First Financial Foundation – Annual Grant Campaign (2026)
Funding for Neighborhood Development, Workforce Education, and Arts & Culture Programs
Organization: First Financial Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Communities within First Financial Bank’s assessment areas
About the Funder
The First Financial Foundation is the philanthropic arm of First Financial Bank. Through its annual grant program, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity, and enhance quality of life across the regions the bank serves.
The foundation focuses on initiatives that create measurable community impact, with particular emphasis on neighborhood revitalization, financial empowerment, workforce development, and cultural vitality.
What This Program Supports
The First Financial Foundation supports nonprofit programs aligned with three core funding priorities.
Neighborhood Development
Programs that strengthen communities by expanding housing opportunities and improving neighborhood stability.
Examples include:
- Affordable housing initiatives for low- and moderate-income individuals
- Homebuyer education programs
- Foreclosure prevention initiatives
- Neighborhood revitalization projects
- Programs that help individuals maintain homeownership
The foundation prioritizes projects that help eliminate blight, stabilize communities, and attract residents and businesses.
Workforce Development & Education
Programs that enhance financial literacy, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.
Examples include:
- Financial literacy programs focused on savings, budgeting, and expense management
- Credit score education and financial counseling
- Job training and career readiness initiatives
- Programs helping individuals build long-term financial stability
- Diversity and inclusion education programs that support equitable economic participation
Culture & the Arts
Programs that support community arts and cultural engagement, helping strengthen local economies and community identity.
Examples include:
- Arts education programs for youth and adults
- Performing arts initiatives including music, theatre, and dance
- Visual arts and community art programs
- Programs that promote cultural expression and creative industries
Eligible Support Types
Funding may support nonprofit programs and initiatives that:
- Improve housing stability and neighborhood development
- Expand financial education and workforce training opportunities
- Promote arts and cultural programs that strengthen community vitality
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing with the IRS
- Be located in or serve residents within First Financial Bank’s assessment areas
- Be in good standing with First Financial Bank and meet any prior grant reporting requirements
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
- Stable financial resources
- A community-focused mission
- Strong leadership and governance
- Programs capable of producing measurable community impact
Ineligible Requests
The First Financial Foundation does not fund:
- Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
- Projects outside First Financial Bank’s assessment areas
- Political or religious organizations or lobbying efforts
- Private foundations
- Military organizations
- Service club activities
- Sports teams or athletic programs
- Travel expenses or trips
- Endowments or capital building campaigns
- Fundraising events such as galas, golf tournaments, or telethons
- Feasibility studies
- Animal welfare organizations
Funding Amounts
The foundation does not publish standard grant award amounts. Funding decisions vary based on project scope, community impact, and available resources.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Opens: May 1, 2026
⏰ Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
Applications are accepted during the annual grant campaign period.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the online grant portal, which becomes available on the foundation’s website during the open application period.
Applicants should ensure that their proposal:
- Clearly aligns with one of the foundation’s three funding priorities
- Demonstrates measurable community impact
- Shows strong organizational leadership and financial stability
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.bankatfirst.com/personal/discover/grants-sponsorships/foundation.html
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is ideal for nonprofits that:
- Serve communities within First Financial Bank’s service areas
- Focus on housing stability, financial literacy, workforce development, or arts and culture
- Deliver programs that strengthen neighborhoods and improve economic opportunity
- Demonstrate strong leadership and measurable impact
The First Financial Foundation’s annual grant campaign supports organizations working to create vibrant, economically stable communities.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Annual competitive grant cycle
Typical Lead Time: Submit during the May application window
Best Suited For: Nonprofits focused on community development, financial empowerment, and arts programming.
