Bank of the Sierra Awards $34K in Grants to the Central Valley during 3rd Quarter
November 9, 2017
Porterville, CA – Bank of the Sierra announced 15 non-profit organizations in Kings, Kern, and Tulare Counties were awarded grants totaling $34,000 during the third quarter through its Sierra Grant Program. The bank awards approximately 15-20 local organizations with $1000-$5000 grants each quarter, based on the specific needs of the organization.
Operation School Bell, offered through Assistance League Fresno, is a project that ensures children from low-income families receive ample clothing for the school year. This operation helps build confidence in children resulting in better performance at school. They were awarded $2,500 which will provide 100 children with $50 Target clothing vouchers.
The Academies Charter Management Organization received $4,500 to fund their Blue Oak Academy Beautification Day. This event will help to improve and beautify the former old mid-century facility once known as Union Elementary School. The facility currently functions as a tuition-free, K-8 Charter School with academically accelerated programs and an enriched curriculum.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County received $5,000 to provide 50 underprivileged children access to the Boys and Girls club allowing them the opportunity to participate in enrichment and educational programs five days a week. These programs steer children in the right direction and help them to reach their full potential.
Talking about Touching, a program run by Fresno Council on Child Abuse Prevention, teaches children from preschool through third grade how to stay safe in dangerous or abusive situations. The organization received $2,000 which will be used for operational expenses.
“Bank of the Sierra is excited for the opportunity to give back to the communities that so generously provide for those who are less fortunate,” explained Kevin McPhaill, Bank President and CEO. “It is our commitment to make a difference in every community we serve,” he added.
About the Sierra Grant Program
Since its inception in 2004 the Sierra Grant Program has been responsible for donating over 1.7 million dollars to organizations that improve local communities. Non-profits who wish to apply for a Sierra Grant can pick up an instructional brochure at any Bank of the Sierra branch, or visit the bank’s web site at www.bankofthesierra.com/resources/sierra-grant-program.
About Bank of the Sierra
Bank of the Sierra is in its 40th year of operations and is the largest independent bank headquartered in the San Joaquin Valley. Bank of the Sierra is a community-centric regional bank, which offers a full range of retail and commercial banking services via 39 full-service branches located throughout California’s South San Joaquin Valley and neighboring communities, on the Central Coast, and in Southern California locations including the Santa Clara Valley. The bank also maintains an online branch, and provides specialized lending services through an agricultural credit center, a real estate industries center, and an SBA center.
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