How woke is Washington Trust Bank?

Introduction

Washington Trust Bank, the oldest and largest privately held commercial bank in the Pacific Northwest, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1902. Based in Spokane, Washington, it operates over 40 financial centers and employs more than 1,000 people. This review digs into how woke this bank truly is by examining its policies, financial contributions, and community engagements.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

The bank’s charitable contributions are significant, with the Washington Trust Charitable Foundation providing grants to various nonprofit organizations, including conservation and environmental groups.

Further, in 2024, the bank announced a $3,000 grant to Partners in Diversity (PID).

According to their Instagram post, “We celebrate the important role and work that PiD is fulfilling in expanding and introducing opportunities for underrepresented populations in the workforce communities of Oregon and Southwest Washington.”

Meanwhile, their financial contributions to political candidates reveal a moderate stance, with a slight conservative tilt. In the 2024 election cycle, 77.16% of their contributions went to Republican congressional candidates, while 21.50% supported Democrats, and 1.34% went to others​​, according to OpenSecrets.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Washington Trust Bank is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). To demonstrate this commitment, the bank established a DEI Committee in 2022, which builds upon the work of its 2021 DEI Task Force.

They also emphasize DEI during new hire orientations and publish DEI Examiner articles. Their recruiting efforts focus on attracting diverse candidates through college outreach, social media, and internships, ensuring inclusive hiring practices​​.

Washington Trust Company also has a Diversity and Inclusion rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on 17 anonymous employee ratings. This is equal to the average for D&I ratings in the Finance sector. The average D&I rating left by 17 employees improved over the last 12 months.

Mandatory Training Sessions

Washington Trust Bank, through the DEI Committee, offers Franklin Covey’s Unconscious Bias training as part of its DEI efforts, though it is unclear whether this training is mandatory. The committee also hosts Listen & Learn events to teach employees about DEI topics.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

There is no available information on Washington Trust Bank’s specific support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, suggesting that such support may either not be publicly documented or may not exist. 

Marketing and Branding

Washington Trust Bank integrates social activism into its marketing and branding strategies​​. They highlight their involvement in community development projects, support for local events, and inclusive messaging.

Their marketing materials reflect a commitment to serving diverse communities, and they actively use social media to showcase their DEI efforts.

This approach shows the bank’s alignment with woke branding that emphasizes social responsibility and inclusivity.

Conclusion

Washington Trust Bank ticks several boxes on the woke checklist with its DEI initiatives, mandatory training on equity and inclusion, and inclusive marketing strategies. While they don’t seem to make direct financial contributions to progressive political causes or specific LGBTQ+ organizations, their overall practices still align well with woke ideologies.