First United Bank & Trust has been recognized as an inaugural award recipient of the Maryland Community Investment Venture (MCIV) Fund, a new initiative designed to expand access to capital and financial services across the state. The award was announced at the Expanding Horizons: The Access to Capital Forum held at the University of Maryland.
This distinction underscores First United’s commitment to fostering greater financial inclusion and supporting economic development throughout Maryland. The MCIV Fund, launched in partnership with Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller’s administration, aims to eliminate barriers to capital for underserved communities by encouraging financial institutions and fintech innovators collaboration.
As part of this initiative, First United Bank & Trust is partnering with Abrigo, Inc. to enhance and streamline loan decision-making processes. This collaboration leverages a combination of community banking experience and advanced financial technology to better serve low- and moderate-income individuals.
Lieutenant Governor Miller joined state officials, industry leaders, and community advocates at the forum to announce the initial round of grant partnerships, highlighting the importance of innovation in expanding economic opportunity.
“Innovation is most powerful when it expands opportunity — and that shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code or whether your community has historically had access to investment,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “The MCIV Fund is about breaking down barriers and building pathways for Maryland entrepreneurs, families, and small businesses to thrive.”
First United’s leadership and participation in the program reflect its strategic focus on creating meaningful impact through responsible lending and community engagement.
“We are honored to be selected as an inaugural recipient of the MCIV Fund and to work alongside forward-thinking partners to broaden access to capital across Maryland,” said Jason Rush, President and CEO of First United Bank & Trust. “At First United, we believe strong communities are built through opportunity and access. This initiative allows us to accelerate our efforts to deliver innovative financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses to grow and succeed.”
The MCIV Fund award recognizes institutions that are driving measurable outcomes in community investment while advancing a more equitable financial ecosystem. Through this recognition, First United Bank & Trust continues to demonstrate its dedication to strengthening the financial well-being of the communities it serves.
First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust. The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, and Monongalia counties in West Virginia. First United’s website can be located at MyBank.com. As of 3/31/2026, the corporation posted assets of $2 billion.