Popular Foundation – Community Grants Program (2026)
Grants Supporting Education, Community Development, and Financial Literacy in Popular Bank Communities
Popular Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to strengthen the social and economic well-being of communities where Popular Bank operates. The Foundation uses an employee-driven model, with supported organizations connected to an active Popular Foundation employee liaison to help build meaningful relationships between the bank’s team and local communities.
Organization: Popular Foundation / Popular Bank
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Popular Bank service regions, including New York, New Jersey, and South Florida
Application Window: August 1 – August 31, 2026
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About the Funder
Popular Foundation is the charitable foundation of Popular Bank. The Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the social and economic well-being of the communities where Popular operates. To date, Popular Foundation has awarded more than $6.5 million to community organizations across Popular Bank’s U.S. service regions.
What makes Popular Foundation distinctive is its employee-driven approach. Every organization supported by the Foundation has an active employee liaison, helping create stronger connections between Popular Bank employees and the nonprofits serving their communities.
What This Program Supports
Popular Foundation invests exclusively in programs with direct social impact in three focus areas:
Education and Youth Development
Programs that address the academic needs of school-age children and youth. This may include tutoring, mentoring, arts education, special education, alternative education, college access, and career readiness programs.
Community Development Initiatives
Programs that strengthen and empower communities through local infrastructure improvements, community centers, housing rehabilitation, homeowners’ assistance, food insecurity programs, affordable permanent and temporary housing, and other community needs.
Financial Literacy
Programs that help individuals better understand personal finance and build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to make informed financial decisions. These programs may help reduce vulnerability to scams, foster financial confidence, and support broader economic participation.
Eligible Support Types
Programmatic grants for direct-service nonprofit programs
Community-based education and youth development initiatives
Community development and housing-related programs
Financial literacy and economic empowerment programs
Programs that offer meaningful employee volunteer opportunities
Eligibility & Preferences
Eligible applicants must be registered, nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.
Popular Foundation prioritizes organizations that:
Provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for Popular Foundation employees
Deliver services that economically empower individuals in Popular Bank communities
Use models in non-traditional learning environments
Are directly engaged in community-based programming
Demonstrate program sustainability
Maintain nondiscriminatory policies and practices related to physical abilities, gender, race, age, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, and/or creed
Priority is given to organizations that align with the Foundation’s grantmaking focus, offer employee volunteer opportunities, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable business practices.
Ineligible Requests
Popular Foundation does not fund:
One-time fundraising events and sponsorships
Production of marketing materials
Capital expenditures, including building or land acquisitions
Grants to individuals
Religious causes
Political causes
Funding Amounts
Popular Foundation does not publish standard grant award amounts. Grant size may vary based on program alignment, community impact, available funding, and fit with the Foundation’s priorities.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Opens: August 1, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
📅 Review Timeline: Not publicly specified
Application / Request Process
All applications must be submitted through Popular Foundation’s online portal. Applicants should create or sign in to an account, complete all required application fields, and retain a copy of the completed application for their records.
Employee liaisons may not complete the application form on behalf of an applying organization.
Applicants should review the Foundation’s grant guidelines before submitting to ensure all required information is included.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.popularbank.com/about-us/community/popular-foundation/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for nonprofits serving Popular Bank communities through education, youth development, community development, housing, food security, financial literacy, or economic empowerment programs. Organizations that can offer meaningful volunteer engagement for Popular Bank employees and demonstrate direct community impact may be especially competitive.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Annual grant cycle
Application Window: August 1–31, 2026
Best Suited For: 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Popular Bank communities through education, community development, financial literacy, and economic empowerment programs
Relationship Note: Strong fit for organizations that can engage Popular Foundation employees through volunteer opportunities
