White Papers and Case Statements
See how our programs deliver measurable, proven impact
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
In 2025, analysts with the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise detailed high-level lessons learned from the Fifth Third Neighborhood Program, a place-based economic development initiative used in nine Midwestern and Southeastern neighborhoods from 2021 to 2025. This case statement draws on a review of documents and 13 stakeholder interviews to identify six lessons of interest for banking and local leaders who wish to refine and emulate the Fifth Third model of place-based economic development.
Beneficial State Foundation
Launched in 2021, the Neighborhood Program focuses on nine neighborhoods across multiple states. Fifth Third committed an initial $180 million and later expanded its financial commitments of lending, investments, and philanthropic support to $409 million. The program pairs financial capital with community engagement to ensure investment reflects resident priorities. The success of the Neighborhood Program is rooted in a coordinated partnership between Fifth Third Bank, Enterprise Community Partners, and trusted local intermediaries such as LISC Charlotte. Each partner plays a distinct and complementary role to ensure investments are strategic, community-led, and built for long-term impact.
Sustainable Communities Program
As energy costs rise, infrastructure demands accelerate, and climate-related risks grow, communities across the country are facing new affordability, reliability, and resilience challenges. Fifth Third’s Sustainable Communities Program is a strategic, place-based approach designed to address these interconnected pressures through investments in energy affordability, energy independence, and community resilience. By combining local partnerships, catalytic capital, and innovative pilot projects, the program aims to strengthen communities today while informing scalable solutions for the future.
