CARROLL — Availa Bank has announced the total amount of funds

donated through the Availa Foundation this past year reached $307,177, increasing the

total funds donated since its inception to a total of $3,681,996.

The Foundation officials said the goal is to provide support to local charitable organizations that serve Availa Bank’s branch communities.

The foundation was established in 1966 as the Carroll County State Foundation. In 1987, the Citizens State Foundation was established to serve the needs of the Pocahontas community, later serving the Fort Dodge area as well. These two entities merged in 2017 to become the Availa Foundation that operates today. The Foundation is entirely funded by Availa Bank, with Foundation directors approving each contribution to qualified organizations.

“The Availa Foundation is pleased to assist our local communities and the Foundation’s efforts and commitments are a reflection of our obligation to give back to those we serve,” said Availa Bank President and CEO Jeff Scharfenkamp. “Many of our employees give countless hours of personal time to help their communities grow and prosper as well.”

For more information about the Availa Foundation and other community work being done by

Availa Bank, visit www.availa.bank.