Great Southern Bank | Community

Our Community Vision

Community Matters


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Community Banking with pride.

The Great Southern Bank Community Matters program is about one thing — making the communities where we live, work and play the best they can be. By supporting local organizations with donations and volunteer work, our teams do great things guided by our local Community Matters Teams. 
 
These groups of local leaders from all areas of the Company understand what matters most in their regions, and help make sure we’re giving our time and dollars to local organizations and projects that impact local lives. 

Our Community Reach


$2.1 M+
Corporate Donations & Sponsorships
800+
Community Partners
$200K+
Valued Volunteer Time

Our strong community fuels us to

  • Lead
  • Do
  • Give
  • Teach

Lead

Building partnerships for long-term economic growth.

Great Southern is committed to developing our communities and economies. We are able to do this by supporting projects that create jobs and affordable housing. 

A group of adults outside a house making silly faces.
A group of adults with golf clubs.A group of adults wearing aprons in a kitchen.

A group of adults standing outside of an industrial kitchen.
A group of adults standing beside a Christmas tree and donated presents.

Do

Volunteerism comes in many forms.

Our bankers are more than bankers. They are mentors, board members and advisors to our community. Annually, our associates give thousands of hours in volunteer work. They're passionate about working together to make our communities better. We offer paid time and flexibility during the workday for associates to share their skills with local organizations.

Two adults raking lawn clippings.
Two adults wearing hairnets while packaging food.
A group of adults sitting in front of a large donation of food items.
A group of adults standing outside in a rose farm.
A group of volunteers wearing hairnets at a food bank.

Give

Making a difference, one gift at a time.

Many of our efforts are driven by associate-led campaigns make a big impact locally. Last year, Our Community Giving Day program — where associates donate to dress casually — along with our annual United Way Campaign, raised $58,819 in donations. We are proud to use this funding to help our local communities grow and thrive.

Five adults pose with a mascot bowling pin. A group of adults standing behind three shopping carts full of donated food items.
Stacks of non-perishable food items around a Christmas tree.
Two adults holding a check donation.A group of adults standing next to Christmas donations for a child.

Teach

Sharing knowledge is powerful.

We encourage our associates to lend their talents and expertise to the community. By volunteering with our community partners, our associates help others build financial confidence by teaching essential skills like budgeting, managing debt, and saving for the future.

In addition to these efforts, we offer free online courses on topics such as creating a budget, reducing debt, and planning for retirement — because we know that financial education is the foundation for lasting stability.

 
Three adults standing in a classroom. A student playing with a magnet board.
A teacher writing on a whiteboard.
A  group of children looking at a bill counter with a banker.A group of adults sitting at a table.

Banks Make a Difference 

Banking

At Great Southern Bank, we believe a strong economy means more success for everyone. That’s why we’re committed driving economic growth and stability within every community we serve, from funding businesses that create jobs and generate sales tax revenue to improving housing opportunities and more. Healthy banks = robust communities, and we’re proud to play our part.

A group of adults standing in a clothing bank.
A group of adults holding a business meeting.
A group of adults talking at a fundraiser.

Chamber of Commerce

We proudly support organizations that foster growth and innovation in our communities, including local Chamber of Commerce groups. These organizations work to create jobs and enhance the quality of life for residents. By partnering with all of our local Chambers, we help support their mission of building stronger, more vibrant communities.

A group of professional dress adults.
A group of adults in front of a Great Southern Bank sign.
Two adults holding a box of plastic Easter eggs.

Festivals & Events

We’re proud to support events that make each community unique, and we love being part of the fun. From college sports and concerts to farmers markets and county fairs, we sponsor events that bring people together and boost the local economy. We’re dedicated to making our communities the best places to live, work, and play.

A jumbo screen at Hammons Field that says The Kids for Kids celebration sponsored by Great Southern Bank.
A group of adults standing in front of a Great Southern Bank table.
A group of musicians on a stage.
Three adults standing in a classroom.

A group of adults sitting at a table.



A group of adults with golf clubs.

A group of adults wearing aprons in a kitchen.



A trunk of a car decorated to look like a silly monster for trunk-or-treating.

Five adults pose with a mascot bowling pin.



A group of volunteers wearing hairnets at a food bank.

Two adults raking lawn clippings.



Community Partners

Here are just a few of the non-profit organizations we partner with to invest in our communities.

Junior Achievement
First Chance for Children - Ready for School, Ready for Life
Minorities in Business
Get Smart About Credit
Open Avenues
CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO
Relay for Life - American Cancer Society
The Salvation Army
I Pour Life
Safe and Sober
Connect2Culture
St. Louis County Library Foundation
Community Partnership
Boys & Girls Club of Siouxland
Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of St. Louis
SBDC - Small Business Development Centers
Aeon
Employment Connection
American Red Cross
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks
Born to Read
Feeding America
efactory
Teach Children to Save
Dress for Success
Polk County Housing Trust Fund
Rebuilding Together St. Louis
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks
Care to Learn
Children's Miracle Network
Fox 4 Love Fund for Children
Harvesters Community Food Network
Safe Banking For Seniors (ABA Foundation) - Proud Participant
The Siouxland Initiative