FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

First Bank Chicago Invests in Financial Education for Military Families Near Naval Station Great Lakes 

CARY, NC (July 30, 2026) — GoVA Foundation is pleased to announce a new Community Development grant partnership with First Bank Chicago, a privately-owned community bank serving the greater Chicagoland area since 1980. Through this grant, First Bank Chicago will sponsor free digital financial education resources for low- and moderate-income (LMI) military families in Lake County, Illinois, through GoVA’s innovative platform, The Edge. 

The partnership will serve military households across Lake County, with a focus on the military community surrounding Naval Station Great Lakes — one of the largest Navy training installations in the United States. Sponsored members will receive unlimited access to The Edge’s comprehensive financial literacy tools, including interactive courses, financial calculators, and personalized resources designed for the unique needs of service members, veterans, and their families. 

Free Registration Now Open for Lake County Military Families 

Thanks to First Bank Chicago’s community development grant, active duty service members, veterans, and military/Veteran spouses living in Lake County, Illinois can now join The Edge at no cost. Registration is quick and available at: https://mygova.com/edge-registration-verify-military-status/ 

Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Military families are encouraged to register now to secure their free membership. 

“Financial literacy is the cornerstone of First Bank Chicago’s commitment to the communities we serve throughout Chicagoland,” said Denise Bryant, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach at First Bank Chicago. “Thousands of students, homeowners, and senior citizens have benefited from educational programs led by our team. We are proud to partner with the GoVA Foundation to expand these resources to the military community at Naval Station Great Lakes and veterans across Lake County.” 

“We are proud to welcome First Bank Chicago as a GoVA Foundation partner,” said George Earhart, Executive Director of GoVA Foundation and Air Force veteran. “First Bank Chicago’s deep roots in the Chicagoland community and their long-standing commitment to military families make them a natural fit for this program. Together, we will bring meaningful financial education to the men and women serving at Naval Station Great Lakes and to the veteran families who call Lake County home.” 

The partnership reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to military financial wellness and community development. First Bank Chicago will receive LMI verification documentation and quarterly impact reports as part of the grant agreement, while sponsored military members gain a full year of unlimited access to The Edge’s financial education resources. 

Military and veteran service organizations in the Lake County area are encouraged to share this opportunity with their networks. 

This collaboration is part of GoVA Foundation’s ongoing efforts to partner with forward-thinking financial institutions nationwide in service of military families. 

About GoVA Foundation 

GoVA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering military families through innovative financial education and resources. Through its digital education platform The Edge, GoVA provides comprehensive financial literacy tools, interactive courses, and personalized resources tailored to the needs of service members, veterans, and their spouses. The platform features a mobile-optimized design to ensure accessibility for military families regardless of location. GoVA Foundation has served over 10,000 military families across all 50 states and maintains partnerships with forward-thinking financial institutions. The organization’s mission includes advocacy for military financial wellness and suicide prevention, recognizing the critical link between financial stress and military mental health outcomes. 

About First Bank Chicago 

First Bank Chicago provides full-service banking solutions for commercial and consumer clients throughout Chicagoland. With over 70 years of banking history, First Bank Chicago ranks as one of the top five privately held banks in Chicago. Our experienced bankers utilize our personal service model to provide customized banking solutions without the bureaucracy of the megabanks.  Our deep culture of caring includes giving time, talent, and resources to all corners of our community. Our bank has been named as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 and recognized by American Banker as the number one “Best Banks to Work For” in 2024.To learn more about the First Bank Chicago, visit www.firstbankchicago.com 

 

Contact: Lizann Lightfoot, VP of Marketing & Partnerships 
lizann.lightfoot@govafoundation.org