Community giving and engagement

Through our Connect with the Community program, we embrace opportunities to do the right thing for others and give back to our communities.

 

Charitable giving

Alerus supports the communities we serve through donations, sponsorships benefiting charitable causes, and other community-focused efforts. Our charitable giving program prioritizes non-profit organizations within our markets that are working to address our defined areas of focus:

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Priorities include:

• Promote economic development of small businesses
• Increase business development
• Workforce development/job creation
• Quality of life enhancement for community members
• Support community services for low to moderate income individuals

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Priorities include:

• Reduce homelessness
• Increase homeownership opportunities
• Support neighborhood revitalization

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Priorities include:

• Provide financial education for low to moderate income individuals
• Expand access to retirement preparedness education
• Support homeownership financial literacy

Funding requests will not be approved for:

• Individuals
• Religious groups or for religious purposes
• Political/lobbying organizations or activities
• Beauty pageants
• General operations
• Any organization discriminating against race, color, creed, sex, age, disability, religion, or marital status
• Sponsorships for company recognition or logo inclusion only
• Ad directories
• Activities outside our markets
• Teams, clubs, or organizations serving fewer than 20 members

Volunteerism

We encourage our employees to contribute their time and skills to community causes that are important to them. Eligible Alerus employees receive unlimited paid time off to volunteer with nonprofit organizations in their communities during normal working hours.

 

Employee matching gifts

Our matching gift initiative supports employees’ charitable giving by matching individual donations of at least $50 to eligible non-profit organizations. Donations are matched up to $250 per year per employee, $500 if the employee serves on the non-profit organization’s board or executive committee.

 

Co-Workers Care 

Created and funded by employees, the Co-Workers Care program provides financial support for Alerus employees and their immediate family members when they are experiencing a special need.