U.S. Bank serves hundreds of communities, large and small, across our 25-state footprint. From major metropolitan areas to small towns, these communities play a vital role in our success, and in return, we are proud to play a vital role in their economic and community development through grants, sponsorships, financial services, employee volunteerism and other programs.

Our Community Development Corporation is one of the nation’s largest tax credit investors and provides innovative financing solutions to help communities create affordable housing projects, preserve historic buildings and districts and fund renewable energy projects. We have invested billions of dollars nationwide in hundreds of transactions to bring revitalization to our communities.

In 2010 U.S. Bancorp donated $38 million to strengthen our communities. These U.S. Bancorp Foundation grants and Community Affairs contributions, plus financial support of community initiatives and nonprofit sponsorships supported arts and culture, education, economic development and local United Way campaigns across our franchise. Through our partnerships with universities, we are helping create new curricula that will provide financial education in our communities.

Employee volunteer efforts are encouraged and rewarded. Every employee receives eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer at a nonprofit organization of their choice, and senior managers lead by example in supporting volunteerism. Our Five Star Volunteer Award honors our most remarkable employee volunteers and contributes to the organizations they designate. This year U.S. Bank is recognizing 138 employees located in 28 states across the country, chosen from 418 nominations submitted by employees, co-workers and nonprofit organizations.

To assure that we fully understand the economic and social needs of our communities, we invite business and community leaders to join our local U.S. Bank Advisory Boards. We currently have 141 boards and more than 1,000 board members who serve as additional ears and eyes in the community and provide valuable insights and advice as the bank’s ambassadors, advisors and advocates.

We take U.S. Bank’s responsibility as a driver of the economy very seriously, and we value the positive difference we are able to make in the lives of our customers and our communities.