Apply for a Grant
If you are involved with a ‘nonprofit program’ you believe would benefit from a grant, get more information and apply for a grant. Most grants average between $1000 and $5,000.

Applying for a Grant
Bank of the Sierra’s, Sierra Grant Program is unique in that it begins and ends at the branch. Your Area Manager is your initial contact when making a grant request. They will submit your grant request to Bank of the Sierra’s Grant Committee and will be your point of contact. Bank of the Sierra accepts grant applications during four quarterly cycles every year. Please take this timeframe into consideration when applying for a specific program or event.

Grant Submission Schedule Begin Date End Date Award Date Jan 1st Mar 31st April 15th April 1st Jun 30th July 15th Jul 1st Sep 30th October 15th Oct 1st Dec 31st January 15th

Simply complete the following steps and submit to your local Bank of the Sierra Area Manager. If you are unsure about your program’s funding eligibility, please review our “What we give to” section of this document. For branch locations, use the "Branch Locator" on the left-hand side of the page, or call 1-888-454-BANK.

Step 1
Complete the Sierra Grant Application located in your branch or available for download, here. Prepare a proposal letter no longer than three typed pages including the following information: Organization Description: Summary of mission and objectives, contact name, phone number, and e-mail address. Project Description: Grant amount requested, project history, number and demographics of persons served, expected results, marketing and promotional plans, dates and ticket prices or fees of performances or events, if applicable. Volunteerism: Please describe any opportunity for Bank of the Sierra’s volunteer involvement that might be associated with the grant or project.

Step 2
The following documents would be helpful, but are not absolutely required:

• Project/program budget detailing expenses, anticipated income sources, and any previous funding by Bank of the Sierra.Current list of business and foundation donors to your organization with their contribution levels. Current list of donors to the proposed project with their contribution levels. Current annual operating budget with income and expenses.Copy of your organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status letter, if available.
• List of your organization’s Board of Directors, including names, titles, and affiliations.

*Schools or units of government: Submit your request on official letterhead and attach only the first two documents requested.

Step 3
Make a copy for your records. Submit all materials to a Bank of the Sierra Area Manager, who will submit your request, make funding recommendations, and be your contact for information and status updates. For inquiries about the Sierra Grant making process, please contact your local Bank of the Sierra branch Area Manager, or call us at 888-454-BANK.

What we give to
Bank of the Sierra’s branches partner with local schools and community organizations to achieve a common goal: to improve the quality of life for community families, especially the children. Bank of the Sierra’s Sierra Grant Program focuses in these areas: Community, Park Preservation and Education Services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Community Services
Sierra Grant Program focuses on funding programs that provide children, individual and families with community services that solve medical health and well-being problems. Programs that reflect the diversity in our communities are of particular interest to us.

• Healthcare and Clinics designed to provide services to those with limited access.
• Community Services that serve to assist families in crisis, especially those serving the well being of children and elderly.

Park Preservation
The Sierra Grant Program provides direct support to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and other agencies that work to preserve the Sierra Country.

Education
Bank of the Sierra provides direct support to schools and community-based nonprofit organizations that enhance the educational development of children. Examples include:

• After-school programs (like PAL, Boys-n-Girls Club) that provide children constructive programs
• School partnerships (Adopt-a-School)

Bank of the Sierra does not fund:

• Individuals Programs outside Bank of the Sierra’s branch communities Religious organizations for religious purposes Advocacy or research groups
• Educational institutions for regular instructional programs

The Sierra Grant Program seeks to appropriate grant funds across all market communities Bank of the Sierra has branches in. Sierra Grant Program desires, in a democratic fashion, to have funds equally distributed among the agencies and programs that it approves. In accordance to these, Bank of the Sierra has formed the following committee: