Empowerment Grant

The Empowerment Grant, administered by The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF), is designed to support nonprofit organizations operating within the geographic footprint of Provident Bank across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to investing in marginalized communities and enhancing economic self-sufficiency by addressing key issues that contribute to the cycle of poverty. PBF prioritizes collaborations with nonprofit entities whose missions and work closely align with the Foundation’s core values and updated funding priorities. The grant provides recipients with flexible financial support for programs, projects, or initiatives that demonstrate a meaningful and measurable impact in their communities over a two-year period. Eligible organizations must meet several specific criteria, including having 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) status, a minimum of two full operating years, and an operating budget between $50,000 and $15 million. Organizations with budgets under $1 million may apply for $5,000–$10,000 per year, while those with budgets between $1 million and $15 million may request $10,000–$25,000 annually, for a total grant term of two years. Applicants must also be based in or serve a community that hosts or is adjacent to a Provident Bank branch. Required documentation varies slightly by budget size, but generally includes IRS Form 990/990-EZ, a current fiscal year budget, a list of current funders, a board of directors list with affiliations, and a detailed program budget and narrative. The Foundation funds programs that align with one or more of three key priorities: Education, Human Services, and Workforce Development. Within these priorities, focus areas include community college access, food security, youth mental health, vocational training, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals. The grant supports a range of uses, such as administrative costs, program delivery, equipment, and new program start-up expenses within established organizations. However, PBF does not fund municipalities, capital campaigns, individuals, or activities such as galas, scholarships, religious or political initiatives, or debt relief. The 2026 application cycle opens April 1 at 9:00 AM EST and closes April 30 at 5:00 PM EST. Applicants must submit their proposals through PBF’s online portal. Applications are reviewed using a scoring rubric that evaluates elements such as program description, alignment with mission, demonstration of need, and evaluation plans. The review period runs from May 1 through July 15, with funding decisions announced around July 31. The grant period will begin August 1, 2026 and end July 31, 2028. A mid-term check-in in July or August 2027 will determine the release of second-year funds. Grant recipients are required to participate in four site visits or check-ins over the two-year term. Failure to meet reporting obligations may jeopardize continued or future funding. Organizations may only apply once per calendar year, and those with a grant term extending beyond July 31, 2026 must wait until 2027 to reapply. PBF encourages collaborative applications, provided the principal applicant is a qualified nonprofit. Such partnerships require formal agreements and shared responsibility for adherence to grant conditions. Applicants are advised to monitor PBF’s website for any changes to the application process. For feedback on declined applications, organizations may contact the Foundation by emailing [email protected]. All communications throughout the process are conducted via email, and final decisions will be conveyed accordingly.

Clearly align program with PBF priorities; use data to justify need; include evaluation plan with measurable outcomes.