Grant Funding Guidelines

Funding Priorities

It is our wish to meet the needs of every community in our footprint; however, our funding will target innovative programs that enhance the quality of life within our communities in support of two main strategic initiatives, which are Community & Economic Development and Education. Priority consideration is given to programs that target low- to moderate-income individuals. 

It is our belief that viable, sustainable communities are created when strong Community & Economic Development programs and Educational opportunities are available.  Examples of such programming include the following:

1. Community & Economic Development

• Job training and workforce development programs
• Youth and adult financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs
• Rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing that assists low- and moderate-income individuals and families
• Homeownership education programs

2. Education

• Youth and adult literacy/reading programs
• Early childhood development programs focusing on school readiness
• Academic achievement programs focusing on foundational skills, such as math and reading
• Cultural education and diversity awareness programs
• Tutoring and mentoring programs that focus on academic achievement
• College preparation programs

The Foundation may also consider funding requests in the areas of Arts & Culture and Health & Human Services that address critical community needs when funding is available. 

Restrictions

Old National Bank Foundation will ordinarily only fund one request per grantee per calendar year. Exceptions to this one per year funding will be rare.

We cannot fund every worthwhile endeavor.  Our support is directed to areas that demonstrate the most critical need and can have the greatest impact in support of our funding priorities.  The ONB Foundation does not provide funding for the following:

• Individuals
• Endowments
• Requests that will be used mainly for salaries or general operations
• School clubs/organizations, including, but not limited to bands, athletic or academic teams, booster clubs, PTO/PTA
• Meals, tickets, dues, memberships, fees, travel, tuition, subscriptions and other tangible benefits
• Childcare fees/subsidies or K-12 tuition
• Meetings, conferences, workshops
• Summer camps
• Political, labor, military, veteran’s, international or fraternal organizations
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age or religion
• Programs administered by religious organizations for religious purposes
• Debt retirement or funding of any activity that is already completed
• Contests, Competitions, Athletic Events, Beauty Pageants or Talent Contests
• Sponsorships, fundraisers, races, telethons, marathons, benefits, banquets, galas, golf tournaments, festivals or other events
• Scholarly or medical research
• Feasibility studies, project research or development phases, including the cost of hiring consultants or planners