Community Involvement

We love giving back

Not to sound cliché, but we really, really like to give back to our communities – both financially and through our time and talents. Think about it… haven’t we all benefited from an organization sometime in our lives - or seen others uplifted and renewed?  We certainly have and so have our employees. 

Our employees jump at the chance to volunteer and wear our company’s stewardship badge proudly. They’re energetic, passionate and love helping organizations that touch a special place in their hearts.  We wholeheartedly encourage them to roll up their sleeves, conjure up their special talents and go help whoever they choose.  In 2019, we supported more than 110 organizations in the Twin Cities and Rochester with charitable grants and sponsorships.

Check out what we did on Think Gives Day this year!

We're so serious about giving back that we close our offices for one day in the fall each year to show support of  many of our community partners and those they support. In 2019, our Twin Cities and Rochester teams - 260 strong - divided and conquered projects with 14 different community partners at 38 locations.   All told - we tallied more than 1,000 hours of service. Whoot! We live our mission and we're proud of that.  


Our volunteers get around...

Our bold and bright Think Gives t-shirts are spotted at dozens of community activities and events each year.

 
Our teams jump at the opportunity to ring bells for the Salvation Army  during its holiday seasons of giving.  We take over both entrances of a local HyVee grocery store and welcome shoppers with warm smiles and holiday wishes. You might even spot us wearing festive holiday hats! We also help the Salvation Army in Rochester kick off its annual campaign with a $10,000 check used to match community giving. 
 


Who doesn't like warm and fuzzy?  We took a day in 2019 to make a big pile of fleece tie blankets for people served by 360 Communities in the Twin Cities. They were a hit and much appreciated! We partied with our Apple Valley neighbors during the community's annual Night To Unite and kicked up our heels jammin' at concerts we sponsored during Apple Valley's Music in Kelly Park. 
 
As the presenting sponsor for Channel One Food Bank’s Empty Bowls fund raising event in October, we support the organization both financially through the sponsorship, and with many volunteer hours. Several groups of employees paint ceramic bowls which are used as commemoratives or sold to raise additional funds, while others work shifts serving delicious soup, bussing tables and helping guests select or purchase a commemorative bowl. Channel One provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families throughout southeast Minnesota via the Channel One Food Shelf Program. 


More Community Engagement

We're super excited to have received top honors in the Boys and Girls Club annual Chili Challenge in 2019.  This fall favorite event raises funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. Our southwest inspired chili and cornbread combo was a hit with the judges and earns bragging rights for our skilled team of Think chefs!  Kudos to our decorating and set up team, too, for their awesome booth design which also received accolades. We're proud of our Chili Challenge team. Well played!
 
 
We channeled Dr. Doolittle  in June 2019 by hosting more than 4,500 customers and neighbors at our annual Think Night at the Minnesota Zoo. We sponsored the zoo’s Llama Trek exhibit, giving guests an up close and personal interaction with these cute and curious creatures.
 
 
Summer time summer time... sum sum summertime... it just wouldn't be summer without the annual Think Bank Down by the Riverside Free Summer Concert Series. Mayo Park is always filled to the brim on Sunday nights as new, up and coming artists, as well as retro and classic rock bands entertain a fun loving crowd. We have a blast. We hope you do, too!

Grants

Got a great cause or project that’s making things better and brighter for someone?  We’re all ears.  We love hearing your stories and might even be able to help by providing you with a grant!

Not sure if your request fits the bill? Here's what we focus on:

  • Nurturing kids (they are our future) and adults and families, too, through programs that uplift and enhance lives.
  • Making our communities a better place to live and work.
  • Promoting arts and cultural programs.
  • Building a strong workforce.
  • Protecting and celebrating our environment.

Email us your story – and make it impactful!  Attach this grant form (you can submit one a year) along with all your important facts and details. 

Got questions?  Email communitygiving@thinkbank.com. We’ll be standing by!

  • Make sure you’re a 501c-3 nonprofit or public service organization – that’s who we focus on helping.
  • Please plan ahead to give us 3 months’ notice for a sponsorship and two months’ notice for other grants. We need time to really noodle over your request.
  • If you’re asking for big bucks, like for a capital campaign or special project, we should really schedule time to chat.

Your work is important and we’re excited to hear about it!