The U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund is administered by the U.S. Bank Foundation, which focuses on alleviating barriers for low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and communities. The foundation supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those using 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors. The fund targets critical areas like affordable housing, economic resilience through digital access and workforce development, financial health, homeownership, and small business development.
The grant supports affordable housing efforts by providing funding for building, rehabilitating, or lending towards both single-family and multifamily rental housing. It also encourages programming that fosters access and promotes collaboration within the housing sector. In terms of economic resilience, the grant aims to broaden economic growth and workforce development by enhancing access to technology, entrepreneurship support, broadband infrastructure improvements, and job training programs—especially in LMI, rural, and Tribal communities.
Financial health is another major focus, with the fund prioritizing nonprofits experienced in deploying and measuring financial health programs for LMI individuals. These may include initiatives on savings, credit, and wealth-building strategies. Regarding homeownership, the fund supports services like housing counseling, down payment assistance, and foreclosure prevention aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for LMI communities.
For small business development, the fund emphasizes increasing access to capital and services for entrepreneurs in LMI areas. Support includes technical assistance, capital delivery, collaboration facilitation, and product design. Eligible applicants must operate in the 26 states where U.S. Bank has branches. Grant awards range from $50,000 to $500,000 annually and can be used for operating or program/project support.
Application requires a two-step submission: a Letter of Interest due by June 2, 2025, and a full application due by July 28, 2025. Invitations for both submissions begin on April 7, and grant decisions will be announced in October, with awards distributed in November. Only one application per organization is accepted. For questions, applicants should contact the U.S. Bank Foundation at usbankfoundation@usbank.com.
