The Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation administers the Community Grants program as part of its broader Social Impact Strategy. This program is designed to build healthier, more resilient, and inclusive communities by funding nonprofit organizations that support under-resourced individuals, families, and small businesses. In 2024 alone, the foundation awarded 212 grants out of over 1,300 applications, averaging approximately $6,000 per award. The grants may be used for either general operating support or direct-service programming, and are distributed without restrictions on spending once awarded.
The grant program operates across multiple cycles annually: Spring, Summer, and Fall. For 2025, the cycles open on February 3, March 18, and June 16, respectively, with corresponding close dates of March 17, June 9, and September 8. Decisions are communicated by email in May, August, and November. Applications must be submitted online through Umpqua Bank’s Community Partnerships webpage. Paper and email submissions are not accepted. Once the application deadline passes, a multistage review process begins, which may take up to 12 weeks. Organizations may only submit one application per calendar year unless they serve as fiscal sponsors in smaller communities.
Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and be listed in the national IRS database at the time of application. Additionally, they must serve communities where Umpqua Bank has a physical presence, including branches, commercial banking centers, or other offices. The program strongly prioritizes organizations that serve low-to-moderate income populations, under-resourced communities, and that engage current Umpqua Bank associates as volunteers. Certain requests are ineligible, including those for event sponsorships, capital campaigns, scholarships, or religious or political activities.
The program’s four main priority focus areas are: Economically Vibrant Communities, Healthy Communities, Inclusive Communities, and Sustainable Communities. Each focus area encompasses a range of eligible programming, from workforce development and small business support to mental and physical healthcare, arts and culture, environmental justice, disaster preparedness, and more. Applicants must specify their program’s primary and secondary focus areas and provide detailed demographic data about program participants.
The application process requires the submission of a mission statement, program description, funding request, budget, and other organization-specific details. Additional questions include BIPOC representation in leadership, service area details, and current or desired volunteer involvement from Umpqua associates. While formal reporting post-award is not required, the Foundation encourages recipients to share program outcomes in future applications. Technical assistance is available via the Grants Connect platform, and general inquiries can be directed to Community@UmpquaBank.com.
This grant opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching contributions and does not offer multi-year commitments. Late applications are not accepted, but draft applications can be routed to the next cycle upon request. Applicants are encouraged to engage Umpqua Bank associates as volunteers and community leaders to increase competitiveness.
