Congratulations to AMBA’s 2026 Matching Grant Recipients
AMBA is proud to recognize the 14 member institutions selected as recipients of the 2026 Matching Grant Program. This year, AMBA awarded a total of $21,000 in matching grant funds to support meaningful initiatives serving veterans, military families, first responders, and military-connected communities nationwide.
The 2026 recipients represent a diverse group of member banks partnering with nonprofit organizations to address critical needs, including affordable housing, homelessness prevention, mental health and wellness, educational scholarships, financial literacy, veteran recognition, and community engagement. Several projects provide direct support to wounded veterans and military families through housing assistance, recreational programs, leadership development, and transitional services. Others focus on expanding educational opportunities, honoring future and current service members, and strengthening connections between military and civilian communities.
Many of these initiatives build upon longstanding partnerships between AMBA members and local organizations, leveraging matching grant funds to increase their reach and impact. Together, the 2026 Matching Grant recipients exemplify the banking industry’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve our country and to building stronger, more resilient communities across the nation.
WaterStone Bank: Operation Finally Home Wisconsin 2026 Fundraising Initiatives
WaterStone Bank applied for support for Operation Finally Home Wisconsin’s 2026 fundraising initiatives, including a Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk and an annual golf outing. The organization builds mortgage-free homes and provides home modifications for wounded veterans and military families. As a renewing partner, WaterStone Bank aims to leverage AMBA matching funds to increase the success and reach of these fundraising events. The initiative supports long-term housing stability and improved quality of life for veterans and their families.
Thomaston Savings Bank: Veterans Strong Community Center’s Main Events
Thomaston Savings Bank requested funding to support three major events hosted by the Veterans Strong Community Center in Connecticut. These include the Annual Patriot’s Day Dinner, the Annual Salute Dinner, and the organization’s 10-year anniversary celebration, all focused on honoring veterans and strengthening community ties. The bank emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces where veterans feel appreciated, connected, and supported. Matching grant funds would help expand programming and services benefiting veterans, service members, military retirees, and their families throughout the Greater Bristol area
Texas First Bank: Wounded Warrior
Texas First Bank sought matching grant support for a Wounded Warriors Family Event planned for November 2026 at Shamrock Ranch. The event will provide approximately 25 military families with a relaxing day of recreation, meals, games, music, fishing, and family-friendly activities. The bank hopes to establish the gathering as an annual tradition that promotes connection, appreciation, and respite for wounded warrior families. Grant funding would help offset event costs and expand opportunities for military family engagement.
Richwood Bank: America 250 + Veterans Tribute Celebration
Richwood Bank requested support for “America 250 + Veterans Tribute,” a large-scale community celebration honoring veterans during America’s 250th anniversary. The event is designed to publicly recognize veterans, share their stories, and create opportunities for community connection and gratitude. Numerous military, law enforcement, fire, and EMS organizations have already committed participation, making the event a broad regional collaboration. Grant funding would support event logistics, veteran recognition activities, and community engagement efforts that ensure veterans feel honored and appreciated.
NBKC Bank: War Horses for Veterans
Nbkc bank applied for support for War Horses for Veterans, a five-day leadership and healing program designed for combat veterans and first responders. Participants work closely with trained horses to develop leadership, trust, and resilience skills while navigating post-service challenges. The program combines experiential learning with emotional healing to help attendees successfully transition after adversity. nbkc’s partnership demonstrates its commitment to supporting mental wellness and leadership development among veterans and first responders.
Bank of the Rockies: Challenge Coins/Honor Boxes/The Station Foundation
Bank of the Rockies sought funding to support veteran recognition initiatives through Challenge Coins, Legacy Boxes, and partnerships with organizations including Honor Defined and The Station Foundation. The bank plans to distribute commemorative challenge coins and legacy boxes to veterans throughout the year as a way to honor their service and strengthen veteran engagement. The application also highlights support for The Station Foundation, which focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of Special Operations personnel and their families. Grant funds would help expand outreach, recognition efforts, and mental health support programming for veterans
They were also recognized recently in a separate AMBA member highlight for their other great charitable in support of their veteran communities AMBA Member Highlight: Bank of the Rockies – Association of Military Banks of America
FSNB requested matching grant support for Home for Freedom, an organization dedicated to building tiny homes and providing transitional housing assistance for homeless veterans. The nonprofit also partners with community organizations to connect veterans with emergency and short-term housing resources while helping them transition to stable living conditions. The initiative focuses on addressing veteran homelessness through both immediate shelter solutions and long-term housing opportunities. FSNB’s support would help expand housing access and supportive services for veterans in need.
Flint Community Bank: Blue Jean Funds
Flint Community Bank’s application outlined ongoing support for veterans, local nonprofits, and community outreach programs through employee fundraising, charitable giving, and partnerships with local service organizations. The bank regularly supports causes such as addiction recovery centers, homeless shelters, youth programs, and cancer charities, while also assisting local service members and military families. Previous AMBA grant funding helped cover costs associated with the Albany Young Marines program, including registration and insurance expenses. The bank is requesting renewed support to continue assisting local veterans and military-related initiatives within its community.
First Heroes National Bank: Fort Hood Family Scholarship Fund
First Heroes National Bank applied for grant funding to support the Fort Hood Family Scholarship Fund. The organization provides scholarships for local high school seniors, military spouses, and dependent college students connected to the Fort Hood community. The program helps military families pursue educational opportunities and reduce financial barriers to higher education. The bank’s support reflects its commitment to investing in military-connected students and strengthening the Fort Hood community.
First Federal Bank of Kansas City: Veterans Community Project
First Federal Bank of Kansas City requested funding to continue its partnership with the Veterans Community Project (VCP), which provides housing and essential resources for veterans. The bank conducts recurring financial literacy sessions covering banking basics, budgeting, and credit education for veterans, particularly those who are underbanked. Over the last three years, the bank has hosted more than a dozen sessions and helped open 86 accounts for 45 individuals. In addition to education efforts, the bank supports VCP through donations, volunteer activities, and participation in fundraising initiatives.
Citizens Bank of Edmond/Roger Bank: Our Community Salutes
Citizens Bank of Edmond and ROGER Bank sought grant support for six “Our Community Salutes” ceremonies across Oklahoma and Kansas that honor graduating high school seniors entering military service. The initiative recognizes future service members while also engaging their families with financial education and military transition resources. Grant funds will support ceremony sponsorships, outreach, financial literacy materials, and post-event engagement with military families. The program aims to recognize more than 350 enlistees and engage over 1,000 attendees while strengthening community-military connections.
Bank of Greene County: Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation
Bank of Greene County requested matching grant support for the Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, which has provided financial support to nonprofits across New York’s Hudson Valley and Capital Region since 1998. The foundation focuses on organizations serving education, health and wellness, social and civic services, arts and culture, and housing assistance for low- to moderate-income individuals. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $4 million in community support, and this year alone is distributing $534,000 to over 500 organizations. The application also highlights support for the Greene County Blue Star Mothers, including care packages and assistance for veterans and deployed service members.
First Arkansas Bank & Trust applied for support for Operation Warm Heart, an organization serving active duty, guard, reserve, and Department of Defense personnel at Little Rock Air Force Base. The initiative promotes camaraderie between military personnel and the surrounding community while supporting the welfare and morale of service members and their families. FAB&T has partnered with the organization through volunteerism and donations, helping strengthen local military support efforts. The grant would further assist programs and services benefiting personnel stationed at Little Rock AFB.