Bank of the Sierra Awards $50K in Grants during Fourth Quarter
January 29, 2018
Porterville, CA – Bank of the Sierra announced that $50,000 was donated to 15 non-profits across 4 counties through its Sierra Grant Program. Each quarter the bank awards $1,000 to $5,000 grants to 15-20 worthy non-profit organizations. Funds were distributed to a variety of non-profits throughout the bank’s footprint, including the following:
The Down Syndrome Association of Central California (DSACC), who serves the counties of Fresno, Tulare, and Kings, helps to educate and spread awareness about people touched by Down Syndrome, and helps to enhance the quality of life of those affected. The organization will use funds to offset operational expenses.
Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County Inc., received funds to help support the completion of a new Homeless Services Center which will provide 100 beds for the homeless. The organization also provides services that help the homeless community regain their health, well-being, and self-sufficiency.
Santa Clarita Optimist Foundation received funding to support its week-long safety education course – Safety Town. Funds will also offset expenses for supplies and scholarships for five children to attend the courses. The camp caters to children ages 4 to 6 who learn and practice essential safety skills used in everyday life under the guidance of trained staff.
Peoples Self Help Housing Corporation received funds to support its Literacy Youth Education Enhancement Program (YEEP) which provides free on-site educational programs to those in need. The funds will allow for an additional educator who will focus on literacy. The corporation’s mission is to provide affordable housing and an opportunity for low income families to become more self-sufficient.
“We are happy to support the organizations that give so generously to the communities we serve,” explained Kevin McPhaill, Bank President and CEO. He added, “It is always heartwarming to see what a difference these organizations make in the lives of those who are less fortunate.”
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 41st year of operations and is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. Bank of the Sierra is a community-centric regional bank, which offers a full range of retail and commercial banking services with full-service branches located within the counties of Tulare, Kern, Kings, Fresno, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. 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. In 2018, Bank of the Sierra received a Bauer Financial 5-star rating, an honor only awarded to the strongest financial institutions in the country.
