The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) is seeking applications for its 2021 Community Grant program that will focus on funding organizations in need of strategic operating support. Community Grants will be awarded to eligible organizations as general operating support or unrestricted grants.

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 with the intent of supporting not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools, and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide valuable services to the communities served by Provident Bank.

Priority Areas

Organizations applying for a Community Grant must demonstrate their mission’s alignment to one funding priority area:

• Community Enrichment: Organizations that drive economic development, contribute to a better rounded community experience, serve those with special needs, and provide increased access to information and culture.
• Education: Organizations that expand access to, and improve the quality of, well-rounded educational experiences through strong academic support and curriculum development.
• Health, Youth & Families: Organizations that ensure people of all ages and means have the ability to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, including access to quality healthcare, nutrition and wellness, or mentorship opportunities.

Funding Information

• In 2021, a Community Grant will provide funding from $1,000 up to and including $5,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Tax Status:
  • Organizations seeking a Community Grant from PBF must be certified as a tax exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2).
• Financial Requirements:
  • PBF supports grantee organizations that meet high standards of governance, accountability, and fiscal management. To apply for a Community Grant, organizations must submit the following:
    • Form 990 from the most recent fiscal year end – If your organization files a 990-N (e-postcard), you must also provide the organization’s balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and IRS determination letter
    • Board-approved annual organizational budget for the fiscal year in which the grant would be allocated
• Geography:
  • Applicants must be based in, serve, or demonstrate impact in at least one community where Provident Bank has a physical presence within the following geographies:
    • New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and/or Warren County
    • New York: Astoria (Queens)
    • Pennsylvania: Lehigh Valley (eastern portion of Lehigh County and southeastern portion of Northampton County) and/or Bucks County
• Active Grants and Prior Funding:
  • Requests will not be accepted from organizations with active grants from PBF. Active grantee organizations cannot apply for additional funds until the following requirements have been met:
    • The 12-month grant term on the most recent grant has concluded
    • All required progress reports have been received
    • The mandatory hiatus period stipulated by their grant contract has concluded (if applicable)

What PBF will not Fund

The Provident Bank Foundation does not accept requests from:

• Individuals:
  • Organizations not exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Organizations not classified in Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
  • Organizations that use a third-party fiscal sponsor’s Tax ID number/exempt status
  • Municipalities or government agencies
• In addition, PBF does not provide support for:
  • Grants for scholarships to individuals
  • Grants to other grant-making organizations
  • Sacramental or theological functions of religious organizations
  • Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns
  • Multi-year funding requests

For more information, visit Provident Bank Foundation.