Bank of the Sierra Provides COVID-19 Funding Through Sierra Grant Program, Awards Over $25K to Central Valley Nonprofits During Second Quarter
August 13, 2020
Porterville, Calif. – Bank of the Sierra announced today that $25,100 was given to nine nonprofits in the Central Valley during the second quarter. The Bank will continue to prioritize funding to nonprofit organizations that are fighting or have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through its Sierra Grant Program. Bank of the Sierra awards $1,000-$5,000 grants to 15-25 nonprofit organizations each quarter as part of the program. Overall in the second quarter, the Bank awarded a total of $60,000 to nonprofits in the eight counties it serves.
United Cerebral Palsy Central California (UCPCC) will purchase 13 iPads with its Sierra Grant to help over 200 Central Valley students in their Parent & Me program. The iPads will help the students to communicate effectively with teachers while they shelter in place due to the coronavirus pandemic. UCPCC provides opportunities through learning for people with disabilities to help them reach their goals.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire (HFHGE) to halt all construction and upcoming events. The organization also had to temporarily close their ReStore in Bakersfield, the affiliate’s primary income source. A Sierra Grant will allow HFHGE to continue working in community development and to complete current construction projects in Kern County.
Make a Difference Outdoors (MAD) will use a Sierra Grant to support its Outdoor Excursions for Youth program, which develops strength of body, mind, and character through inclusive outdoor activities for youth. The organization provides outdoor experiences for Fresno, Kings, and Tulare County children of various abilities and backgrounds through this program, including those who have special needs or are economically disadvantaged. The coronavirus pandemic has limited MAD’s ability to hold events and raise funds.
“As the coronavirus continues to impact our communities, we will continue to help them through our Sierra Grant Program,” said Kevin McPhaill, Bank of the Sierra President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to assist these organizations that do so much for our communities.”
About the Sierra Grant Program
Since its inception in 2004, the Sierra Grant Program has been responsible for donating over $2.4 million to organizations that improve local communities. Nonprofits 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 website at bankofthesierra.com/sierragrant.
About Bank of the Sierra
Bank of the Sierra is in its 43rd 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 a loan production office and an online branch and provides specialized lending services through an agricultural credit center and an SBA center. Bank of the Sierra is recognized as one of the strongest and top-performing community banks in the country with a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial.
