COMMUNITY

Latest Winners & Timeline

Community > Banksgiving > Latest Winners & Timeline

Honoring Area Nonprofit Organizations

People with a passion for making a difference improve our communities, and the lives of the people who live there, through their work with non-profit organizations. Because of their dedication to a cause and a mission, they have channeled their drive to make things better into creating organizations that are a part of the fabric of our community.

Banksgiving

First State Bank is committed to honoring the non-profit organizations that positively impact the lives of people living in Macomb and Oakland Counties and supporting their efforts with charitable contributions. FSB Banksgiving was established to shine a spotlight on these organizations, as well as provide funding to help them in their efforts.

While we give throughout the year, Banksgiving is now an annual tradition. FSB awards $30,000 in Banksgiving grants: $10,000 to one Grand Gift Winner, and $5,000 to each of four winners in the following categories: Human Supportive Services, Arts & Education, Children & Families, and Environment & Community Improvement.

Organizations are nominated by you – the public – and the winners are also determined by public vote. Since its inception, First State Bank has had the privilege of being a part of the story for a broad range of organizations – from providing clothing for children in foster care to groups that help unhoused Veterans buy their own homes. We are touched by the dedication of our local non-profit community and their efforts to change lives here at home.

Coming Soon: Banksgiving 2026

Nominations Accepted
October 19-23

Finalists Announced
November 9

Public Voting
November 9-20

Giving Tuesday [Winners Announced]
December 1

Nominate a Non-Profit

Meet the 2025 Banksgiving Winners

We are honored to feature the 2025 Banksgiving Honorees and share more about the work they are doing to strengthen our communities.

Our first featured winner is Clinton River Watershed Council.

$5,000 Winner – Environment/Community Improvement

CLINTON RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL
The Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) works to protect, enhance, and celebrate the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair for the benefit of communities, the environment, and our future. Established in 1972, CRWC has been serving the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair for over 50 years and provides services to communities in Oakland and Macomb counties.

Clinton River Watershed Council

Laundromat Love

Oakland Youth Orchestra

Rainbow Connection

Turning Point

About the Winners

2025 Banksgiving – $10,000 Grand Gift Winner

TURNING POINT
Turning Point, Inc. is Macomb County’s only comprehensive service agency for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. For more than 45 years, we have been a lifeline for individuals and families escaping abuse, empowering survivors through safety, advocacy, and healing. Their mission is to empower survivors through compassionate, comprehensive services while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence.

$5,000 Winner – Arts/Education/Culture

OAKLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
The mission of Oakland Youth Orchestras (OYO) is to inspire young people, through the power of music, to become outstanding musicians, individuals, and leaders. Each year, OYO, an educational nonprofit, gives nearly 350 elementary through high school student musicians across seven counties, including Oakland and Macomb, in southeast Michigan, of all backgrounds and abilities, the chance to perform in an orchestra, and to nurture their passions for music.

$5,000 Winner – Children & Families

RAINBOW CONNECTION
The Rainbow Connection grants wishes and provides support services to Michigan children battling life-threatening illnesses. They strive to bring joy, happiness, and hope to families during an unimaginable time.

$5,000 Winner – Human Supportive Services

LAUNDROMAT LOVE
Laundromat Love is dedicated to bringing hope and help to those they serve in the laundromats. Leaving individuals with clean clothes, essential hygiene products and a renewed spirit. They remove barriers individuals face in accessing basic hygiene needs. They pay for an individual’s laundry, and they distribute laundry detergent and hygiene bags with 27 different products in them.

A Banksgiving Success Story: Macomb Foster Closet

A success story of how Banksgiving was a catalyst for the Closet’s Expansion.

Banksgiving - Macomb Foster Closet

Charles J. Moran, President

iCare of Michigan

Your team's approach and treatment of our organization has left us genuinely in awe. The level of respect, dedication, and genuine care you've shown aligns perfectly with our mission and values.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Banksgiving 2026

Make Sure Bankgiving Details Are on Your Radar

October 19 – 23, 2026
Nominate a Non-profit.

November 9 – 20, 2026
Cast your vote for your favorite finalists

December 1, 2026
Giving Tuesday, Winners Announced

Nomination Tips:

Only one nomination per organization is needed to be considered. Additional nominations do not necessarily increase the chances of becoming a finalist.
Details matter—we would like to ensure that the funds will support a specific fund or initiative, not operating funds.
Be sure to include all contact information. If the charity is a finalist, we may need to verify some details with them.
Organizations must directly provide services in Macomb and/or Oakland Counties.

Category Definitions

Arts/Education/Culture
Organizations focused on enriching the community through creative expression, educational opportunities, and cultural development. These organizations promote the arts, provide cultural experiences, and support lifelong learning.

Environment/Community Improvement
Organizations dedicated to preserving natural resources and enhancing the quality of life in local communities. These groups work to protect ecosystems, promote sustainability, and engage residents in environmental stewardship, while promoting initiatives that focus on revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering a sense of community pride through collaborative improvement efforts.

Children & Families
Organizations that support the well-being and development of children and families through specialized programs and services. They provide crucial resources and advocacy for vulnerable youth. These groups aim to create a safe, nurturing environment for families to thrive.

Human Supportive Services
Organizations that address basic needs and provide critical assistance to individuals facing challenges. This category may include essential services like those provided by the military, police, and fire departments, which ensure safety and stability within the community.

Looking to do more or learn about Charities in our communities? Check out our Community Caring Guide.

Download the Guide