Beavers said.
