People of all ages are becoming socially responsible and making decisions that benefit their community and the world. These individuals know their choices can contribute to meaningful change. And it's not just consumers who care. Companies in many industries are adding corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices to their operations. One sector that is particularly suited for CSR is banking.

Banks are an important part of small towns and big cities nationwide. They support residents and local businesses with much-needed financial services. Therefore, social responsibility is a natural extension of a bank's relationship with its customers. If you want to learn more about socially responsible banking and how it is helping create a more equitable and environmentally friendly future, continue reading this Ameris Bank blog post.

What is a Socially Responsible Bank

Like all companies, banks make decisions that can help increase shareholder value and generate revenues and profits. Socially responsible banks go further by adding ethical, environmental, sustainable, and social initiatives into their decision-making processes. These actions aim to positively impact the community, the environment, and the banks' employees and customers.

Some examples of socially responsible practices by banks include offering programs for low-income and underserved populations, contributing to local charities and causes, and using environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing practices. Socially responsible banks apply ESG investing standards when screening investment opportunities. For example, they would avoid investing in companies that employ child labor or conduct testing on animals and would instead invest in renewable energy businesses or Fair Trade Certified™ companies.

How to Choose a Socially Responsible Bank

Are you looking for a bank that shares your goal of a more equitable, sustainable future? Finding banks with a CSR program can be challenging, but you can do it with some time and effort. You can start by perusing bank websites and reading pages describing their company history and overview (e.g., About Us). Banks that are committed to social, community, and environmental efforts often highlight their commitments on their website.

Ameris Bank, for example, has website content outlining its community involvement, such as collecting close to 10 million food items since 2010 to help combat food insecurities and contributing more than $10 million to rural and critical access hospitals in Georgia. Ameris Bank also partners with numerous local organizations, including the Urban League and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia.

It is also worth checking online to see if a bank has press releases about its CSR efforts. Banks publish press releases on local and national news distribution websites and typically add them to their websites in a dedicated news or press release section. Finally, don't hesitate to contact the bank via telephone or email to ask about its CSR practices and request examples, such as website links. By evaluating these factors, you can decide whether a bank practices social responsibility and aligns with your values.

The Positive Impact on Communities

Banks that practice social responsibility are positively impacting communities across the U.S. They are fostering business growth and job creation, supporting environmental causes and efforts, and reducing inequality by serving the needs of all community members. In short, banks are making the communities they serve a better place to live, raise a family, and pursue the dream of entrepreneurship.

Additionally, many banks provide free resources and assistance to help consumers and business owners make informed decisions about banking, investing, and other finance-related topics. This support builds trust and fosters loyalty among customers who appreciate a bank that puts their best interests first.

Banks are Going Green

Many banks are "going green" by adding environmental responsibility to their traditional banking services. They finance clean energy projects such as commercial LED retrofits, recycling facility buildouts, and commercial solar panel installations. Plus, banks that "go green" perform due diligence to ensure that investments and financed projects do not harm the environment.

When it comes to personal investing, banks with brokerages provide customers with access to mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in sectors such as clean energy and community development. Green funds and ETFs are a great way to freshen up (pun intended) a portfolio or retirement account.

Next, banks can adopt eco-friendly practices as part of their everyday operations to "go green" and reduce their carbon footprint. These can include implementing paperless transactions, switching to energy-efficient equipment and lighting, and promoting mobile banking to limit the need for customers to drive to and from the bank.

How a Bank's Customers can do Their Part

Many consumers and business owners who care about social and environmental causes prefer to deposit their money into a socially responsible bank. Before choosing a bank for their checking, savings, and borrowing needs, they actively seek one that shares their values and beliefs. Sometimes, people even switch banks to one they feel is more socially responsible.

People who choose a socially responsible bank safeguard their money while investing in a better future. This is a win-win for the bank, its customers, the community, and the world.



Reviewed April 2025

Ameris Bank is not affiliated with nor endorses Fair Trade Certified™. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. 

Information presented in the Financial Advice website is provided for educational purposes only and is not related to Ameris Bank's actual products or services. Ameris Bank makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness or specific suitability of any information presented. Information provided should not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial planning, investment, legal or tax advice. Ameris Bank recommends you consult a professional for any specific guidance you are seeking.