Liberty Bank Foundation – Community Grants (2026)
Program Grants Supporting Education, Housing, and Food Security
The Liberty Bank Foundation provides charitable grants to nonprofit organizations that strengthen communities served by Liberty Bank. Established in 1997, the Foundation invests in programs that support low-to-moderate income individuals and families and create measurable, long-term community impact.
Organization
Liberty Bank Foundation
Support Type
Charitable program grants (no sponsorships)
Geographic Focus
Communities served by Liberty Bank
About the Funder
Founded as an extension of Liberty Bank’s nearly 200-year commitment to community, the Liberty Bank Foundation supports organizations that neighbors rely on to build strong, vibrant communities. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come.
Funding Priorities
The Foundation focuses on programs serving low-to-moderate income individuals and families in the following areas:
Education & Training
- K–12 programs improving academic performance and college/career readiness
- Adult workforce development for unemployed or underemployed individuals
- Support for small businesses through grants to Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs)
Affordable Housing
Eligible activities include:
- Development of affordable and supportive housing
- Technical assistance for nonprofit housing developers
- Education and advocacy to build support for affordable housing
- Foreclosure prevention and homeowner counseling
- Homebuyer and landlord education for low/moderate-income individuals
Food
- Limited grants (typically $5,000–$10,000) for the primary food pantry or soup kitchen in each community
- Note: The Foundation’s primary food insecurity effort is the Liberty Bank Rotary Club Thanksgiving Drive
Eligibility
Eligible applicants:
- 501(c)(3) public charities
- Municipal agencies (projects must be solely for public purposes)
Evaluation criteria include:
- Number of people served
- Level of need
- Measurable impact and potential for long-term change
The Foundation generally prefers program-specific requests. Capital projects or equipment are considered only in rare cases.
Ineligible Requests
The Foundation does not fund:
- Annual fundraisers or campaigns; sponsorships (sponsorship requests should be made to Liberty Bank)
- Advocacy, lobbying, or political activities
- Animal causes; childcare/daycare agencies
- Scholarships or subsidies; private tuition
- Consultants; debt reduction; endowments
- Fundraising events (e.g., golf tournaments, races)
- Community or cultural festivals
- Pilots, start-ups, new initiatives
- Research or feasibility studies
- Religious organizations (unless non-sectarian, broad-based community issues)
- Trips, tours, or conferences
- Organizations serving a very limited number of individuals
Grant Size & Duration
- Minimum grant: $5,000
- Typical range: $5,000–$25,000 (most awards are $5,000–$10,000)
- Duration: One-time grants
- Limit: One application per organization per calendar year
Application Process & Timeline
📅 Next Deadline: June 1, 2026
📅 Decision Timeframe: By end of September 2026
Additional deadlines:
- December 1 → decisions by end of March
Important application note:
- The online application is available to organizations that have previously received funding from the Foundation.
- First-time applicants must contact the Foundation before applying to discuss the proposal.
Application Checklist
Applicants must upload all required documents, including:
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
- Board list with affiliations
- Project budget and organizational operating budget
- Most recent audited financials (or financial statements if unaudited)
- Most recent Form 990 (all pages)
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Application / Learn More
➡️ Grant Guidelines & Application:
https://www.liberty-bank.com/about-liberty-bank/liberty-community/community-foundation/liberty-bank-foundation
📩 First-time applicants:
Contact Toral Maher, Executive Director at tmaher@liberty-bank.com before applying.
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is well suited for organizations that:
- Serve low-to-moderate income individuals and families
- Deliver programmatic impact (not events or sponsorships)
- Operate in Liberty Bank–served communities
- Can demonstrate measurable, long-term outcomes in education, housing, or food access
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
- Review Type: Three cycles annually
- Next Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Grant Size: $5,000–$25,000
- Best Suited For: Established nonprofits with strong programs and documented impact
