Live Oak Bank – Corporate Philanthropy Program (2026)

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Charitable Grants Supporting Education, Healthcare & Workforce Development in the Cape Fear Region

Live Oak Bank is committed to investing in the Cape Fear region’s future through strategic corporate philanthropy. The bank awards grants in education, healthcare and human services, with a particular emphasis on workforce development. Live Oak prioritizes initiatives that support jobs with family-sustaining wages, benefits, and upward mobility, recognizing workforce opportunity as a key driver of increased area median income (AMI) and overall community wellbeing.

Beyond grantmaking, Live Oak Bank seeks to act as a catalyst for broader charitable giving and employee engagement—fostering a stronger, more vibrant region for all.

Organization: Live Oak Bank
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Cape Fear region, centered on Wilmington, North Carolina

About the Funder

Live Oak Bank is a digitally focused, FDIC-insured bank headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. While serving customers nationwide, the bank’s corporate philanthropy is intentionally place-based, investing in nonprofit partners that deliver measurable impact within the Cape Fear region. Live Oak’s philanthropic approach combines strategic grantmaking with employee volunteer engagement to strengthen long-term economic and social outcomes.

What This Program Supports

Live Oak Bank’s Corporate Philanthropy Program focuses on nonprofit organizations delivering direct services that improve access to opportunity and quality of life.

Priority Funding Areas

Education
Programs that expand educational access, learning outcomes, and workforce readiness.

Healthcare & Human Services
Organizations providing essential health services, care access, and social support for individuals and families.

Workforce Development
Initiatives that help individuals secure family-sustaining jobs, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement, contributing to long-term economic mobility and community stability.

Eligible Support Types

Charitable grants to nonprofit organizations
Strategic partnerships aligned with workforce and community outcomes
Grantmaking connected to employee volunteer involvement

Grant Eligibility

To be eligible for a grant from Live Oak Bank, organizations should meet the following criteria:

Strong Community Partnership

Live Oak prioritizes relationships with local organizations where at least one Live Oak employee is actively volunteering. This engagement deepens partnership, strengthens alignment, and allows the bank to see impact firsthand.

Direct Service Focus

Grants are intended to directly benefit individuals and families in need. Organizations must provide tangible, direct services to the community rather than solely advocacy or indirect support.

Geographic Alignment

Organizations must operate within and serve residents of the Cape Fear region.

Funding Amounts

Minimum Grant Size: $5,000
Live Oak Bank does not publish a maximum grant amount. Award sizes vary based on alignment with priorities, demonstrated impact, and available philanthropic resources.

Timeline & Deadline

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling or cycle-based (as determined by the corporate philanthropy portal)
📅 Review Period: Variable

Applicants should consult Live Oak Bank’s online application system for current submission windows and review timelines.

Application / Request Process

Organizations seeking support should submit a grant request through Live Oak Bank’s corporate philanthropy application portal. Requests should clearly outline:

Organizational mission and tax-exempt status
Description of direct services provided
Community need and populations served
Workforce, education, or health outcomes addressed
Requested grant amount (minimum $5,000) and use of funds

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.liveoak.bank/corporate-philanthropy/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:

Serve the Cape Fear region, particularly Wilmington
Provide direct services in education, healthcare, human services, or workforce development
Promote economic mobility through family-sustaining jobs and career pathways
Have or can cultivate an active volunteer relationship with a Live Oak Bank employee

Live Oak Bank’s Corporate Philanthropy Program is best suited for community-rooted nonprofits delivering measurable, people-centered outcomes.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Rolling or portal-based cycles
Typical Lead Time: Variable; relationship-building encouraged
Best Suited For: Cape Fear region nonprofits focused on workforce development, education, health, and human services with direct service models