A thriving economy is built on more than just commerce. In a community like Oklahoma City, defined by multigenerational family foundations and a “pay-it-forward” culture, we often find ourselves at the intersection of prosperity and purpose. It’s clear that our city’s momentum isn’t just driven by economic growth, but by the intentional ways we invest in one another.
Arvest Bank’s commitment to community is woven into the company’s culture, strategy and mission. The bank, which has been in the Oklahoma City market since 1987, has long understood the importance of supporting the communities it serves. Support isn’t just about providing financial products and services; it’s also about giving back.
“We believe that every community needs a financial partner who cares,” said Shandy Belford, president of Arvest Bank – Central Oklahoma. “We want to be a growth engine that helps fuel the success of our neighbors and businesses. A financially healthy community is a thriving community.”
Fuel for Economic Growth
Being an economic growth engine means investing in people, infrastructure and opportunities that make central Oklahoma stronger, Belford explained. “When we provide loans to fund a local project or launch a business, we’re helping build the foundation for long-term growth,” she said. “These are the kinds of investments that strengthen local economies and create ripple effects felt across the region.”
While Arvest is one of the largest privately held banks in the U.S., it operates under a model where local decisions are made by local leaders. In central Oklahoma, the bank has its own leadership team, headed by Belford, and its own board made up of community leaders across the region.
“Relationships are everything,” Belford said. “This operating model allows us to become deeply involved in our communities so we can understand the needs when making decisions on lending and philanthropy.”
The bank’s commitment to creating opportunities extends beyond transactions. In 2024, Arvest launched EmpowerED, which offers free online financial education courses in English and Spanish. It’s designed to help individuals make informed decisions, from creating a personal budget to developing a business plan.
A Culture of Engagement
Just as a bank provides capital to fund a new bookstore or a downtown landmark, Arvest believes philanthropy provides the social capital necessary for a community’s culture to flourish. Supporting the arts, education and economic development is not just about charity; it’s about being a catalyst for prosperity.
Through the Arvest Foundation, more than $1.2 million in grants has been awarded to central Oklahoma nonprofits supporting education, healthcare, the arts and community development. The bank’s flagship philanthropic initiative, Million Meals, raises money each spring to support local food partners in their efforts to fight hunger in local communities. In 2025, the campaign helped provide more than 3 million meals across the bank’s four-state footprint of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.
“When we support these organizations, we are investing in what makes Oklahoma City a great place to live, work and play,” Belford said. “It’s an investment in the quality of life that makes our region attractive to new talent and businesses. And that’s good for everyone.”
The culture of generosity is also lived out by Arvest associates. In 2025, nearly 150 Central Oklahoma associates volunteered more than 2,800 hours in their local communities. Associates are often found reading to students, mentoring entrepreneurs or serving meals at local shelters. As Arvest looks ahead, its mission remains the same: People helping people find financial solutions for life. “We’re excited about the progress happening in our region, and we’re constantly looking for ways to expand our efforts,” Belford said. “Being a community-focused bank is about taking care of the community that takes care of us.”
Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.
