Three bank-community partnerships recognized for advancing small business growth, community services, and homeownership across Massachusetts

BOSTON, MA — The Partnership for Financial Equity (PFE) has announced the winners of its 2026 Elevating Equity Awards, recognizing three outstanding bank-community partnerships that advance economic inclusion and expand opportunities for Massachusetts residents and communities.

Now in its third year, the awards celebrate collaborations that expand access to financial resources, strengthen communities, and help address racial wealth gaps. This year’s honorees were recognized for their work in small business lending, banking services, and homeownership at the PFE’s Financial Equity Summit, held this month at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton.

These partnerships show how banks and community organizations can turn a shared commitment to equity into real impact,” said Thomas Callahan, Executive Director of the Partnership for Financial Equity. “Together, they’re expanding opportunity for small businesses, families, and communities across Massachusetts.”

 

Small Business Award: Santander and Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC)
Santander and ICIC are recognized for their longstanding partnership through the Cultivate Small Business program, which supports early-stage food entrepreneurs as they build and grow their businesses. The program focuses on entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities, helping strengthen food-related businesses and sustain economic vitality in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

“ICIC is honored to receive the 2026 Elevating Equity Award in conjunction with Santander in recognition of the strong partnership between our organizations,” said Danielle Anderson, Program Manager at ICIC.

“Santander is honored to partner with ICIC in supporting local food-related businesses in their growth and success,” said Leah Daly, EVP and Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Santander. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding financing access to underserved business owners in the communities we serve.”

 

Banking Services Award: Coastal Heritage Bank and My Brother’s Keeper
Coastal Heritage Bank and My Brother’s Keeper are recognized for a longstanding partnership that combines financial support with recurring volunteer engagement. The collaboration has become an integral part of the bank’s community outreach and employee engagement efforts.

My Brother’s Keeper serves families across southeastern Massachusetts, relying heavily on volunteers to help deliver food, furniture, and Christmas gifts to families in need. With more than380 deliveries each week, the organization depends on dedicated community partners to help meet the needs of local residents.

“My Brother’s Keeper is honored to receive the Elevating Equity Banking Services Award alongside Coastal Heritage because it is these types of partnerships that sustain our mission to deliver food, furniture, Christmas gifts, and hope to families in the Brockton area and throughout our region,” said Paul Key, Chief Development Officer at My Brother’s Keeper.

“What began as financial support has grown into a true partnership centered on service, compassion, and community involvement,” said Jamar Green, SVP and Chief Risk Officer at Coastal Heritage Bank.

“Through monetary donations, monthly volunteerism, holiday giving initiatives, event participation, and employee engagement, we are proud to be a dedicated supporter of My Brother’s Keeper,” said Leah Will, VP and Human Resources Manager at Coastal Heritage Bank.

 

Homeownership Award: Dedham Savings Bank and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions
Dedham Savings Bank and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (NHS) are recognized for their collaboration to expand access to affordable homeownership across southeastern Massachusetts.

NHS provides a range of housing and financial education services to help individuals and families find and maintain safe, affordable, high-quality housing. Its homeownership related programs include first-time homebuyer education and counseling, financial coaching, and foreclosure prevention services.

“Our Brockton office assists hundreds of first-time homebuyers each year, and we couldn’t do it without partners like Dedham Savings Bank,” said Rob Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions.

“Dedham Savings is proud to partner with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions to help residents achieve their dreams of becoming homeowners,” said Beverly Somerville, Community Reinvestment Officer for Dedham Savings Bank. “We are honored to receive this recognition for our collaboration, which speaks to Dedham Savings Bank’s commitment to expanding access to homeownership.”