The holiday season is a time when generosity shines brightest, but for Arvest Bank, giving back is a year-round commitment. This dedication is woven into the company’s culture, strategy, and mission. As businesses across Tulsa close out 2025, Arvest reminds us that giving is not only good for the community but also good for business. “A thriving community requires a thriving bank,” says Mark Stephen, President of Arvest Bank in Tulsa. “We see ourselves as a community growth engine.” That means investing in people, infrastructure, and opportunities that make Tulsa stronger.
With over two decades in Tulsa and a career rooted in finance, Mark has witnessed how strategic community involvement can transform a city. When Arvest invests in local projects or small businesses, it helps build the foundation for long-term growth and resilience. “Those are the kinds of investments that move communities,” Mark explains. They create jobs, expand access, and open doors that might have otherwise stayed closed. The bank has long supported Arvest Winterfest, a downtown tradition that brings families together to celebrate the city’s holiday spirit. Arvest also secured naming rights for Tulsa’s convention center, a first-class facility that draws concerts, conferences, and major events downtown. “When we invest in local experiences or key infrastructure, we are not just supporting an event or a building,” Mark says. “We are investing in what makes Tulsa a great place to live, work, and visit.”
Beyond large-scale investments, Arvest’s generosity flows through the Arvest Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations that strengthen the region. From educational programs and youth development to the arts and economic empowerment, the Arvest Foundation creates lasting impact. “We want to back organizations that solve real problems,” Mark says. “The ones that create momentum and inspire others to give back too.” That culture of generosity is also lived out by Arvest associates. Volunteerism is a cornerstone of the company’s identity, and in 2024 alone, 156 Tulsa associates volunteered a total of 2,564 hours. Associates are often found reading to students, mentoring small business owners, or serving meals at local shelters. “When associates see that their work contributes to something bigger, it deepens their engagement and connects them to a meaningful mission,” Mark shares.
Arvest’s commitment to creating opportunity extends beyond philanthropy. Through the Arvest Opportunity Fund, a wholly owned non-bank subsidiary of Arvest, the bank helps small business owners access capital when traditional financing may be out of reach. The fund offers flexible support for entrepreneurs who might otherwise be overlooked by conventional lending systems. “Helping small business owners live out their dreams is part of who we are,” Mark says. Whether a startup or a family-owned business looking to expand, these investments strengthen local economies and create ripple effects. Financial empowerment is another key part of Arvest’s mission through the EmpowerED program, which offers free financial education resources designed to help individuals make informed decisions. “A financially healthy community is a thriving community,” Mark notes. When people understand how to manage their finances, they are better equipped to pursue their goals and support others.
While Mark leads efforts at the community level for the bank, Arvest Wealth Management Regional Manager Eric Shepard and his team focus on helping individuals and families understand how charitable giving can fit into their personal financial strategies. Arvest Wealth Management works with clients to build purposeful giving plans that align with both their values and their long-term goals. “Charitable giving is not just about writing a check at the end of the year,” Eric says. “When done strategically, it can maximize tax advantages, help avoid capital gains, and most importantly, connect wealth to values.” The wealth management team often guides clients in using tools like donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and private foundations to help their generosity go further. “People find enrichment in non-financial ways, knowing their wealth is making a difference and reflects their beliefs,” Eric adds. “Philanthropy allows them to answer the question: What do I want my wealth to stand for?” Both Mark and Eric agree that giving, whether through volunteer hours, partnerships, or financial contributions, creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Businesses that give back foster trust, attract loyal customers, and build stronger teams. Communities that receive that support thrive, generating new opportunities and a greater sense of shared purpose.
As Arvest looks ahead, its mission remains rooted in people helping people find financial solutions for life. “We are excited about where we are and how we can continue expanding our efforts,” Mark says. “Being a community growth engine is about more than banking. It is about taking care of the community that takes care of us.” When generosity becomes part of how we do business, entire communities grow stronger together.
“Helping small business owners live out their dreams is part of who we are.”