About CBAI Foundation for Community Banking

CBAI established the Foundation for Community Banking in 1996 in furtherance of its mission to professionally serve and support member banks through every available channel, and to promote the community banking philosophy. The Foundation is also intended to increase public awareness of community banks and their contributions.

The Foundation has established annual scholarships for high-school seniors to help deserving students further their educations. Scholarships are available for at-large Illinois high-school seniors. It costs CBAI member banks nothing to sponsor these students. Scholarships are also available for the children and grandchildren of community bankers and for part-time bank employees.

With college tuition rising every year, these statewide scholarships have helped young adults to further their educations since 1987. Donations to the CBAI Foundation are totally tax-deductible and may be made over a period of years.

Since its inception, the CBAI Annual Scholarship Program has distributed more than nearly $400,000 to over 200 appreciative Illinois high school students. In the process, they have learned more about the important roles that community banks play in their lives.

Donor Levels

• Bronze $ 2,500 - $ 4,999
• Silver $ 5,000 - $ 9,999
• Gold $10,000 - $24,999
• Platinum $25,000 - $49,999
• Diamond $50,000 - $99,999
• Presidential $100,000+
• Download Brochure for All Scholarship Information
• Listing of those donors giving $2,500 or more to the Foundation since its inception

How to Contribute

• How to Contribute
• CBAI Member Banks Donor Information
• Corporate Representatives Donor Information

Scholarships Available:

• Annual Essay Scholarship Program
• Scholarships for the Community Bankers School
• SHAZAM®, Kasasa and CBSC Scholarships

Understanding Student Loans: Resources from CBAI's Associate Member College Ave Student Loans

Through these videos and blog posts provided by CBAI's Associate Member College Ave, you'll learn more about the student loan process and tips for paying for college.

Videos and Blog Posts:

• How to Pay for College: 6 Ways to Cover Your Costs
• Student Loans 101: How Student Loans Work
• How to Apply for the FAFSA
• How to Read Your Financial Aid Award Letter
• How to Find a Co-signer
• Federal vs Private Student Loans
• Variable vs Fixed Interest Rates: What’s the Difference?
• How to Pay for a Summer Session: Do You Get Financial Aid for Summer Classes?

Additional Resources from College Ave:

• How to Repay Student Loans
• How to Pay for Graduate School
• Credit 101: What It Is and Why It Is Important
• College Budget Planner
• Student Budget Worksheet
• College Planning Timeline for Students and Parents Getting Ready for College

College Ave $1,000 Scholarship Monthly Sweepstakes
As an additional scholarship opportunity, you can enter to win a $1,000 College Ave scholarship. They’ll choose one lucky winner each month, so be sure to check back each month to enter! Learn more and enter here.