Sunflower Bank, N.A. is excited to announce the 2025 winners of its Community Partner Awards. This annual grant program recognizes and supports outstanding organizations across the communities in the seven states served by Sunflower Bank and First National 1870. In 2025, $90,000 is being awarded through twenty-two grants between $2,000 and $15,000.
"The Community Partner Awards are one of the most impactful ways we honor and elevate the organizations that are making a difference where we live and work," said Pamela Gorder, CRA Program Director for Sunflower Bank, N.A. "For the third year, we're excited to continue partnering with community-leading organizations that drive meaningful change."
Nominations were open to the public for four weeks beginning on July 29, 2025. During this time community members could visit the bank's website to nominate local nonprofit organizations located in eligible counties in Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. Based on the submitted nominations, award recipients were chosen through an employee-led process. To be selected for an award, organizations must:
- Demonstrate exceptional dedication to enhancing their local communities; or
- Support one of the bank's key focus areas: affordable housing, economic development, financial education, or community services; or
- Help build stronger, more inclusive communities by advancing diversity, equity, and opportunity.
Sunflower Bank congratulates all the winners and thanks them for their important work and impact on their respective communities:
Creating Possibility Award Recipients
Love, Chloe Foundation – Salina, KS
Love, Chloe supports Kansas families navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer by providing financial assistance, travel support, and emotional resources. Founded in honor of Chloe, a young cancer warrior, Love, Chloe Foundation is dedicated to easing the burdens of childhood cancer diagnoses. Their programs include The Monkey in My Chair, which helps children stay connected with classmates during treatment; Warrior Wagons, offering in-kind and financial support; Family Support Grants for essential needs; and Fueling the Fight gas cards to assist with travel expenses. The foundation also funds groundbreaking research through the DIPG Collaborative.
StepMC – McPherson, KS
Steps to End Poverty of McPherson County (StepMC) empowers individuals and families to overcome poverty through education, mentorship, and community support. Founded in 2010, StepMC utilizes a community-driven framework to provide financial literacy opportunities, work skills training, and goal setting. Weekly gatherings in McPherson and Moundridge offer meals, childcare, and accountability partnerships, fostering relationships that transform lives and move the community beyond poverty.
In the Lives We Touch Award Recipients
Jewish Tuition Organization – Phoenix, AZ
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver – Denver, CO
Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters – Wichita, KS
New Mexico Activities Association Foundation – Albuquerque, NM
El Paso Children's Hospital Foundation – El Paso, TX
Family Promise – Spokane, WA
Bringing Out the Best Award Recipients
Backpacks 4 Kids AZ – Phoenix, AZ
Voices for CASA Children – Phoenix, AZ
Pantry of Fremont – Fremont, CO
All For Moms – Lenexa, KS
Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB) – Los Alamos, NM
Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency – Los Angeles, CA
Austin Area Urban League – Austin, TX
Venessa Behan – Spokane, WA
Empowerment Award Recipients
Boys and Girls Clubs of East County – Santee, CA
Heart of Colorado CASA – Cañon City, CO
First Call for Help – Hays, KS
Bienvenidos Outreach – Santa Fe, NM
NeighborWorks Waco – Waco, TX
Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) – Spokane, WA
To learn more about the Community Partner Awards, the nomination process, and the award recipients, visit the Community Partner Awards page on the Sunflower Bank website.
About Sunflower Bank
With $8.4 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, bank headquarters in Dallas, TX, 71 licensed branches in seven states, and mortgage capabilities in 43 states, Sunflower Bank, N.A. provides a full range of relationship-focused services to meet personal, business and wealth management financial objectives. FirstSun Capital Bancorp (NASDAQ:FSUN) is the financial holding company for Sunflower Bank, N.A. and is headquartered in Denver, CO. First National 1870 is a division of Sunflower Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. To learn more visit: SunflowerBank.com.
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