“Corporate philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about investing in people’s futures and giving them the tools to succeed. I am thankful to have the job I have because I get to be a part of positive change for generations to come.”
LMM is grateful for our partnership with Dollar Bank, whose dedication to investing in people’s futures complements our mission. Dollar Bank’s focus on financial education and community engagement strengthens our shared efforts to create lasting, positive change. We’re proud to work alongside an organization that values empowerment and generational impact.
Read more below from Dorothy Curtis, Dollar Bank’s Vice President of Community Development.
What sparked Dollar Bank’s interest in partnering with LMM?
I sit on the Bank On Committee with Marcella J. Brown, LMM’s VP of Development & Communications, and through her was able to connect with LMM. When we learned about your impactful work—empowering individuals facing homelessness, unemployment and reentry challenges—we saw a natural alignment with our mission. LMM’s unwavering dedication to providing second chances and equipping individuals with life-changing skills mirrors our own efforts to promote financial education, homeownership and opportunity.
By partnering with LMM we can extend our reach together, providing essential resources to those who need it most, helping them achieve long-term stability and independence.
How do you think Dollar Bank’s culture supports their communities?
Dollar Bank was founded 170 years ago on the principle of truly investing in people, and that commitment remains central to our culture today. As the largest independent mutual bank in the country, Dollar Bank is uniquely positioned to operate for the benefit of its customers, not shareholders. This has allowed us to continuously prioritize the needs of our communities, not only through products and services that meet customers where they are, but in our corporate giving initiatives and nonprofit relationships.
Financial empowerment extends beyond banking. It’s about providing access, education and opportunities to help individuals and businesses succeed. Our team actively engages with local organizations, offering free financial literacy workshops, homeownership programs and small business support to give every individual a strong foundation to build on. We also foster a culture of volunteerism among employees by offering paid volunteer days, encouraging them to get involved in causes that align with their passions and our mission. This is where we live, work and raise our families too. Seeing our own communities thrive is personal, not just a company line.
Can you share a personal story or experience that shows the power of corporate philanthropy or why it’s important to your organization?
Too many people are just one life event away from housing instability, financial setbacks or food insecurity for themselves and their loved ones. I have seen so many people over the years change the course of their story, tackling societal inequalities through the services offered by some of our nonprofit partners and Dollar Bank’s own financial education and credit enhancement programs.
There is one individual whose journey always reminds me of why I have committed myself to this work. He was a young man returning from incarceration and through a training program with Towards Employment, he was able to graduate and is now working full time. I witnessed his progress and his growth through the resources a nonprofit offered. I often think of him as an example of how local organizations can truly change lives.
Corporate philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about investing in people’s futures and giving them the tools to succeed. I am thankful to have the job I have because I get to be a part of positive change for generations to come. I am born and raised in Cleveland, this city and its people are my home.
What values do you look for in the organizations your company partners with, and how does LMM align with those values?
When we partner with an organization, we look for shared values of empowerment, inclusivity and long-term community impact. How does their work impact the person standing in front of me today, and future generations too? Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s focus on serving those who are often overlooked—whether individuals experiencing homelessness, people returning from incarceration, or those facing employment barriers—demonstrates a true commitment to equity and opportunity. Like us, they understand that sustainable, generational change happens when people are equipped with the right resources and support systems. By working together, we can amplify our efforts and help even more individuals achieve financial stability and true independence for themselves.
What advice would you give to other companies looking to get more involved in corporate social responsibility and supporting non-profits?
Start by listening to your community. Identify the real needs or gaps in resources and find organizations already making an impact in those areas. Build meaningful, long-term partnerships instead of one-time donations. True corporate social responsibility comes from engagement, not just financial contributions. Also, involve your employees! When they have opportunities to volunteer and see firsthand the difference they’re making, it fosters a culture of giving that strengthens both your company and the community. Most importantly, align your efforts with your company’s mission. When corporate philanthropy is woven into your core values, it can positively shift relationships with employees, customers and communities to a more equitable place.
