The Provident Bank Foundation – Empowerment Grants (2026)
Two-Year Flexible Funding for Community Impact
📅 Application Window: April 1–30, 2026
The The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Empowerment Grants, providing two years of flexible funding to nonprofit organizations working to advance economic self-sufficiency and strengthen marginalized communities within Provident Bank’s service footprint.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from 9:00 AM ET on April 1, 2026, through 5:00 PM ET on April 30, 2026.
Organization
The Provident Bank Foundation
Support Type
Charitable grants (multi-year, flexible funding)
Geographic Focus
Communities served by Provident Bank branches in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
About the Funder
The Provident Bank Foundation invests in nonprofit partners that serve marginalized communities across its branch network. By addressing the interconnected challenges that perpetuate poverty, PBF supports programs that help individuals and families achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency, stability, and opportunity.
Overview of the Empowerment Grant Program
The Empowerment Grant program provides two years of flexible funding for programs, projects, or initiatives that:
- Are based within PBF’s geographic footprint
- Align with at least one funding priority and area of interest
- Demonstrate community enhancement and meaningful impact over the full grant term
Grant funds may be used for a wide range of program-related expenses, including overhead, staffing, equipment, and program start-up costs.
Funding Amounts & Eligibility by Operating Budget
Organizations with Annual Budgets of $50,000–$1 Million
- Grant Range: $5,000–$10,000 per year
- Grant Term: 2 years
- Total Allocation: $100,000
Organizations with Annual Budgets of $1 Million–$15 Million
- Grant Range: $10,000–$25,000 per year
- Grant Term: 2 years
- Total Allocation: $400,000
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) status
- Have at least two full operating years
- Submit Form 990 or 990-EZ (990-N e-postcards are not accepted)
- Provide audited or reviewed financial statements (for larger-budget applicants)
- Not be in an active grant term with PBF
- Serve at least one community with a Provident Bank branch, or a contiguous community
Funding Priorities & Areas of Interest
📚 Education
- Community colleges
- Access to educational opportunities for all
- Special education services (K–college)
- Programs enhancing outcomes for students with disabilities
🧺 Human Services
- Housing assistance (access, affordability, stability)
- Food security and nutrition access
- Healthcare for uninsured or underinsured populations
- Youth mental health services (prevention through treatment)
🛠️ Workforce Development
- Vocational and credentialed training programs
- Employment supports before and after job placement
- Reentry programs supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration
Ineligible Requests
The Provident Bank Foundation will not fund:
- Organizations with budgets under $50,000 or over $15 million
- Organizations with fewer than two operating years
- Private foundations or other grantmaking entities
- Fiscal sponsor arrangements
- Government or municipal agencies
- Event sponsorships (galas, golf outings, performances, etc.)
- Scholarships or grants to individuals
- Religious, political, or lobbying activities
- Capital campaigns, endowments, or debt reduction
- Retroactive funding or construction outside the grant term
- Organizations that engage in discriminatory practices
Use of Grant Funds
Empowerment Grants may be used for:
- Administrative and overhead expenses
- Program-related costs
- Equipment purchases
- New program start-up expenses within established organizations
Partnerships & Collaboration
Collaborative proposals are welcome. Requirements include:
- One designated principal applicant (eligible 501(c)(3))
- All partners must meet PBF eligibility requirements
- Partner organizations must co-sign the grant contract
- A signed collaborative agreement or MOU submitted with the application
Reporting & Grant Payments
- Year 1 Payment: August 2026
- Year 2 Payment: After successful 12-month check-in (July/August 2027)
- Grantees must participate in four check-ins or site visits over two years
- Failure to comply with reporting may jeopardize second-year funding
Application Process & Timeline
Application Portal: Online grant portal
Application Window: April 1 (9:00 AM ET) – April 30 (5:00 PM ET), 2026
2026 Timeline
- Application Available: April 1
- Application Due: April 30
- Review & Assessment: May 1 – July 15
- Decision Notifications: On or about July 31
- Grant Term: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2028
Apply / Learn More
➡️ https://www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org/our-grants/2026-grant-cycle
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This program is ideal for organizations that:
- Serve marginalized communities in NJ, NY, or PA
- Address education, human services, or workforce development
- Seek multi-year, flexible funding
- Can demonstrate measurable impact and strong financial management
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive, single annual cycle
Funding Term: 2 years
Award Size: $10,000–$50,000 total (over two years)
Best Suited For: Community-based nonprofits with established programs and measurable outcomes
