Ambler Savings Bank has been connected to its Montgomery County neighbors since it began as a building and loan in 1874. Although it has grown in depositors, borrowers, and branches since then, the financial institution hews closely to be a positive force in the communities it serves.

In 2021, the bank donated six percent of its after-tax profits. That’s a total reinvestment of $211,000 to 60 nonprofits related to:

• Community development
• Education
• Hunger
• Poverty
• Social services
• Housing support

The 2021 support represented a 23 percent increase in 2020 donations.

Matching gifts of employees, up to $200, ensured that funding went where teammates felt it made the most difference. Their direction sent more than $5,000 to 17 charities.

Grant funding was matched as well, dollar-for-dollar. Over time, this corporate policy has reinvested more than $100,000 in quarterly disbursements, one organization at a time.

Gratitude

Recipients have expressed their gratitude for the support from the bank. But more than that, they indicate the depth of the bond that Ambler Savings Bank’s actions signify with its surrounding community.

Sue Zomberg, for example, says the bank’s financial support is only part of its involvement with her group, Family Promise Montco.

The advocacy nonprofit seeking to end homelessness has benefited from the spirited muscle that bank employees expend on its projects and programs.

“They’ve come do to things like help with apartment turnovers between tenants. And our day-of-service activities have had them tackle any task we had — things like yard work, minor household repairs, and clean out of our storage space.”

Michelle Boas, Executive Director at the Upper Dublin Education Foundation, echoed that appreciation, as the bank has assisted in its learning opportunities.

“Through the years, Ambler Savings Bank has helped fund innovative STEM programs that have allowed us to expand educational experiences and opportunities for our students,” she said.

“They’ve also made a difference during difficult times. We were grateful this past fall when they reached out with a donation to help us get our schools through the impact of the tornado. Ambler Savings Bank truly understands the importance of supporting public education.” 

Responding to the Community

Roger Zacharia, Ambler Savings Bank President and CEO, recognizes that the tough times, driven by weather or health crises or any other type of calamity, are exactly when the community needs organizations like his the most.

“I’ve learned that in tough times, corporate giving slows down. But it’s also when charitable organizations see a greater demand for their important services” he said. “During the pandemic, we looked for ways to spur philanthropy. We created our Matching Grant and our Employee Matching Gifts programs raising over $100,000 to directly benefit our communities in need.”

More about Ambler Savings Bank’s community involvement is on its website.