Community Contributions

Our Community Philosophy

At Denali State Bank, we take an active part in building the communities we serve. Improving the economic vitality and quality of life where we do business is in the best interests of our customers, our employees, our company, and our industry. We are committed to sharing our time, talents, and other resources to meet community needs within our means.

Our Commitment to Community Reinvestment

Denali State Bank is a locally owned independent community bank. Under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), we are classified as an intermediate small bank, which means our regulators evaluate not only our lending record but also our record of qualified community development investments, grants, and services delivered within our assessment area. Our Community Contribution Program is one of the primary ways we meet this responsibility.

Contributions that support affordable housing, economic development for small businesses, community services targeted to low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and families, or the revitalization of underserved areas further both our community mission and our CRA Community Development performance.

We are committed to ensuring our giving reflects the credit and community development needs of Interior Alaska, with particular attention to LMI individuals, neighborhoods, and small businesses within our assessment area.

Employee Involvement

We actively recruit employees to take part in a variety of community activities, and we provide community volunteer opportunities during work hours. Employees are encouraged to serve in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations and to share their expertise in the community. We consider financial support to organizations that our employees support with their involvement, time, and leadership.

Community Contribution Eligibility & Guidelines

Denali State Bank has developed a set of guidelines to help evaluate requests for sponsorships, donations, and other charitable contributions. Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations that we support. We give preference to organizations that are affiliated with our employees and customers.

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Eligible Requests

  • Non-profit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) (or equivalent) tax-exempt status;
  • Public and private schools, school districts, and school-affiliated organizations (e.g., PTAs, booster clubs, school foundations);
  • Government entities and agencies (municipal, county, state, or federal), including public safety, parks and recreation, libraries, and similar public bodies;
  • Civic and community organizations operating on a not-for-profit basis (e.g., chambers of commerce, community coalitions), even where formal 501(c)(3) status differs, subject to review.

Not Eligible Requests

The following requests will be declined or redirected to another process (e.g., marketing co-sponsorship agreements, vendor contracts):

  • For-profit businesses or commercial entities of any kind;
  • Individuals, including requests framed as personal fundraisers, medical expenses, scholarships payable to an individual, or personal hardship appeals, travel expenses, players’ fees, etc.;
  • Political campaigns, political action committees (PACs), or candidates for office;
  • Programs operated by religious organizations for religious purposes;
  • Activities/events held outside of our local market;
  • Organizations that discriminate on a basis prohibited by law, or whose mission conflicts with the Bank’s values or Code of Conduct.

Understanding Our Process

Denali State Bank is regularly contacted by many worthwhile organizations seeking contribution support. While we prioritize requests from organizations that are affiliated with our employees and customers, we make every effort to accommodate as many other contribution requests as possible. Unfortunately, due to the large number of requests received, we are unable to fulfill all requests. Please note that each contribution request is reviewed on an individual basis, and completing this form does not guarantee contribution support. Additionally, approved contribution requests do not imply continued or future support.

Generally, our team meets monthly to review contribution requests. Contribution request forms will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please allow at least four (4) weeks for adequate processing time. Please note that contact will only be made for contribution requests that have been approved.

Evaluation Criteria

Requests meeting the eligibility requirements as outlined above will be evaluated against the following criteria. Not every request must satisfy every criterion, but stronger alignment across more criteria improves the likelihood of approval.

Community & Mission Alignment

  • The organization or activity serves the communities in the Bank’s market area(s).
  • The request supports causes consistent with Bank priorities (e.g., financial literacy, education, affordable housing, small business development, community development).
  • Where applicable, the activity supports Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)-qualifying purposes, such as benefiting low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals, families, or geographies.

Visibility & Reputation

  • The opportunity provides reasonable visibility or goodwill for the Bank (e.g., logo placement, event signage, public recognition), where relevant to a sponsorship (visibility is not required for a straightforward charitable donation).
  • The organization is reputable, in good standing, and has no known conflicts with the Bank’s reputation or values.

Financial Considerations

  • The requested amount is reasonable relative to the Bank’s annual contributions budget and the scale of the activity or organization.
  • The organization has provided sufficient documentation (see Section 5) to verify its tax-exempt or governmental status.
  • The request does not create the appearance of a quid pro quo arrangement with a customer, vendor, or official in a position to influence Bank business.

Employee & Officer Involvement

  • Preference may be given to organizations where Bank employees or officers are actively involved (e.g., board service, volunteering), consistent with the Bank’s community engagement goals.

Timing & Capacity

  • The request is submitted within a reasonable timeframe before the funds or sponsorship are needed. 
  • Remaining budget is available in the current contribution cycle/fiscal year.

Conflicts of Interest

Any request from an organization where a Bank employee, officer, or director (or their immediate family member) holds a leadership role, board seat, or other significant personal interest must be disclosed as part of the request. Disclosed conflicts do not automatically disqualify a request, but the approving authority must be made aware of the relationship before a decision is made, consistent with the Bank’s Conflict of Interest policy.

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Requesting a Contribution from Denali State Bank

We are moving toward accepting all contribution requests online, and we encourage you to submit your request through our Community Contributions Request Form. The Community Contribution Request Form is quick to complete and ensures we have everything we need for our approval process.

Request Now

If you're not yet able to use the online form, you may submit your request in writing via email, mail, or in person, as outlined below. Please note that we will be requiring all contribution requests to be submitted online in the near future, so we encourage you to try the online form now.

If submitting in writing, please include the following information in your request:

  • Requestor information (organization name, contact information, etc.)
  • Type of support requested (monetary, in-kind donation, etc.)
  • Contribution amount
  • Event date (if applicable)
  • Description of request

Email: [email protected]

Mail or In Person:
Denali State Bank
ATTN: Community Contribution Request Committee
119 N. Cushman Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701

Questions regarding the Community Contribution Program should be directed to Victoria Denning, Chief Administrative Officer, at [email protected] or 907-458-4279.

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