Foundation Directors
When the Ameris Foundation was established, identifying new ways to support Ameris Bank teammates, in addition to communities, was top of mind. In line with Ameris Bank’s purpose to build financial peace of mind, The Courageous Fund for teammates was established by Foundation leaders in partnership with Ameris Bank’s Indispensables Employee Resource Group (ERG), which focuses on the needs of caregivers.
Whether teammates incur medical bills or damage from a weather disaster, they can now apply for a Courageous Fund grant for financial assistance. The Courageous Fund is named for Ameris Bank’s lion mascot, which is a symbol of strength, which the Foundation aims to impart on teammates going through challenges or unexpected hardships. Teammates can easily apply for a grant at any time by completing a form accessible on the company intranet site, The Mane Connection.
Ameris Bank’s commitment to its communities extends from the good times to the bad. When an EF-4 tornado touched down in areas of Coweta County, just over 30 miles south of Atlanta, on March 25, 2021, the Ameris Foundation was there to help. The Foundation donated $10,000 to the Coweta Community Foundation tornado relief efforts. The donation to the CCF was used to provide housing, childcare, medical aid, construction management, labor and food assistance to the survivors of the disaster. Residents in the area adopted the phrase “Newnan Strong” as their rallying cry. That strength has been on full display and the Ameris Foundation is proud to have provided supporting efforts as the Coweta community continues to rebuild.
The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in Spring 2020 impacted everyone’s lives in tangible ways. Ameris Bank teammates were affected as well, as some experienced unexpected new expenses, and some tragically lost their life or that of a loved one.
In efforts to assist these teammates in their time of need, the Ameris Foundation donated $37,000 in grants for teammates dealing with living and childcare hardships. While the virus continues to present its issues, the Foundation echoes the resilient spirit of those around the world.