Our story started in our hometown of Wilmington, NC, so we are deeply invested in the economic resiliency of both our community and those we serve nationwide. Whether through philanthropic giving, volunteerism, board service, or impact investing, we’re ingrained in all aspects of community development. We are committed to maintaining and increasing our level of investment and leading by example to inspire positive change. By forming meaningful relationships with carefully selected partners, we hope to amplify our investments across our community and serve those with the greatest needs.
Community Development
Driving economic mobility
GIVING
Live Oak’s philanthropic giving efforts focus on direct service providers. Prioritizing opportunities that most directly impact area median income through workforce development through education, health, and human services. Leaders strive to be a catalyst for charitable giving and involvement throughout the Cape Fear region.
Building
relationships with community organizations
Serving
those with the greatest need
Focusing
on direct service providers
Seeking
to build relationships with community organizations
Striving
to be a catalyst for charitable giving and involvement
CHANNEL
Widening wealth gaps and disparities around access to capital and entrepreneurship compelled Live Oak to step further into their headquarters community. In December of 2021, Live Oak made a significant investment in Wilmington’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by launching Channel, a small business support center designed to elevate and foster a thriving community of diverse entrepreneurs who scale into job creation through learning and development.
WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT
In partnership with Cape Fear Collective, City of Wilmington, StepUp, and DigitalBridge, Live Oak is supporting a modern digital upskilling facility and program in Wilmington. These programs and participants attract and create high-quality jobs, increase wages, and revitalize the communities of focus for Wilmington, with ripple effects across generations and geography.
VOLUNTEERING AND GIVING BACK
Our community investment initiatives are supported by our employees’ high level of engagement. Our team members spend their personal time volunteering, serving on boards and supporting the delivery of financial education through community-based efforts.
39 Non-profits
Supported with $1,714,903 in grants through our philanthropic corporate giving program in 2022.
5,414 Hours
Served by employees volunteering in their community and non-profit organizations in 2022.
92 Employees
Served and held positions on non-profit boards in their communities in 2022.
128 Literacy Resources
Provided to teachers through Banzai financial literacy to teach middle and high school students in 2022.
300 Channel Customers
Served through technical assistance, co-working, or community development in 2022.
