Community possible grant program

The foundation will consider the following factors:

• Innovation and/or differentiation in our focus areas of work, home and play
• Programming and services that advance positive community engagement efforts
• Demonstrated outcomes and impact
• Service delivery to low- and moderate-income people, women and people of color
• Commitment to strategies advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization
• The financial health of the organization

Please read our ESG and community reports for more information on our annual giving.

Our grant program is designed to embrace the diversity in our communities. Organizations must have tax-exempt status under IRS section 501(c)(3) and certify that they maintain a non-discrimination policy that ensures the organization does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status or other factors that are protected by law.

Because the Foundation receives funding requests beyond the annual grant program budget, we must decline support to worthy organizations and programs. We may decline support to organizations we have previously supported to expand community engagements. Support should not be expected to continue in perpetuity and declination does not reflect a negative appraisal of the organization or the value of its programs and service.

We consider the following funding requests:

Operating grants – An operating grant is given to cover an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses, such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and more. We consider operating support requests from organizations where the entire mission of the organization fits a Community Possible grant focus area.

Program or project grants – A program or project grant is given to support a specific, connected set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. We consider highly effective and innovative programs that meet our Community Possible grant focus areas.

Capital grants – A capital grant is given to finance fixed assets. The U.S. Bank Foundation considers a small number of capital support requests from organizations that:

• Meet all other funding criteria
• Have an entire mission statement that fits a Community Possible grant focus area
• Have a funding history with the Foundation
• Have a U.S. Bank employee on the board of directors

U.S. Bank does not fund more than 1% of the non-endowment total capital campaign fundraising goal. All capital grant requests are reviewed and approved by the national U.S. Bank Foundation Board or by the U.S. Bank Foundation President.

The U.S. Bank Foundation Community Possible grant program will not provide funding for:

• Organizations that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status or other factors that are protected by law
• Political organizations or organizations designed primarily to lobby
• Programs operated by religious organizations for religious purposes
• For profit organizations, fraternal organizations, merchant associations, chamber memberships or programs, or 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations
• Section 509(a)(3) – Type III supporting organizations
• Private foundations
• Endowments or memorial campaigns
• Fundraising events or sponsorships
• Travel and related expenses including student trips and tours
• Individuals, including those seeking scholarships or fellowship assistance
• Deficit reduction