News
AgFirst’s contributions support multiple communities in 2025
AgFirst put its values into action in 2025, investing over $700,000 and hundreds of volunteer hours to strengthen nonprofits, expand education, support agriculture and help families when it mattered most. Here’s a closer look at the many ways the bank and our employees helped make a difference
Strengthening the Midlands we call home
For decades, the bank has been a proud community partner in the Midlands. Our investments reflect a long-standing commitment to being a good corporate citizen and supporting organizations that improve quality of life across the region.
- Community partnerships making an impact
Transitions Homeless Center
To help address homelessness in the Midlands, AgFirst donated $50,000 to support essential services for people experiencing housing insecurity.
Historic Columbia
A $25,000 contribution supported the preservation and promotion of Richland County’s historical and cultural legacy.
Columbia Urban League
The bank provided $25,000 to advance programs focused on economic empowerment and educational opportunity for those in need.
American Red Cross
A $25,000 donation strengthened the Red Cross’s ability to deliver disaster relief, support families in crisis, ensure access to lifesaving blood and provide emergency preparedness training.
Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands
AgFirst contributed $15,000 to help prepare girls across the state to become tomorrow’s leaders through skill-building and leadership programs.
Harvest Hope Food Bank
A $10,000 donation helped South Carolina’s largest food bank combat hunger and food insecurity for families in need.
FoodShare South Carolina
The bank doubled its annual donation to $20,000, providing more than 650 fresh food boxes and helping SNAP participants access healthy produce for just $5.
Investing in education and the future of agriculture
AgFirst proudly supports programs that prepare the next generation of leaders and strengthen diversity within the agricultural industry.
- Scholarships and agricultural education
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
The bank donated nearly $110,000 to Benedict College, Claflin University, North Carolina A&T University and South Carolina State University to provide scholarships, professional development and student resources.
S.C. Governor’s School for Agriculture
A $20,000 contribution provided travel scholarships, allowing students to expand their agricultural knowledge through conferences and international experiences.
Piedmont Technical College – Diversified Agriculture Program
A $10,000 partnership with the program funded scholarships for four horticulture students to attend the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
S.C. Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom
A $4,000 donation supported the Mobile Learning Lab, bringing hands-on agricultural education to students in grades K–8.
- Inclusive agriculture initiatives
AgFirst continues to support initiatives that promote access, sustainability, inclusivity and opportunity within agriculture.
National Black Growers Council (NBGC)
An $11,000 donation went to NBGC’s Annual Meeting and farm field day in Orangeburg, S.C. This contribution supports the organization’s mission to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability for Black farmers.
Able South Carolina
AgFirst partnered with Able SC to launch Grow the Future: Accessible Careers in Agriculture, a new program educating students with disabilities about agricultural career pathways. The initiative was supported by a $10,000 contribution.
Center for Heirs Property Preservation
A $17,500 donation helped rural families protect and retain generational land through education, legal support and land management assistance.
Responding in times of crisis
In response to catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country over Independence Day weekend, AgFirst joined fellow Farm Credit institutions in providing critical disaster relief. The bank donated $50,000 as part of a collective effort that raised nearly $285,000 for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, supporting communities hardest hit by the disaster.
Employee-driven giving and service
The bank’s impact extends beyond corporate giving. Employees play an essential role in supporting community organizations through donations, volunteerism and leadership.
- Employee community engagement
United Way Workplace Campaign
Employees and the bank raised $153,000 to support initiatives creating generational change across the Midlands during the annual United Way workplace campaign.
Employee donations
Through AgFirst’s jeans day program, employees donated more than $23,000 (an 85% increase over 2024) to local organizations including the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition, Sistercare, Mental Illness Recovery Center and Pathways to Healing.
Volunteer service
Employees recorded more than 700 volunteer hours, supporting organizations such as Transitions, FoodShare and Home Works. During the holiday season, teams also provided garments, gifts and care packages to individuals and families in need.
Nonprofit board service
Thirty-seven nonprofit boards and committees include AgFirst employee representation, spanning organizations such as United Way, Salvation Army of the Midlands, YMCA of Columbia and Columbia Opportunity Resource.
Community impact recognition
We’re proud to be engaged in our community, and through our corporate donations and employee driven service, the bank was recognized this year for several notable community awards.
- Bank and employee community awards
United Way Spirit of the Midlands Award
AgFirst received the Spirit of the Midlands Award for Corporate Leadership from United Way. The award recognizes the bank’s spirit of giving through time, leadership and resources in support of United Way’s focus areas: student success, financial stability and access to healthcare.
Columbia Chamber Workforce Development Award
The bank was recognized as a leader in workforce innovation, receiving the Workforce Development Award. The award celebrates an organization that goes beyond the ordinary by implementing creative strategies to attract, develop and retain top talent while fostering an inclusive, resilient workplace that meets the needs of the Midlands.
South Carolina State University careers recognition
The university recognized AgFirst for the bank’s outstanding support of students. AgFirst creates opportunities for students through summer internships with financial support, connecting with students at career fairs, and providing scholarships and career development pathways.
Kindred Hearts SC Corporate Donor of the Year
AgFirst received the Corporate Donor of the Year award based on the bank’s contributions to the organization which focuses on serving kinship caregivers and their families.
Girl Scouts of S.C. – Mountains to Midlands: Woman of Distinction Award
The bank’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel France Griggs was honored as a 2025 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts. The award celebrates her professional achievements and deep commitment to community service. Griggs served on the Girl Scouts board in roles as Vice Chair and Board Chair.
Through intentional giving, employee engagement and long-term partnerships, the bank remains committed to uplifting local communities and creating lasting impact, today and for years to come.
