Creative Ways Community Banks Can Use Backyard Banking Workbooks
At community banks, we know that relationships matter. The most powerful marketing doesn’t come from billboards or commercials — it comes from investing in your community in meaningful, lasting ways. That’s why educational resources like the Backyard Banking workbooks (designed for kids in grades 1–3) can be such a valuable tool.
They’re not just workbooks — they’re door openers. With a little creativity, these books can become the foundation for partnerships, programs, and goodwill that stretch far beyond the classroom.
Here are some of the most effective (and fun!) ways bank marketers can use them:
1. Schools & Education Partnerships
Adopt-a-Grade Program: Sponsor a full grade level in your community — imagine being the bank that ensures every 3rd grader learns the basics of saving and spending.
Classroom Guest Lessons: Send bankers into schools to read a story from the workbook and answer questions about money.
After-School Programs: Partner with Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, or 4-H to distribute and guide kids through activities.
Summer Reading Tie-Ins: Offer workbooks as part of summer learning kits to keep skills sharp outside of school.
School Fundraisers: Donate a workbook for every new youth account opened during back-to-school season.
2. Libraries & Literacy Programs
Story Hour Series: Sponsor a “Money Matters Story Time” where librarians bring the workbook characters to life.
Financial Literacy Corners: Set up a shelf in local libraries dedicated to money-smart resources, anchored by your workbook.
Library Challenge: Kids earn stickers or small prizes for completing workbook pages and sharing with a librarian.
3. Community & Nonprofit Activations
Sports Sponsorships: Distribute workbooks at Little League or soccer games along with branded water bottles.
Festival Booths: Hand out books at local festivals — onions, peanuts, you name it — instead of candy or flyers.
Church Partnerships: Provide youth groups with financial literacy lessons tailored to their needs.
Museums & Zoos: Create scavenger hunts with workbook characters connected to exhibits.
4. Bank-Led Campaigns
“Backyard Banking Month”: Host a month-long initiative with branch events for kids and families.
Star Reward System: Kids earn stickers for completed sections, redeemable for a prize at your branch.
Account Incentives: Offer a free workbook with every new youth savings account.
Grand Openings & Anniversaries: Include the workbooks in event giveaways or welcome bags.
Parental Workshops: Pair workbook distribution with family-friendly financial wellness sessions.
5. Media & PR Opportunities
Local Radio Challenge: Highlight kids who complete the workbook as “Savings Stars of the Week.”
Newspaper Features: Announce large donations to local schools or districts.
Social Media Campaigns: Create a photo challenge for parents to share kids learning money basics.
6. Business & Employer Partnerships
Chamber of Commerce Tie-Ins: Support junior leadership programs with branded workbooks.
Employer Benefits: Provide companies with workbooks for employees’ families — a unique perk!
Financial Wellness Fairs: Distribute them as part of HR events focused on family financial education.
Why This Matters
Each of these ideas does more than put your logo in front of families. They show that your bank is invested in the next generation, in local schools, and in community growth. The workbooks can support your CRA initiatives, deepen community relationships, and yes — in many cases, the costs are tax-deductible as a business or charitable expense.
When you get creative, a simple workbook becomes a multi-use community marketing tool — one that makes an impact today while building loyalty for years to come.
Ready to explore how your bank could bring these ideas to life? Let’s connect and put your community’s future in motion with Backyard Banking.