The community bank’s Sierra Grant Program provides funding to 19 Central Valley nonprofits in their first quarter
PORTERVILLE – One of the best ways to do business in a community is to be a part of the community. Clearly Bank of the Sierra takes the message to heart having awarded $43,000 to 19 worthy nonprofits in the Central Valley through the bank’s Sierra Grant program.
Kevin McPhaill, bank president and chief executive officer, enthusiastically announced, “We reached a record number of Sierra Grant applications this quarter and were delighted for the opportunity to fund such incredible initiatives.” He continued, “We are not an inactive bank, we are a community bank, standing by the people who reside here and helping every chance we get!”
Each quarter the bank awards $1,000-$5,000 grants to 15-20 local nonprofit organizations. Grants were distributed to a record number 26 nonprofits within the bank’s footprint this quarter, including the following in the Central Valley:
- The Bethlehem Center in Visalia serves 6,000 hot meals to homeless and low-income families monthly received a grant to alleviate food expenses. The center’s goal is to provide healthy well-rounded meals to members of the community who cannot otherwise afford it. The organization also provides clothing and a resource center to assist those who are less fortunate.
- Abundant Life Ranch, Inc. received a grant to fund their 90-Minute Session Program which serves disadvantaged, abused, and at risk children between the ages of 5 and 18. The program helps children to develop healthy relationship skills, primarily based on communication, respect, and trust while participating in ranch chores, horse care, and other activities. The grant allows members the opportunity to participate for a donation-only cost.
- Valley Caregiver Resource Center received a grant to fund a certified case investigator, who will ensure elderly members of the community who live in long-term care facilities are well taken care of. The investigator will advocate for over 1,000 residents visiting a minimum of eight care facilities monthly. The center also provides a variety of resources that assist elderly community members along with their families master the challenges of the aging process.
Since its inception in 2004, the Sierra Grant Program has been responsible for donating over $1.7 million to organizations that improve local communities. Nonprofits who wish to apply for a Sierra Grant can pick up an instructional brochure at any Bank of the Sierra branch, or visit the bank’s web site at www.bankofthesierra.com/resources/sierra_grant_program.
