Changing Where We Live for the Better

Bank of the Sierra’s promise is to help make every community we’re a part of better, and the Sierra Grant Program has been doing just that since 2004.

What Is It?

The Sierra Grant Program was designed to take hard work and great ideas further by offering community-driven grants to local nonprofits, government organizations, and tribal entities that are making a difference in the communities we serve.

Bank of the Sierra accepts grant applications on a rolling funding cycle. All grants are considered pending until they are either approved or declined.

Who We Give To

The Sierra Grant Program works to give grants to nonprofits, government organizations, and tribal entities in the areas Bank of the Sierra serves. Our branches partner with local schools and community-minded organizations to achieve a common goal: improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

When determining which organizations should be awarded Sierra Grants, Bank of the Sierra focuses on the following areas:

Community Services

The Sierra Grant Program focuses on funding programs that provide low- and moderate-income children, families, and individuals with services that promote health and well-being in our communities.

Examples include:

• • • Healthcare clinics and other initiatives designed to provide services to those with limited access
    • Organizations that serve the well-being of low-to-moderate-income individuals and families
    • Financial education and literacy services

Affordable Housing Services

The Sierra Grant Program focuses on supporting nonprofits with housing solutions for those in need.

Examples include:

• • • Housing services for displaced families and individuals, including transitional housing, shelters, referrals, and social services
    • Nonprofits with rental payment assistance for low-to-moderate-income families
    • Educational programs about homebuying

Economic Development Services

The Sierra Grant Program supports organization with services that assist small businesses and small farms.

Examples include:

• • • Nonprofits that provide workforce training and job placement services for low-to-moderate-income individuals
    • Organizations that offer technical assistance or supportive services for small businesses and small farms/li>
    • Organizations that assist small businesses and small farms with finding financial support

Revitalize/Stabilize Community Improvement Services

The Sierra Grant Program focuses on nonprofits with plans and services to improve areas with low-to-moderate-income individuals and families. These organizations must be tied to an approved federal, state, local, or tribal government plan.

Examples include:

• • • Services to assist with approved plans to revitalize or stabilize a low-to-moderate-income tract area
    • Services to help attract new or retain existing businesses or residents through an approved plan/li>

Who We Don’t Give To:

• For-profit organizations
• Programs outside Bank of the Sierra’s branch service area
• Religious organizations for religious purposes
• Advocacy or research groups
• Individuals
• Political organizations