Be The Difference Day
Every year, our employees head out into our local communities to volunteer together and make a real hands-on difference in the communities we serve.

Every October, our entire Independent Bank team steps away from business as usual—and into the heart of the communities we serve. Be The Difference Day is a company-wide volunteer initiative where hundreds of employees across Michigan give their time, energy, and heart to local causes. Whether we’re planting gardens, packing meals, or painting community centers, it’s all about making a real, visible difference—together.
What is Be The Difference Day?
What Is Be The Difference Day?
Launched in 2016, Be The Difference Day is our annual, company-wide day of service, where Independent Bank employees volunteer with nonprofits across Michigan to support the causes that keep our communities strong.
Where Does It Take Place?
This year, more than 800 Independent Bank team members volunteered at over 80 nonprofit organizations throughout Michigan and northern Ohio—making a meaningful impact in the very places we live and work.
Why We Do It
As Michigan’s largest community bank, we believe in putting people first—always. Be The Difference Day is one way we live our mission, practice our values, and show up for the communities that support us every day.
Led by Teams. Fueled by Purpose.
Driven by Employees, Powered by Giving
Be The Difference Day isn’t just a company initiative—it’s employee-led from the start. Teams choose the causes they care about most, partnering with local nonprofits to make a real impact in their own communities. And it doesn’t stop at volunteering. Through our Casual for a Cause program, employees can contribute funds from each paycheck—donations that go to the organizations they support on this day of service. When we give together, we grow together.

Giving More Than Time
9th Annual
Be The Difference Day
Over
$160,000
Donated in 2024
Over
$1 Million
in Total Donations
Over
800
Volunteers
Over
80
Organizations Assisted in 2024
Why This Day Matters to Us
Hear from Independent Bank employees as they reflect on the impact, meaning, and pride behind Be The Difference Day.
Helping in Our Communities


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