Foundation rings in 30th anniversary amid year of Fremont Bank celebrations

As with so many good ideas, it all began with a conversation and a request, and, now, three decades later, Fremont Bank Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

All those years ago, Fremont Bank Founder Morris Hyman approached his daughter, Hattie Hyman-Hughes, and suggested she explore the possibility of putting together a foundation.

“This all started with my grandfather. His main goal was ‘How can we support the community?’” said Brian Hughes, Hattie’s son and Executive Vice President at Fremont Bank and President/Executive Director at Fremont Bank Foundation. “He knew if Fremont Bank was a player in supporting the community, the community would support us. It was a circular prophecy.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $31.8 million to Bay Area nonprofits supporting basic human needs, education, health and wellness, and more — a significant achievement reached during the bank’s 60th anniversary year.

Brian said his grandfather realized there were a lot of agencies and nonprofits the bank could support, so Morris would give small amounts to these organizations at the beginning.

“As the bank started gaining more success in the late ’80s, early ’90s, he wanted to start a foundation to see what they could really do,” Brian said.

The Foundation began with $10,000 in seed money, and Hattie earmarked some of that to fund a project. First up, Fremont Bank donated money to the Fremont Unified School District for a much-needed toy shed. The colorless shed really needed some brightness, so parents and teachers joined up for a big painting party. The worthwhile endeavor brought the community together, and the overall goals of the Foundation have remained steadfast since its origin.

“We want to get to know the people behind the organization,” Brian said. “As the bank has grown, the responsibility of doing the grants the right way has grown greater. We must be in tune with what’s changing and happening around us.”

One major thing that’s changed is the grant growth. In 2023 alone, the Foundation awarded 73 grants totaling $1.6 million, versus 11 grants and $21,000 in 1998, for example. In 2022, the Foundation gave out 65 grants and $1.4 million. 

“The Foundation is part of the fabric of the bank, the DNA,” said Julie Moore, Senior Manager, Community Outreach. “In 1994, most companies — big or small — didn’t have foundations, but Fremont Bank did.”

Julie noted how something that started with a small toy shed renovation has grown  to include something as big as the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion at Washington Hospital.

“We’ve been smart about grant giving,” Brian said. “We want people to see our commitment to their community — before they come banking with us. We want them to know we are committed to the health and success of our community.”

The Foundation team is, indeed, very visible in the community with Brian, Julie Moore, Julie Zhu, Vice President of Fremont Bank’s Nonprofit Group, and other associates out meeting with nonprofits and learning more about our neighbors.

Some of the grants that stand out the most to Brian cover all types of society’s needs: the recent Oakland Zoo electric locomotive purchase, Ohlone College’s collaborative center, multiple storage sheds for nonprofits, Coyote Hills Regional Park forest of the future, Aqua Adventure Water Park swimming lessons, Roots Community Health Center’s outdoor space, Tri-Valley Haven’s domestic violence shelter, Axis Community Health’s 2nd Street Clinic, Open Heart Kitchen’s new facility, and Abode Services’ support — to name a few.  

“There is a legacy of trying to carry on my grandfather’s vision of helping the community,” Brian concluded. “I’m humbled by the success of it all. I feel very honored that I’ve gotten to meet so many fascinating people who are doing difficult jobs at these vital organizations. We’ve built a responsible legacy.”