Charitable Investments

Bank of the West's charitable investments are limited to public, nonprofit charitable organizations and agencies that are exempt from federal taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. High priority is placed on grants that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and communities.

Recipient nonprofit organizations must:

• Serve our geographic areas
• Fit within our charitable giving categories
• Operate as an equal opportunity employer
• Be governed by a board of directors
• Demonstrate fiscal and administrative stability

Funding Exclusions:

• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Individuals
• Fraternal or alumni organizations
• Political Action Committees, political candidates, causes or organizations attempting to influence legislation
• Capital campaigns
• Trips or tours for individuals and groups
• Talent and beauty contests

Bank of the West actively grants charitable investments in the communities we serve, which includes the following counties in these 19 states:

NOTE: Each state is a link that when clicked, opens up the list of counties that we serve.

Bank of the West Charitable Investments program accepts letters of inquiry from nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life, particularly for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities in following charitable giving categories:

Education and Job Training

• Financial education and management training programs
• Job training and vocational programs, including literacy and basic-skills education, for low- to moderate-income adults

Community and Economic Development

• Creation, preservation or rehabilitation of affordable housing
• Homeownership and credit counseling programs for low- to moderate-income individuals
• Financing services and technical assistance programs for small businesses and farms
• Asset creation and preservation programs for low- to moderate-income individuals

If your program is selected for future consideration, you will be contacted to complete a full on-line grant application.

Commitment to Community means investing in nonprofits to build stronger, healthier neighborhoods.

Apply online for a charitable investment from Bank of the West.

Apply Now

Applying online is easy.

1. Review our funding criteria
2. Register your nonprofit with CyberGrants
3. Complete your application

Apply Now

What you need to apply

• Tax ID
• Funding Request Details
• Electronic versions of:
• W-9 Form
• List of Board of Directors
• Recent Financial Statements

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Bank of the West's funding priorities?
2. When can I apply?
3. What if I don't have electronic documents?

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