Posted On: January 6, 2026 by Prevail Bank in: Community
Community Stewardship takes on many forms at Prevail.
(2025 Year in Review)
At Prevail Bank, community impact drives everything we do. Throughout 2025, we’ve embraced our mission to foster growth, inspire dreams, and bring meaningful change to the lives of our neighbors. Through charitable contributions, educational programs, sustainability initiatives, and community collaborations, we’ve demonstrated what it truly means to be a bank that cares.
Significant Contributions to Strengthen Our Communities
In 2025, Prevail Bank proudly donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to community programs that make a difference.
- Spring Giving: $82,500 Across 27 Nonprofits Prentice School District: $20,000 for WIAA track & field construction.
- Junior Achievement: $7,250 in support of financial literacy for our youth across Marathon, Taylor, Portage, and Wood Counties.
- Bridge Street Mission (Wausau): $2,000 for expansion of the homeless shelter.
- Family Support Center (Eau Claire): $2,000 for domestic abuse / sexual assault agency operations.
- Habitat for Humanity of WI River Area (Baraboo): $2,000 for building and repairing homes.
- Fall Giving: $86,000 Across 21 Nonprofits Farming for the Future Foundation (Plover): $36,000 for an agricultural learning center.
- Wausau Free Clinic: $5,000 for eye exam equipment and supplies.
- City of Owen: $5,000 for the refurbishment of a 3-mile bike trail connecting public schools, parks, and other local destinations of commerce.
- WWBIC (WI Women’s Business Initiative): $5,000 in assistance for low to moderate income entrepreneurs in Clark, Price, Taylor, Marathon, Portage, Sauk, and Wood Counties.
- Blessings in a Backpack: $2,500 for Meals on Weekends for students in Wausau and DC Everest school districts experiencing food deficiencies.
Elevating Financial Education and Security
In addition to financial contributions, Prevail Bank has actively worked to educate our communities about financial security, fraud prevention, and smart banking practices. From blogs on spotting online shopping scams to protecting against account takeovers, we’ve equipped individuals with the tools to safeguard their finances in an increasingly digital world.
Investing in the Next Generation: Financial Literacy Month
April’s Financial Literacy Month saw Prevail Bank professionals engaging with over 230 elementary students (K-3) across six cities. Through interactive lessons and the book “Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock” by Sheila Barr, students learned the basics of budgeting, helping them build a foundation for financial independence.
Connie Zuleger, COO for Prevail Bank, was recognized by the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation for her outstanding commitment to financial education. She presented six consumer education presentations herself!
Making the Holidays Brighter: $26,048 for Nine Local Nonprofits
Through our Holiday Matching Funds campaign, we raised $26,048 to support nonprofits like the FOCUS (Feeding Our Communities with United Services) and Sauk County Children’s Giving Trees, spreading joy to families in need.
Environmental Stewardship: 9 Tons of Paper Recycled
Prevail Bank’s shred days saved 151 trees and donated $11,387 to nonprofits such as The Children’s Miracle Network and People Helping People / Adopt a Veteran Program. Sustainability and care for the next generation remain at the heart of our efforts.
Celebrating Volunteerism: Making a Difference on Juneteenth
A huge shoutout to our dedicated and amazing team of professionals who volunteered approximately 250 hours of their time to multiple nonprofits on Juneteenth (June 19). From supporting local shelters to community clean-up efforts, our team exemplified the values we hold dear.
Brenda Knutson, Prevail Bank’s Vice President of Marketing, was awarded a 2025 Volunteer Hero award by Junior Achievement of Wisconsin – Northwest Area for her two decades of volunteerism, mentoring students from Eau Claire, Altoona, and Menomonie, in the areas of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.
Encouraging Community Drives and Partnerships
From hygiene drives to bake sales, to matching funds campaigns, Prevail Bank branches have united with their communities to bring vital resources to those who need them most, assisting organizations like Stepping Stones, PDC Corporation, and Taylor County Supportive Housing.
At Prevail Bank, we understand that when our communities thrive, we all thrive. By investing in the well-being, education, and sustainability of our communities, we’re working together to build a brighter, better tomorrow. Visit our page to learn in more detail how Prevail Bank has made a difference, or better yet, join our team!