Foundation Guidelines

The Sovereign Bank Foundation, (the Foundation) makes charitable contributions to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Foundation resources are allocated to requests benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.

How to Apply

The following information must be submitted to the Foundation(Electronically Preferred):

• Complete Grant Proposal Cover Sheet.
• A maximum two page narrative proposal.
• A copy of the organization's current budget, and budget for the specific program identifying any committed and pending support for the program.
• A list and professional identification of the organization's Board of Directors.
• A copy of the organization's Federal IRS 501(C)(3) tax determination letter and Taxpayer Identification Number.
• Environmental Projects

Should Sovereign require any additional documents or information, we will contact you. Please do not send any additional collateral materials, CDs, or photographs unless we request them.

Foundation priorities are focused in the following areas:

1. Community Investment and Economic Development
• Programs supporting affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities
• Economic development projects that improve the quality of life, sustain economic development and support job skills for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities
• Facilities that promote community development programs
• Not-for-profit organizations providing credit counseling, homeownership counseling, home maintenance, and other financial service education
2. Youth and Education
   
   • Programs that enrich a child's educational opportunities, such as school programming and curriculum development from outside organizations and after school programs, in addition to early childhood development, and special education programs, with preferences given to those programs targeting low-and moderate-income communities
3. Health and Human Service
   
   • Programs that revitalize or stabilize low- and moderate-income areas and/or community services targeted to low- and moderate-income individuals
4. Arts and Culture
   
   • Contributions are considered to visual and performing arts programs, museums, libraries, cultural centers, and public radio and television stations that support programs and services to low- and moderate-income communities

Funding Exclusions

• Individuals
• Capital Campaigns
• Programs with political, sectarian, and religious purposes
• Pageants
• Team sponsorships or sporting events
• Organizations traditionally supported by parents (e.g. Little League, PTO, Scouting)
• Advertising in programs, bulletins, schedules, maps, yearbooks, book covers, or brochures
• Trips and tours, including transportation costs
• "Walk-a-thon" races or similar fundraising events

2012 Grant Making Calendar

January-March
Applications must be postmarked by March 7th.
Organizations will be notified by April 13th.

April-June
Applications must be postmarked by June 8th.
Organizations will be notified by July 13th.

June-September
Applications must be postmarked by September 7th.
Organizations will be notified by October 12th.

Please be advised: The Foundation reserves the right to close each funding cycle at any time; we encourage you to apply early within each cycle to increase the probability your application will be considered.