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Beneficial State Bank achieves 15.4% loan growth, with 80%+ lending benefiting people and planet in 2025
Jun 25, 2026
During a difficult year for low-income and underserved communities, Beneficial State Bank stepped in with critical support – financing almost 2,000 units of affordable housing, $47.7 million in small business loans, and $14.2 million in environmental loans and commitments
OAKLAND, Calif. – Beneficial State Bank released its 2025 Impact Report today, detailing 15.4% net loan growth and $1.98 billion in total assets, with more than 80% of the bank's lending benefiting people and the environment and 100% upholding its community development mandate. The report captures how the bank deepened its impact during an economically uncertain year, from affordable housing preservation to environmental lending to sustained advocacy for consumer protections.
“The past year was a difficult one for many of the communities we serve,” said Sham van der Voort, Interim CEO of Beneficial State Bank. “But our commitment to those communities did not waiver. Whether investing in small businesses, affordable housing, or local nonprofits, our team remained committed to our values, filled gaps in federal funding, and continued our work toward an economy that extends prosperity to all.”
Increasing access to affordable housing across the West Coast
Housing affordability continues to strain communities across California, Oregon, and Washington. In 2025, Beneficial State Bank made $124 million in affordable housing loans, bringing the total active affordable housing units in its portfolio to over 10,000. The bank also implemented an innovative Affordable Housing Preservation Grant Program designed to invest in a cost-effective alternative to building new housing: preserving affordable housing that already exists. In 2025, the program awarded $850,000 to 17 property owners and preserved 1,271 units across its three-state footprint, funding improvements like new windows and appliance upgrades – ensuring units are comfortable and liveable for years to come.
Backing small businesses and nonprofits through an uncertain year
In 2025, Beneficial State Bank issued $47.7 million in loans to small businesses – helping offset federal cuts to small business programs and providing entrepreneurs with financial cushions necessary to navigate inflation and tariffs. The bank also held $174 million in nonprofit loans and nearly $795 million in nonprofit deposits across more than 2,700 accounts, providing essential support as federal funding cuts put many mission-driven organizations under financial pressure. During a difficult year, the bank served as a trusted banking partner and stabilizing force for nonprofits that help keep communities fed, housed, and employed.
Environmental commitments hold steady as others step back
In 2025, as the world’s largest banks increased their fossil fuel financing, Beneficial State Bank originated $14.2 million in environmental loans and commitments covering renewable energy generation, natural resources protection, and environmental advocacy. Since 2007, the bank has issued $172.8 million in renewable energy loans. Its green lending portfolio helped avoid over 25,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, the equivalent of taking nearly 20,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles off the road for a year. The bank remains Fossil Free Certified, with no lending going to fossil fuels or extractive industries.
Standing for worker empowerment and inclusive banking
In early 2026, Beneficial State Bank signed a second collective bargaining agreement with employees represented by the Communications Workers of America, extending the historic 2021 partnership that was the first union agreement in the financial sector in more than 40 years. Beneficial State Bank is the only unionized community bank in the U.S.
As consumer protections and financial inclusion laws came under increased scrutiny in 2025, Beneficial State Bank used its voice to push back publicly. The bank's team spoke out in the media and to lawmakers, advocating for stronger consumer protections and community investment. Beneficial State Bank also joined the California CDFI Coalition as its first-ever CDFI Bank member and continued advocating for full funding for the CDFI Fund, which supports community banks, credit unions, and small businesses in underserved areas.
People, Planet, Prosperity for All
We lend over $1 billion to support a brighter tomorrow, including affordable housing and the environment. When you bank beneficially, you choose to support people and planet.
