Seven Texas banks have been recognized by the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation for their outstanding community initiatives in this year’s Community Commitment Awards, which celebrate banks nationwide that go above and beyond to strengthen the communities they serve. From affordable housing to financial education and senior protection, these programs reflect the deep community roots and innovative spirit of Texas banking. Two Texas banks are noted as winners and four received honorable mention. The awards will be presented during ABA’s Annual Convention on October 21 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Woodlands-based Woodforest National Bank received top honors in the Affordable Housing category for its FlexCap program, a collaboration with the Housing Partnership Fund. FlexCap provides flexible, low-cost capital—up to $25 million per loan—to nonprofit housing developers working to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing. By expanding access to capital, the initiative helps stabilize neighborhoods and prevent displacement, ensuring families have access to safe, affordable homes. The program has become a model for how banks can address housing affordability through strategic partnerships.
Houston-based Amegy Bank received the top award in the Financial Education category for its EnRiching Tomorrow program. Launched in 2022, the initiative connects students at Title I middle schools with first-generation entrepreneurs, celebrities and Amegy bankers for honest conversations about money, dreams and future goals. To date, the program has reached nearly 800 Texas students, offering resources and relatable role models to inspire financial confidence and career ambition.
“EnRiching Tomorrow encourages middle-school students to dream big by asking thought-provoking questions and creating space for meaningful dialogues,” says Diane Maben, chief operating officer and founder of the program. “By connecting students with inspiring local leaders who’ve built success within their own communities, we help them see what’s possible when it comes to shaping the lives they envision.”
Killeen-based First National Bank Texas (FNBT) received honorable mention in the Affordable Housing category for its Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) program. Working in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, FNBT provides down payment and closing cost assistance to income-qualified first-time homebuyers. In just the first five months of 2025, FNBT secured $825,000 in HELP grants, enabling 33 families to purchase homes. The program plays a critical role in expanding homeownership opportunities across Texas and neighboring states.
Terrell-based American National Bank of Texas earned an honorable mention in the Financial Education category for Keys to Your Future, a program developed in partnership with EVERFI. The initiative reached more than 1,500 students in 20 low- to moderate-income schools across Dallas and Mesquite ISDs. The program focuses on foundational personal finance skills, workforce readiness and postsecondary planning. Notably, more than 97 percent of participants came from Hispanic, Latino, Black or African American communities, underscoring the bank’s commitment to reaching underserved populations.
North Dallas Bank & Trust Co. (NDBT) was recognized with an honorable mention in the Protecting Older Americans category for its NDBTech Program. What began as small troubleshooting sessions for seniors has grown into a robust educational series at the Willie B. Johnson Recreation Center. The program covers topics ranging from scam and identity theft prevention to AI awareness, mobile banking security and recognizing elder financial abuse—equipping older Texans with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
Dallas-based Tolleson Private Bank earned an honorable mention for Volunteerism for its Bonton Financial Wellness & Empowerment program. Centered in the historically underserved Bonton neighborhood of South Dallas, the initiative combines small-dollar loans, financial mentorship and community partnerships to foster real economic empowerment. By partnering with organizations like Bonton Farms, Tolleson is helping to build both financial capability and community resilience.
Dallas-based Comerica Bank received honorable mention in the Volunteerism category for its Día de los Niños (Children’s Day) Celebration. Día de los Niños is held every April 30 in Mexico. In 2021, through a collaborative effort between Comerica Bank’s external affairs team, Hispanic business impact teams and Comerica Cares volunteers, the groups joined together to create Día de los Niños. The resulting celebrations across the bank’s markets honored the youngest members of society by recognizing their importance as future leaders and promoting their well-being through financial empowerment, education and culture.
