08/12/26

Ohio Bankers Foundation Launches Two New Community Education Programs

The Ohio Bankers Foundation is expanding its community impact this year with the launch of two new educational initiatives: Financial Success Seminars and Fraud Awareness Seminars. Hosted by banks in their local communities in partnership with OBL through the Foundation, the programs are designed to bring practical, accessible education directly to Ohioans where they live and work.

Through these seminars, participating banks will have a turnkey way to strengthen customer relationships, demonstrate leadership in financial wellness and help community members make informed decisions. OBL and the Foundation support banks by developing curriculum, coordinating instructors, assisting with event planning and providing marketing resources, allowing banks to focus on bringing people together and promoting the programs locally.

Financial Success Seminars

The Financial Success Seminars are built to help individuals improve their financial literacy and strengthen everyday money management skills, from budgeting and saving to managing debt and planning for a stronger financial future. The seminars are especially valuable for customers and community members who want straightforward, real-world guidance they can put into practice immediately.

By hosting these sessions, banks can deepen their role as trusted financial partners while supporting broader financial literacy efforts across Ohio. The program also creates opportunities for banks to collaborate with community organizations, local leaders and other financial institutions to extend their reach and visibility.

The first Financial Success Seminar was hosted this year by LCNB National Bank in Lebanon. State Senator Steve Wilson and State Representative Adam Mathews gave remarks to attendees highlighting the emphasis the State of Ohio has placed on improving financial literacy in our communities. Susan Heilmayer, Executive Director of the University of Cincinnati Alpaugh Family Economics Center, then gave a robust presentation on money and credit management tips and tricks. 

Fraud Awareness Seminars

The Fraud Awareness Seminars respond to a growing need for education around financial scams, identity theft and consumer protection. These sessions will help community members recognize warning signs, understand common fraud tactics and take practical steps to protect themselves, their families and their finances.

With banks often serving as a first line of defense against fraud, the seminars give institutions another way to equip customers and neighbors with timely information. The program reinforces the banking industry’s commitment to safeguarding consumers while strengthening community trust.

The first Fraud Awareness Seminar was hosted by The Killbuck Savings Bank in Millersburg. More than 75 attendees came out for a presentation by Monica Walker from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Elder Justice Unit and representatives from Holmes County Jobs & Family Services/Adult Protective Services discussing modern scam tactics and how individuals can recognize these scams and protect themselves. Educational resources were distributed to attendees from the Attorney General’s Office as well as the Federal Trade Commission.

A Partnership Model for Greater Community Reach

Both programs are designed around a simple partnership model: banks host the events in their communities, while OBL and the Foundation provide the structure, resources and support needed to deliver meaningful education. This includes lining up the programming and assistance in marketing efforts. Banks may host seminars individually or work with peer institutions and community partners to broaden participation.

As the OBL Foundation grows these new programs, banks across the state are encouraged to explore hosting opportunities and help bring financial education and fraud prevention resources to more Ohio communities. 

 Because every event varies in scope, format, and scale, a modest cost is associated with hosting. We work one-on-one with banks to determine the appropriate structure and level of support, and pricing is calculated accordingly.

The investment in Financial Literacy Success Seminars is CRA eligible, providing participating banks with an opportunity to support meaningful community education while advancing their Community Reinvestment Act goals.

If you are interested in learning more about hosting a seminar, contact Audra Johnson at ajohnson@ohiobankersleague.com.