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A bank can be a positive agent for change

Bank of the West works to make an impact in our local communities through our financing, investments, community contributions, and employee volunteerism.
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We have been recognized for our "Outstanding" reinvestment in communities

In 2020, Bank of the West received an "Outstanding" rating from the FDIC for meeting the credit and community development needs of low- to moderate-income areas.

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Nandita Bakhshi

Using the power of finance to create a more equitable society is core to Bank of the West's efforts to advance sustainability and diversity.

—Nandita Bakhshi

President and CEO

Philanthropy

On an annual basis, our Community Contributions Program provides over 350 nonprofit organizations approximately $6 million in grants, with the majority of funds focused on supporting community development needs in low- to moderate-income communities and for small businesses.

  • Volunteerism
  • Skill-Based Service
  • Pro Bono Day
  • Community Ambassador
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Volunteerism

Our employees volunteer with a wide range of nonprofits such as schools, food banks, and job training programs, among other organizations. In 2020, we provided more than 8,000 hours (both in-person and virtually) to address important causes in our communities.

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Skill-Based Service

Employees share their financial and banking expertise through our community development service program. This includes employees and executives providing fiscal oversight and leadership to nonprofits by serving on their Boards of Directors.

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Pro Bono Day

The Bank's Pro Bono Marathon Day with the Taproot Foundation pairs up employees to work with local nonprofits to address specific organizational challenges. Employees from the bank's leadership programs use design-thinking methodologies to develop solutions and strengthen nonprofits' capacity.

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Community Ambassador

The Community Ambassador Program embeds a full time Bank employee at a nonprofit for a year. The Ambassador lends their professional expertise and banking knowledge to solve challenges and help build capacity for the host organization, while also allowing further developing their own professional skills.

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We provide financing and investments to strengthen our communities

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Community Development

Bank of the West provides loans and investments to support local community development. In 2020, the Bank provided $1.87 billion to revitalize neighborhoods, enhance economic development, promote community services, and create or retain approximately 6,000 affordable housing units.

By working closely with developers and investors, we were able to build, rehabilitate and retain quality, decent affordable housing. When we invest in our communities, everybody wins.

—Norman A. Bliss

Senior Vice President, Community Reinvestment Group Manager

Home Ownership

We provide mortgage products, programs, and outreach to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Our Community Lending and Diverse Markets team:

  • Establishes relationships with nonprofits, realtors, and other housing associations
  • Accepts Down Payment Assistance Programs
  • Provides First Time Homebuyer seminars and resources
  • Educates customers about the Bank's products and programs including materials aimed at meeting the needs of limited-English proficient consumers

Homeownership and building equity in a home is critical to helping families build financial strength and create stable neighborhoods.

—Tammy Orr

Senior Vice President, Community Lending & Diverse Markets

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Small Businesses

Bank of the West was a participating lender of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act), which initiated the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s PPP program aimed to assist small businesses in meeting expenses and keeping employees on payroll as COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders caused shutdowns. Bank of the West quickly mobilized personnel across multiple business units to create an infrastructure for a new SBA loan program in a matter of days.

Learn More About PPP Loan Forgiveness

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Tell us where you live

Choose your state of legal residence. We can then give you information about the products and services available in your area.

Note: Bank of the West has branches only in the states listed in the drop-down. At this time, we only open accounts for individuals and businesses in these states.