A bank's mission is to provide financial and human resources to meet society's needs. Since Mizuho Corporate Bank's inception, we have embraced our responsibility to the communities in which we do business. When communities are strengthened, we all prosper. As part of the Mizuho Financial Group, one of the world's largest financial institutions, Mizuho Corporate Bank is a prominent provider of wholesale financial products and services in the U.S. market. Our growth and success are intertwined with our commitment to this country and to the local communities that have welcomed and sustained us. From community development loans and investments to charitable grants to employee volunteerism, our active community relations program is an integral part of our efforts to contribute to the quality of life and economy of the U.S.

Community Development Loans and Investments

Mizuho Corporate Bank's U.S. commercial bank subsidiaries, Mizuho Corporate Bank (USA) and Mizuho Corporate Bank of California, are both classified as wholesale banks under U.S. Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations and are evaluated every two years on their record of meeting the needs of communities in which they operate, particularly in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The banks' commitment to providing community development loans, investments, grants and services are reflected in their current CRA ratings. Both banks are currently rated "Outstanding" for CRA performance in their respective communities - Mizuho Corporate Bank (USA) in New York City by both the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the New York State Banking Department, and Mizuho Corporate Bank of California in Los Angeles and San Jose, California, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Mizuho USA Foundation

Mizuho Corporate Bank Americas' charitable foundation, the Mizuho USA Foundation, makes program grants to support community development initiatives that contribute to the strength and vitality of urban neighborhoods.

Established on Jan 1, 2003, the Mizuho USA Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that provides grants to not-for-profit charitable organizations to support innovative community development programs addressing critical needs such as affordable housing, economic development and workforce development. Its primary geographic focus is New York City, with additional grantmaking in Los Angeles and San Jose, California.

In 2009, the Mizuho USA Foundation awarded fourteen program grants totaling US$460,000, supporting such initiatives as foreclosure prevention, green affordable housing development, and clean energy workforce training for low-wage workers. The Mizuho USA Foundation also awards grants to support the community involvement of Mizuho employees in the U.S. For more information, contact mizuho.usa.foundation@mizuhocbus.com.

Mizuho USA Foundation Guidelines(PDF/135KB) (Please note that the Foundation's guidelines brochure is formatted for 8" x14" paper.) To receive a copy of the Foundation's guidelines by mail, please email mizuho.usa.foundation@mizuhocbus.com.

Announcement of Mizuho USA Foundation 2009 Grants(PDF/56KB)

Employee Volunteerism

Many Mizuho employees are committed to contributing actively to the welfare of local communities, offering their skills and expertise, or sometimes just a helping hand.

To assist our employees in these efforts, Mizuho offices in the U.S. organize community service projects that respond to local needs and provide opportunities to employees who wish to volunteer. Mizuho staff members try to make a difference through activities such as reading to youth, job skills and financial literacy training, renovating community facilities, food preparation and service and donation drives.

In October 2009, Mizuho Corporate Bank Americas bank staff in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Toronto, Sao Paulo and San Jose, CA, participated in the annual Mizuho Volunteer Day, providing volunteer assistance to organizations helping those in need in their local communities. Projects included building with Habitat for Humanity, park clean ups, and preparing meals and clothing for distribution to the homeless and low-income families. Mizuho Volunteer Day 2009 took place in eleven cities in six countries.

Vibrant communities are the keystones of a strong economy. By contributing to our communities, we are investing in a better future for everyone.

Mizuho Financial Group CSR Report
Learn more about Mizuho Financial Group's commitment to corporate social responsibility by reading its annual CSR Report.