The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the winners of its 2026 National Community Bank Service Awards, recognizing the innovative and exceptional efforts of the nation’s community banks to support and uplift local communities. Stories are featured in the September issue of ICBA’s Independent Banker magazine.
“These award recipients demonstrate what makes community banks indispensable—deep local ties, quick action when it matters most, and a commitment to helping neighbors build brighter futures,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “From disaster response and youth support to volunteerism initiatives that address a range of community needs, their efforts reflect the heart of community banking and the meaningful difference these institutions make every day.”
The 2026 ICBA National Community Bank Service Award winners are:
Exceptional Community Bank Service Award
Bank of Cave City, Ark.
When a tornado touched down in Cave City, Ark., destroying several town essentials, including its only grocery store, $190 million-asset Bank of Cave City, located just a block away from the tornado’s path, stepped up to help. Beyond ensuring financial services access, bank employees provided food, conducted wellness checks on neighbors, and made supply runs in the weeks that followed as the town waited for power and communications to be restored.
“We identify our mission as empowering our neighbors to flourish,” bank President and CEO John Beller said. “We try to pay attention to what our community needs and figure out how we can serve that need.”
Emerging Community Bank Service Award
First Federal Bank of Louisiana in Lake Charles, La.
Established in 2024, $1 billion-asset First Federal Bank of Louisiana supports its community through its Backpacks of Hope program, which delivers food and self-care essentials to economically disadvantaged students. Since the inaugural program, the bank has delivered more than 1,000 backpacks to kids in need.
“The Backpacks of Hope program has expanded our brand’s reach and authenticity,” said Sam Wilkinson, president and CEO of First Federal Bank of Louisiana. “We’ve been an important part of the fabric of our community since 1949, and this program has helped to bring our mission to a new level.”
Honorable Mentions:
- Davis Trust Co. in Elkins, W.Va. ($270 million in assets) for its #DTCommunity initiative to manage employee volunteer projects and community outreach.
- First Bank in Clewiston, Fla., ($830 million in assets) for its matching customer donation program, which tackles food insecurity.
“This year’s honorees reflect the very best of community banking—stepping forward in moments of crisis, investing in the next generation, and strengthening local communities through service,” ICBA Chair Alice Frazier said. “Their stories show how community banks go beyond financial services to meet real community needs, creating lasting benefits for the people and places they proudly serve.”
Since its inception in 2002, the ICBA National Community Bank Service Awards program has recognized hundreds of community banks and their employees for their extraordinary volunteer efforts and community service initiatives. Bank technology services provider FIS, of Jacksonville, Fla., sponsored this year’s program.