Foundation Guidelines

The Sovereign Bank Foundation, (the Foundation) makes charitable contributions to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. To apply for funding, review our guidelines.

Foundation resources are allocated with priority given to requests benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.

Foundation contributions are considered within 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

How to Apply
The following financial information must be submitted to the Foundation:

• A cover letter identifying the proposed request and objective of the organization.
• Written proposals should be a maximum of four (4) pages.
• A copy of the organization's 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 IRS 501(C)(3) tax determination letter and Taxpayer Identification Number.
• Provide an email address for contact and questions.

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

Funding Exclusions

• Individuals
• 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
• Capital Campaigns
• "Walk-a-thon" races or similar fundraising events

2010 Grant Making Calendar
January-March
Applications must be postmarked by March 15th.
Organizations will be notified by April 15th.

April-June
Applications must be postmarked by June 15th.
Organizations will be notified by July 15th.

July-September
Applications must be postmarked by September 15th.
Organizations will be notified by November 15th.