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FirstBank Is Taking Applications for Neighborhood Grants

Sept. 10, 2008 – FirstBank is accepting applications from local non-profits and community organizations now through Oct. 10 for its annual Neighborhood Grant Program. Grants up to $2,000 will be awarded to organizations that are currently recognized as non-profit and tax exempt by the United States IRS under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Schools are also encouraged to apply.
The primary focus of the Neighborhood Grants is to fund organizations that promote or sustain economic development or assist in revitalizing or stabilizing low/moderate-income communities. Applications will be accepted for programs centered on affordable housing, small business development, youth development, care for the homeless, financial literacy, job training, day care operations, health services, domestic violence prevention and addiction recovery.
In addition, the following three special purpose grants will also be offered:
Dollar Days Grant: up to $2,000 will be awarded to a high school teacher to conduct a three session financial education classroom project including budgeting/money allocation, understanding credit and fundamentals of investing combined with a practical, hands-on activity allowing for demonstration of learned financial skills. FirstBank is willing to participate in the classroom project.
Community Connection Grant: up to $2,000 will be awarded to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on behalf of an employee/volunteer who demonstrates unmatched enthusiasm and dedication to living out the mission of the organization. The grant application must be accompanied by a typewritten success story of not less than 200 words where a community, family or individual was significantly helped by the featured person's efforts. The success story submission must include: (1). the name of the organization, program and featured staff person or volunteer, (2). the timeframe involved, and (3). the specific benefit that was achieved.
First In Service Grant: up to $1,000 will be awarded to be shared by a Virgin Islands student and the community-based organization for which he or she has been a volunteer for at least one year. The student must be between the ages of 10 and 18. The grant funding will be awarded $500 to the community organization and $500 to the student.
To apply for the special purpose grants, specific eligibility requirements as listed on the application must be met. "These grants allow FirstBank to channel our community reinvestment efforts where they are needed most, to the people of the Virgin Islands, by recognizing individuals that demonstrate a wholehearted commitment to serving the community," said Sadie Taylor-Clendinen, marketing officer.
The grants are part of FirstBank's continuing commitment to the V.I. Through its Community Reinvestment program, the bank not only provides funding support but also partners with organizations territory-wide to deliver financial education to all segments of the community with primary focus on low-and-moderate-income households.
Applications for the grants are available at all FirstBank branches on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix and online at www.firstbankvi.com. Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, Oct 10, or can be e-mailed to sadie.taylor-clendinen@firstbankvi.com by the same deadline.

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