ESG Impact

Social responsibility

We embrace and invest in the differences in culture, background and perspective among our employees and in the communities we serve.

View our DEI initiatives

We drive change through investment

2,580

housing units created or preserved from low-income housing tax credit investments
74%

of loans originated to small businesses with loan amounts of $100,000 or less
$1.6 B

community development lending benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals, communities and small businesses

Grant program

Green Solutions for Emerging Communities

Our Green Solutions for Emerging Communities Grant was established to support community-based organizations delivering services that empower and improve the lives of low-income individuals and communities through climate-friendly initiatives. The grant's purpose is to address the following needs.

Education

Going green and climate change education

Housing

Making homes more energy efficient

Natural disasters

Prevention and recovery efforts

Small businesses

Making small businesses more energy efficient

Community development

We believe in you and your community

We have an established history of supporting local communities and their development. We commit financial and human resources throughout California and beyond.

Explore our goals and see how we plan to give back to the communities we serve.

Review our CRA Community Benefit Plan (pdf)

Reinvestment helps improve and change the lives of our neighbors

“Thank you so much for your continuing, generous support. Your community reinvestment helps improve and change the lives of our neighbors in need. Community partners like Pacific Western Bank make possible CRC’s work to ensure that all people have equitable access to healthy food, stable housing and safe relationships.”

Community Resource Center Encinitas, CA

See how they help

Community development lending

We actively lend in your community

We focus on providing capital for affordable housing, economic development and community service initiatives. 2022 was a record year for the Bank, with over $1.3 billion in affordable housing loans originated, leading to the development of 3,800 new housing units.

Clara Brown Commons Affordable Apartments

Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Clara Brown, an African American woman born into slavery who became the “Angel of the Rockies,” the development of this very special project took creativity, resourcefulness and years of persistence. We are proud to have financed the construction loan for $15.9 million to support the development of multifamily affordable housing units targeted to low- or moderate-income individuals and families in Denver. When it opens in 2023, Clara Brown Commons will host 61 apartments, 17 townhomes and shared gathering spaces. The development features include a wellness center, chapel, youth and mentoring programs, a greenway and a community recreation center. The building is sustainable with a solar energy system, recycling, and environmentally friendly initiatives and education programs for residents.

Organizations we support

We support our communities across the country through local and national organizations. Below are some of the groups we partner with.

Junior Achievement

We have over 50 employees in California who work year after year volunteering to support more than 500 students. We teach them how to make wise career and financial decisions. Our employees volunteer at events at JA campuses, elementary schools and high schools in Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.

See how they help

Mother and daughter hugging while looking at computer screen

Mi Casa Resource Center

Our employees in Denver, Colorado teach financial literacy workshops throughout the year for Mi Casa students. They cover financial topics such as setting financial goals, borrowing basics, paying for college and car loans.

Explore what they provide

Study, learning and tablet with students in college classroom or school for exam

StepUp Durham

We provide support for StepUp Durham's career development programs. The nonprofit’s reemployment program offers readiness training, personalized coaching, employer referrals and supportive services to job seekers. And one of our senior vice presidents in North Carolina serves as the board chair for the organization.

View their programs

University student sits at a table with her peers

High School, Inc.

Our employees from Orange County, California regularly provide college financial aid workshops including FAFSA 101 and student mock interviews. They also participate in their Bite of Reality program — a real-life personal finance experience.

Explore their resources