Changemaker Spotlight: Busey Bank’s Commitment to Community

For many first-generation students, learning how to manage money comes through trial and error. Matt Manning, executive vice president and market president at Busey Bank, knows this reality well. Without strong financial literacy guidance early on, Matt says he didn’t develop a solid understanding of personal finance until after graduating from college. This experience now shapes his commitment to ensuring other families don’t have to navigate financial systems alone.

Through Busey Bank’s long-standing partnership with CASL, Matt is helping expand access to culturally informed financial literacy resources for CASL families, creating pathways to stability, opportunity and long-term success. From financial literacy workshops and small business education to community-based events, Matt and Busey Bank work alongside CASL to equip families with the confidence and tools needed to build strong money management skills.

“The most rewarding thing for us is being able to help people that may not have had the ability to get that information previously,” Matt says. “It’s empowering the community, giving them opportunities that weren’t necessarily available. CASL provides us with an opportunity to get involved with families that may not have the opportunities to have financial literacy programs.”

While many banks offer financial education resources, Matt emphasizes that Busey Bank’s approach is intentionally community-centered and culturally responsive, with a focus on working class families. Beyond sharing financial knowledge, the goal is to build trust – ensuring community members feel seen, heard and supported when engaging with financial institutions.

For Matt, trust is built through presence and alignment. By partnering with CASL and investing in its mission, Busey Bank demonstrates a shared commitment to service and empowerment. Over the past two decades, Matt has worked closely with Chinese American families – many of whom were also CASL clients – strengthening relationships grounded in shared values.

“I’ve seen many modest company starts over my tenure. Many utilized a lot of CASL services and grew into transformational companies that are very influential in Chicagoland,” he says. “Hearing them speak about how helpful CASL was in their journey really resonated with me. To be a small part of that is really rewarding.”

Matt says he also deeply values CASL’s multigenerational approach to supporting communities, which supports families at every stage of life – from early childhood education and workforce development to small business growth and senior services.

“Supporting CASL is more than just philanthropy,” he says. “It’s an investment in the future of our communities and economy. I’m very appreciative of being a part of an organization like CASL.”

CASL is deeply grateful for Busey Bank’s continued partnership and commitment to financial literacy and community empowerment. Through leadership, trust and long-term investment, Busey Bank helps ensure CASL families have access to the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

Thank you to Matt’s support and investment, and the entire Busey Bank team, for standing alongside CASL’s communities and helping build a stronger future for generations to come.