Beneficial State Foundation featured among bold ideas that will help shape banking’s next century

The American Bankers Association Foundation selected two innovations from Beneficial State Foundation amid a nationwide call for community-driven solutions

OAKLAND, Calif., February 11, 2026 — Beneficial State Foundation’s innovative approaches to equitable banking have been recognized in a new report from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation outlining the best ideas for how banks can drive economic and community impact in the century ahead. 

As part of its 100th anniversary last year, the ABA Foundation issued a nationwide call for ideas from bankers, community leaders, and changemakers, seeking the most promising innovations that address pressing financial challenges facing U.S. families. From this competitive pool, the ABA Foundation selected two of Beneficial State Foundation’s approaches to advancing financial inclusion:

1. The Equitable Bank Standards, which offer banking leaders an actionable, research-backed framework to integrate equity into daily operations while being mindful of financial performance. 
2. Inclusive underwriting practices, such as those piloted through Beneficial State Foundation’s Underwriting for Racial Justice program, which help underserved groups access credit, sometimes for the first time.

“This collection of ideas reinforces our belief that banks can help create financial wellbeing for all when they think outside the box,” said Erin Kilmer Neel, Executive Director of Beneficial State Foundation. “If nearly two decades of this work has taught us anything, it’s that banking leaders need concrete examples — like the innovations in this report —  that prove equitable outcomes and sound banking practice can reinforce each other. This is how we build a financial system that works for everyone.”

This report comes as research reveals a strong appetite among banking professionals for community-focused innovation. A 2025 survey of bankers conducted by Arizent on behalf of Beneficial State Foundation found that 98% are willing to bring forward products or services without immediate profit opportunities, with 43% driven specifically by the desire to make a positive community impact. The survey also found that 69% of bankers are interested in learning more about ways to develop and deliver banking that supports communities and financial wellbeing.

The full report from ABA Foundation — “Ideas to Impact: A Framework for Influencing Banking’s Next Century” — highlights a wide range of practical ideas for banks to expand access to housing, strengthen local economies, promote financial inclusion, and protect vulnerable populations.

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About Beneficial State Foundation

Beneficial State Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that equips and connects bank leaders to create financial wellbeing for all. For over a decade, the Foundation’s research, programming, and partnerships have improved racial, economic, and environmental outcomes across the banking industry. For more information, visit www.beneficialstate.org.