Project Launch

Project Launch was a 10-month, philanthropic, bank-wide initiative that focused on awarding funds to education-based needs in the Carolinas. We asked potential entrants the question "What would you do to improve or support learning and create more educational opportunities in your community?" The initiative called for creative thinkers, nonprofits, educators, entrepreneurs, and more to share their passion and idea(s) for improving and supporting educational opportunities. There were no specifications on the audience of those educated or the amount requested, this was a way for people in the community to have the freedom to think outside the box on how they may be able to make a difference. Entries were accepted through the First Bank Project Launch website and were reviewed by a panel of First Bank bankers, community stakeholders, and/or partners monthly to determine winners. Each entry was maintained in the list of entries and, if not selected in a particular month, those entries remained and were reviewed for the subsequent round of monthly winners. In addition to the monthly winners, the initiative includes Banker volunteer hours and mentoring for the selected programs or projects, an "Out of this World"Educator award program, the introduction of our teen financial education platform, The Learning Lab, and the creation of the "First Bank Book Club" where First Bank helps fund author visits to low-to-moderate income schools throughout the Carolinas as well as a copy of the author's book for each student in the group.