The theme for CBAI’s 52nd Annual Convention & Expo is all about basketball, so of course, the CBAI Foundation for Community Banking is getting in on the game! We are excited to announce the Foundation’s Big Shot Showdown – a bracket-style Pop-A-Shot fundraiser where CBAI member all-stars will compete for a great cause!

Who will be a baller for the CBAI Foundation for Community Banking scholarship program? Sixteen fierce athletes have stepped up to the challenge, each raising $250 for the Foundation to claim their spot in the tournament.

Now, it’s your turn to get involved! YOU get to decide which of the Sweet Sixteen will be makin’ it rain for the Foundation and advance to the Elite Eight and ultimately to the Final Four with your donations!

Round one is head-to-head competitions, featuring eight matchups. To advance, competitors must raise more money than their opponent. From now until June 15, you can support your favorite player(s) by donating in their name.

You can contribute to CBAI directly, donate at Group Meetings or other CBAI events, or support competitors as they collect donations on their own. Updates will be posted on CBAI’s social media and website on a weekly basis so you can track the action until the final buzzer.

Hoop dreams continue in round two, as the Elite Eight create a short video to vie for your support. Then, it will be an all-out fundraising battle through August 15 with total dollars raised carrying over each round. Only the top four will advance to the Final Four and compete in a legendary shoot-out at CBAI’s 52nd Annual Convention & Expo in Indianapolis!

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, immediately following the Recognition Luncheon, the Final Four will face off for Pop-A-Shot glory in what is sure to be an intense battle. The winners of the two semi-final matchups will compete in the championship showdown to crown the Foundation Big Shot!

(The semi-finals and final will be recorded and shared on CBAI’s social media, so no one misses the action.)

All contributions go to support the CBAI Foundation for Community Banking scholarship program! The Foundation annually awards more than $40,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and Community Bankers School students. Donations are 100% tax deductible. This fundraiser only works with your help! So, get in the game, support your favorite hoop heroes, and help make this fundraiser a slam dunk for the Foundation! If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Johnston via email or at 217.529.2265.

Download the Foundation Big Shot Showdown flyer and donation form.
Download the Sweet Sixteen athletes and matchups pdf.