Royal Banks of Missouri Recognized for Innovation in Philanthropy by St. Louis Business Journal
Bank receives award for key community partnership with Harambee Youth Training Program at the 2026 St. Louis Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards
Royal Banks of Missouri is delighted to be recognized with the Innovation in Philanthropy honor at the 2026 St. Louis Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards.
The St. Louis-owned and operated community bank was selected for its long-standing partnership with the Harambee Youth Training Program, which provides hands-on tuckpointing training opportunities to at-risk youth in the City of St. Louis.
Royal Banks of Missouri collaborates with the Harambee program to empower students on their path to financial independence. Employees visit the Harambee facility regularly to assist youth with opening individual checking and savings accounts and to provide education on navigating digital banking, strategies for saving money, and tips for avoiding fraud.
In 2025, Royal Banks of Missouri helped 115 students in the Harambee Youth Training Program open bank accounts. The team also offers an incentive program during the spring, summer, and fall sessions to encourage students to save money consistently and effectively. If Harambee students have a specific dollar amount in their savings account by a certain date, they will receive a prize and are motivated to continue building their savings. Royal Banks employees also host a dinner for Harambee students each year to deepen connections and celebrate their successes.
Royal Banks of Missouri was also named a finalist at the Corporate Philanthropy Awards in the Mid-Sized Companies category for its continued commitment to investing in the growth and development of the regions it proudly serves.
Royal Banks of Missouri and the Harambee Youth Training Program were formally recognized with the Innovation in Philanthropy honor at the Corporate Philanthropy Awards on Thursday, April 16, at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. Continue below for photos from the ceremony.
Click below to see a feature about Royal Banks of Missouri’s partnership with the Harambee Youth Training Program in the St. Louis Business Journal.
Employees from Royal Banks of Missouri and representatives of the Harambee Youth Training Program after being recognized for Innovation in Philanthropy at the 2026 St. Louis Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards.
(L-R) Ashleigh Leenerts, Cindy Thurman, Jeff Jones, Mitch Baden, Mike Winkler, Nick Brunnworth, Max Mitts, Kyle David, and Ken Lynch from Royal Banks of Missouri at the 2026 St. Louis Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards.
