Now accepting 2025 grant applications. Ready to apply?
Eligible 501c3 organizations that demonstrate community impact for majority low- and moderate-income people or places, or small business development, are within the Bank’s footprint, and generally have the characteristics of stable financial resources, community-focused missions, and strong and diverse leadership teams can apply for grant funds. Please review our funding priorities on this page before submitting. To be considered for a First Financial Foundation grant, in the maximum amount of $20,000, complete an application between May 1-31, 2025.*
*This grant campaign will consist of $400,000 in total awards. Funds will be divided in accordance with market share and all applications will be reviewed. Incomplete applications, prior year grant awardees who do not have an impact report completed by May 31 for prior year grant awards, and/or those applications that do not meet the Foundation’s funding priorities will be declined. Consideration of approval is based on organization’s eligibility, prior year funding history, complete grant application (including required documentation and request being no more than the $20,000 maximum), and being within the Bank’s budget. Grant selections will be communicated the week of July 28, 2025.
Funding priorities
To ensure the Foundation’s contributions have a significant and measurable impact, we’ve established three priorities. The Board of Directors carefully evaluates grant requests using these priorities and will continuously evaluate the impact of its contributions in alignment with its goals.
We support organizations that help stabilize communities, eliminate blight, and attract and retain businesses and residents. Examples that meet this priority include:
- Affordable housing initiatives, particularly those focused on vulnerable populations
- Homebuyer education programs
- Foreclosure prevention programs
- Neighborhood revitalization projects
- Programs that increase homeownership opportunities
Examples of organizations that meet this priority include:
- Organizations that build skills in savings, budgeting, and expense management
- Educational programs regarding credit score improvement
- Connect individuals with the necessary tools to achieve financial goals or provide job skills training and education
- Improve education or provide training for individuals or support a diverse and inclusive society
- Provide forums and resources for other organizations to become more inclusive
Examples of organizations that meet this priority include:
- Organizations that promote the arts, including music, theatre, and more, through education
- Support for the development of current and future artists, performing arts, music, dance, visual arts programs, local art events, arts education, and graphic arts programming
- Promote cultural arts programs for the economic development of communities through arts and cultural industries
Grant guidelines
First Financial Foundation looks for successful applicants to generally have the following characteristics: