As a mission-based lender, CoBank is committed to serving as a good corporate citizen. The bank is an active supporter of charitable causes around the country, particularly in communities where its associates, directors and customers live and work.

CoBank's corporate giving program includes a number of specific initiatives. Detailed information about these programs is available in our first-ever corporate social responsibility report, "Growing Rural America."

Strategic Alliances: The bank has formed strategic alliances with a number of non-profit organizations, including Mile High United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Food Bank of the Rockies and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Sharing Success: In 2012, CoBank created a $3 million charitable fund to match contributions by its cooperative customers to the nonprofit organizations of their choice.

Board-directed contributions: Each member of the CoBank board is able to direct up to $10,000 annually to charitable organizations of his or her choosing.

Associate-directed contributions: Each employee can direct a $300 contribution from CoBank to a charity of his or her choosing each year.

Scholarships: The bank funds scholarships at a number of universities around the country to support students pursuing degrees related to agriculture, agribusiness, cooperative development and other fields related to the bank's mission.

In 2012, the bank contributed more than $6.7 million to non-profit organizations through its multi-faceted corporate citizenship program and made an additional $5 million in commitments to charitable organizations for future years.