As a mission-based lender and Government Sponsored Enterprise, CoBank is committed to serving as a good corporate citizen. The bank is an active supporter of charitable causes around the country, particularly in communities where its associates, directors and customers live and work.

CoBank's corporate giving program includes a number of specific initiatives:

Strategic Alliances: The bank has formed strategic alliances with a number of non-profit organizations, including Mile High United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Food Bank of the Rockies and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Board-directed contributions: Each member of the CoBank board is able to direct up to $10,000 annually to charitable organizations of his or her choosing.

Associate-directed contributions: Each employee can direct a $300 contribution from CoBank to a charity of his or her choosing each year.

Scholarships: The bank funds scholarships at a number of universities around the country to support students pursuing degrees related to agriculture, agribusiness, cooperative development and other fields related to the bank's mission.

In 2010, the bank contributed more than $1.3 million to non-profit organizations through its multi-faceted corporate citizenship program and made an additional $1.9 million in commitments to charitable organizations for future years.