Community Outreach Programs

Community Outreach Program Guidelines & Application

Commitment

At PeoplesBank, we have been committed to supporting the communities we serve since our founding in 1885. This commitment continues today, with the goal of helping to build and maintain successful communities. Through our charitable giving program, we support many non-profit organizations and programs to enhance the overall quality of life in our communities.

Focus
Types of Support
Funding Restrictions
How to Apply
Download Application

Focus

At PeoplesBank, we concentrate our giving in the following areas:

Community Development - Reflecting our goal to benefit the greatest number of people in the communities in which we serve, PeoplesBank assists organizations that provide economic opportunities for our communities' residents. Through financial support, technical assistance and leadership, our Community Development outreach fosters worthwhile community reinvestment, such as:

The development of innovative responses to basic human needs.
Fair housing and community services targeted to low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
Community development initiatives that are catalysts for economically distressed areas.
New ways to address issues of economic self-sufficiency.
Academic achievement and success of local area youth.

Human Services - PeoplesBank is one of the largest annual contributors to the United Way. In addition to encouraging employee participation, we provide matching gifts which double their financial commitment.

Arts & Culture - PeoplesBank recognizes the important role that the arts play in the quality of life and the economic development of our community. We support organizations that provide arts and cultural activities which further these goals.

Types of Support

PeoplesBank provides many types of support to the communities we serve, including:

Grants - PeoplesBank grants are directed to the communities where we have offices. They are primarily made to support specific programs or capital fund requests, and are generally not intended for annual operating support. Our Community Fund Committee determines the allocation of grant funds, and reviews all requests. We also seek out organizations that may be eligible but have not applied, and encourage them to submit proposals.

Sponsorship - PeoplesBank sponsorships support programs that promote human services, community development, as well as arts and cultural activities.

Events - Non-profit fund raising events are supported through program booklet advertisements and participation in other appropriate opportunities associated with the event.

In-Kind - Contributions of equipment, facilities, and technical resources are made when appropriate.

Employee Outreach - PeoplesBank employees are committed to the community through their own generosity as well. PeoplesBank Officers are encouraged to participate in civic, charitable, educational and cultural organizations. Our employees enthusiastically raise money and donate their personal time to help local soup kitchens, clothing centers, promote awareness on health issues, and volunteer on the boards of many local and civic charitable and cultural organizations.

Funding Restrictions

General Guidelines:

Only 501 (c)(3) organizations will be considered.
Requests for $5,000 and over are considered grants. Requests under $5,000 are considered sponsorships, events or in-kind support.
Grant applications must be submitted prior to the first day of the month of the meeting at which they are to be considered in January, March, May, July, September and November.
Sponsorships, events and in-kind requests must be received 90 days prior to the event.
Committees will review no more than one proposal from an organization in a twelve-month period.
Support in one year does not guarantee continued support in future years.

PeoplesBank does not contribute to:

National organizations, including state and local chapters.
Organizations that raise money for other non-profits.
Organizations that operate outside our branch location network.
Institutions of higher learning.
Individuals.
Religious organizations, including restoration of church buildings.
Labor, fraternal, and veterans organizations.
Political organizations or projects.
Annual operating support to cover operating deficits, advertising or fund-raising activities.
Conferences and seminars.
Trips and tours, including transportation costs.
Endowment fund drives.

How to Apply

To apply for a grant, sponsorship, event or in-kind support from PeoplesBank, you must submit your request
in writing and include the following:

A completed PeoplesBank Request form (Page 4 of this document)
A cover letter on the organization's official stationery with a brief description of the organization's mission, history and accomplishments and a list of all officers and board members with any compensation provided by the organization, or a statement that no compensation is paid.
A copy of the organization's IRS Determination Letter of Tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3).

For grants only:

An audited financial statement for the organization, for the most recently completed fiscal year.
The operating budget for the current year for both the organization and the project to be funded, with projected revenues and expenses.
The goals and objectives for the requested project, including how and when success will be measured.

Only complete applications will be considered. All complete submitted requests will be reviewed. A letter confirming the results of this review will be sent to the submitting organization's named contact person, within one week of being reviewed. All decisions are final.

Please mail your completed Request Form and attachments to:

Manager of Community Affairs
PeoplesBank
330 Whitney Avenue
Holyoke, MA 01040