As a financial institution, Byline Bank is well-versed in the art of investing. But as a community bank, Byline understands that its role extends beyond just accepting investments; it also actively invests back into its community.
In the last year, Byline Bank gave over $30,000 in grants, over $35,000 in sponsorships, and Byline employees volunteered over 200 hours with organizations that serve Oak Park and River Forest.
“Our involvement in the community is organically driven,” said Susie Goldschmidt, Byline’s Oak Park and River Forest Market President. “We’re here; we get to know local organizations who are on the ground and problem-solving, and we get to know local people who ask us to get engaged—we try to answer those calls.”
In answering the call, Byline has helped advance a number of Oak Park and River Forest initiatives including those related to animal welfare; the arts; diversity, equity and inclusion; education; financial literacy; food security; mental health; and family support. Some highlights include the following:
- The arts. Byline sponsors Music & Potlucks, the Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Ballet Legere, Forest Theatre Company, Momenta Dance Company, Madison Street Theatre, Heritage Chorale, the Michael Teolis Singers, and One Voice for Arts. These sponsorships enhance access to locally driven entertainment and provide the community with an opportunity to come together and unite behind its shared love of the arts.
- Diversity, equity and inclusion. Byline supports organizations such as Way Back Inn, Oak Park and River Forest Infant Welfare Society, the Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association, Oak Leyden, Thrive Counseling Center and the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. These efforts contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community—a place where success is attainable for all.
- Food security. Byline Bank is deeply committed to Beyond Hunger, a charitable organization dedicated to combating hunger through various programs and services. Byline provides essential community development grants for operational needs and sponsors the nonprofit’s annual fall benefit concerts. Goldschmidt also sits on the Beyond Hunger Resource Development Committee.
Byline’s community involvement is not limited to traditional philanthropy within nonprofits. “We of course give where there’s a pressing need,” Goldschmidt said, “but we find it’s meaningful to invest in the economic ecosystem and the community as a whole.” For example, during lunch meetings at its Oak Park and River Forest branches, Byline arranges for catering from nearby eateries—a small yet meaningful way of supporting the local economy, Goldschmidt notes.
Consistent with its status as the top Small Business Administration lender in Illinois, Byline advocates for local businesses as a member of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and a sponsor of Takeout 25. Goldschmidt also serves as president of Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance and as a member of the Village of Oak Park Business Association Council. In addition, Byline has a presence at most Oak Park and River Forest community events, including the Memorial Day parade, Oaktoberfest and Downtown Oak Park Thursday Night Out.
The Women Empowered by Byline Employee Resource Group had all hands-on deck at Sarah’s Inn, with a contribution of items on their wish list, organizing the donation intake and tying Purple Ribbons around town in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. | Courtesy of Byline Bank 
Byline Banks Asian Employee Resource Group for the 4th year participated in e Dragon Boat Race for Literacy. It carries over the spirit of Chicago, promotes Asian culture, and aims to help the neighborhood literacy programs | Courtesy of Byline Bank
“We want Oak Park and River Forest to thrive,” Goldschmidt said. “Well-functioning charities, well-supported businesses and a tight-knit community equates to more opportunities for our customers, their families and our employees who live and work here. We’re giving back and pitching in because it’s what neighbors do.” ©2025 Byline Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
