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      Deep Roots as a Trusted Partner

      Our non-profit grants are designed to help build thriving communities where we live and work.

      Guidelines and FAQs

      Old National Bank Foundation

      The Old National Bank Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations to fund widespread community impact programs and/or projects. The Foundation is part of our overall charitable giving initiative, which enables us to support programs that improve quality of life in areas of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. We believe in supporting where our clients, team members and shareholders live and work.

      See Grant Guidelines and FAQs

      Apply for a Grant

      Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. Due to the volume of applications received, each is evaluated on a competitive basis as we strive to fund programs with strong impact and measurable outcomes.

      • Clients looking at their laptop reviewing the guidelines

        Please Read Our Foundation Guidelines and FAQs

        Grant application cycle dates, funding priorities, restrictions, and other helpful information can be found in our Guidelines and FAQ. You are required to review this document prior to submitting an application. 

      • Associates teaming up to help a clothing drive

        Ineligible and Invite-Only Requests

        The Foundation contributes annually to the United Way throughout our footprint. As a result, United Ways are not eligible for other grant funding opportunities.

        Capital Campaigns and Multi-Year Grants: These are very rare for our foundation and are initiated by the Old National Bank Executive Leadership Team.

        Also note: some requests that are not eligible through the Foundation may be eligible for a sponsorship.

      • Associates helping the community

        An ONB Foundation Grant

        The grant application is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are seeking to carry out programs related directly to our funding priorities, mission and vision. 

        Preview our application questions.

      Foundation Partner Spotlight
      Old National has always focused on strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In 2024, we invested over $3.68 million in our communities via grants to 229 organizations. We’re sharing just a handful of initiatives funded in 2024 through our Foundation.

      • Hearts and Hammers logo

        Hearts & Hammers Twin Cities: Minneapolis, MN

        An Affordable Housing Partner

        ONB Foundation funding enables free home-improvement assistance to low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and veteran homeowners, ensuring they can age in place safely. Volunteers rehabilitate homes, offering services like exterior painting, repairs, and accessibility upgrades.

      • Choosewell Communities logo

        ChooseWell Communities (CWC): Louisville, KY

        An Affordable Housing Partner

        Our grant funding supports CWC’s Housing First initiative which ensures Louisville-area families remain anchored in safe, affordable housing as their parents navigate early recovery and their children’s crucial first five years.

      • Black Leaders Detroit logo

        Black Leaders Detroit (BLD): Detroit, MI

        An Economic Development Partner

        BLD’s no-interest loan program provides Black entrepreneurs with financial support without the burden of interest. Our grant dollars help foster economic growth and stability within the Black community by offering accessible funding, empowering business owners to thrive and succeed.

      • Bizstarts logo

        BizStarts Milwaukee: Milwaukee, WI

        An Economic Development Partner

        Through its funding, the ONB Foundation will enable an ecosystem of training and support for new or emerging Milwaukee entrepreneurs from low- to moderate-income BIPOC communities. BizStart’s structured guidance is designed to be flexible and able to evolve as entrepreneurs

      • Greenwood project logo

        Greenwood Project: Chicago, IL

        A Workforce Development Partner

        The ONB Foundation helps the Greenwood Project create career pathways in financial services for Black and Latino college students. Our funding helps train scholars in career-tracked skills they will need to succeed in the financial services industry. More than 70 percent of Greenwood participants are currently working in financial services.

      • Blue Jacket logo

        Blue Jacket: Fort Wayne, IN

        A Workforce Development Partner

        Blue Jacket Academy is an intensive training program to help individuals who have previously struggled to find or keep employment overcome their personal barriers. The ONB Foundation investment provides coursework and soft skills needed to succeed. Graduates can gain work experience through entry level employment in a Blue Jacket social enterprise.

      • Project Green logo

        Project Green: Grand Rapids, MI

        A Financial Education Partner

        By partnering with the Old National Bank Foundation, Project Green aims to move consumers away from asset-reducing products and practices—like payday lending—and toward an asset-building mindset. Project Green partners with local churches to provide their congregations and surrounding communities with financial capabilities and educational workshops.

      • Climb logo

        CLIMB USA: Madison, WI

        A Financial Education Partner

        The ONB Foundation funding makes it possible for CLIMB USA to expand investment education into BIPOC communities. Using an innovative investment club model called Community Based Investment Enterprises, this organization teaches underserved youth, families, and communities how to research stocks and create a real investment portfolio.

      • Chicago Youth Centers logo

        Chicago Youth Centers (CYC): Chicago, IL

        An Educational Achievement Partner

        This funding will support the expansion of CYC’s capacity to provide first-in-class programming to vulnerable youth and families in even more Chicago communities. CYC ensures kids have a safe place they can go to explore, to discover, to process, and ultimately to envision a bright future for themselves.

      • Rise Early Learning Center logo

        Rise Early Learning Center: Minneapolis, MN

        An Educational Achievement Partner

        Our funding supports family stability and aims to prepare children for success in school and life. Through a unique co-location model with an affordable family housing building, Rise Early is serving low-income families to create positive learning experiences in the early years, which prepares children for a lifetime of success.

      Old National Bank Foundation Guidelines and FAQ
      Please review these guidelines to help with the application process and to ensure alignment with our mutual goals.

      Cycle Dates

      Board Decision Dates

      January 2-February 12

      April 16 (grant applicants notified soon after)

      May 1-June 11

      September 10 (grant applicants notified soon after)

      Our funding targets innovative programs that enhance the quality of life within our communities in support of the following four strategic initiatives: Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment. We prioritize programs that serve underrepresented communities and low- to moderate-income people.

      Affordable Housing

      • Increase Homeownership Opportunities: We seek initiatives that enable individuals and families to purchase homes through accessible financing, down payment assistance, and homeowner education.
      • Support Critical Home Repairs and Revitalization: We fund programs that ensure safe, habitable housing by assisting with essential repairs for homes.
      • Promote Multi-Family Housing Developments: We prioritize programs that develop or sustain affordable rental units.

      Economic Development

      • Small Business Development and Growth: We aim to support programs that help small businesses scale, access resources, and build sustainable growth plans.
      • Capacity Building for Technical Support: We encourage projects that enhance the capability of organizations offering technical support to small businesses and nonprofits.
      • Entrepreneurship and Business Coaching: We support programs that offer entrepreneurship education, business coaching, and professional development for new or aspiring business owners.

      Workforce Development

      • Access to Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning: We support workforce readiness through initiatives offering hands-on training, particularly in trades and high-demand fields.
      • Job Creation, Employment Entry, and Retention: We support projects that connect individuals to stable employment and increasing levels of income. This can include higher education with dual credentialing, leadership and professional development.

      Financial Empowerment

      • Financial Wellness: We fund long-term initiatives that reduce barriers to banking and credit access, especially for underbanked groups. This can include culturally relevant and multilingual outreach, foreclosure prevention, and credit counseling with the goal of financial independence.
      • Community Lending Access: We support organizations that provide access to affordable microloans, emergency loans, and community cooperative lending as safe and sustainable alternatives to predatory loans.

      Financial Education

      • Old National Bank’s Real-Life Finance e-learning curriculum provides robust financial education training for community partners. Click here to learn more.

      The Old National Bank Foundation awards over $3 million annually to eligible organizations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin where Old National has a banking presence.

      • Eligibility: We welcome grant applications from nonprofit organizations serving communities located within our banking footprint. Nonprofits must have obtained recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) as a public charity under Code 509(a) 1, 2, or 3 and in good standing. If an organization is exempt under Section 509(a)(3), it must be Type I or Type II.
      • Timing Eligibility: Organizations can apply for funding every two years provided final reporting from any previous grants is complete. For example, if awarded a grant in 2025 the organization may reapply in 2027.
      • What We Look For: We seek programs/initiatives with close alignment to our funding priorities that have clear, measurable goals and outcomes, and plans for long-term sustainability. We prioritize organizations whose primary focus is to address disparities and inequities in underrepresented communities.
      • Diversity and Inclusion: We value diversity and seek partners who demonstrate a commitment to inclusion through a diverse board, leadership team, policies, practices, actions, and impact.
      • Competitive Funding Landscape: We are proud to offer open grant cycles. Because of this, we receive far more applications than we can fund. In 2024, we funded approximately 35% of applications. This transparency is intended to set expectations and assist with your planning.
      • Grant Size and Term: Our average grant is $15,000, with the great majority awarded for a one-year term.
      • General Operating Funds: Requests for general operating funds are welcomed, especially if the organization’s core mission aligns with our funding priorities.
      • Capital Campaigns and Multi-Year Grants: These are very rare for our foundation and are initiated by ONB’s Executive Leadership Team.
      • IRS Guidelines on Business Relationships: While Old National values our business relationships and take tremendous pride in serving clients, the Internal Revenue Service stipulates that the ONB Foundation may not consider business relationships when making grant award decisions to avoid self-dealing and conflicts of interest.
      • United Way Funding: Our foundation contributes annually to United Ways throughout our footprint. United Ways receiving this contribution are not eligible for additional grants.

      The ONB Foundation does not provide funding for the items or organizations below. This is not an exhaustive listing. Additional restrictions may apply.

      Short-term programs, summer camps/programs, field trips, athletic facilities or equipment, and playgrounds/equipment

      Feasibility studies, project research or development phases, including the costs of hiring consultants or planners

      School clubs/organizations, including, but not limited to bands, athletic or academic teams, booster clubs, PTO/PTA

      Sponsorships, fundraisers, races, telethons, marathons, benefits, banquets, galas, golf tournaments, festivals, or other events

      Meals, tickets, dues, memberships, fees, travel, tuition, subscriptions, and other tangible benefits

      Organizations that discriminate based on race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, or religion

      Meetings, conferences, workshops including continuing education

      Political, labor, international or fraternal organizations

      Debt retirement or funding of any activity that is already completed

      Programs administered by religious organizations for religious purposes

      A 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organization charity or private foundations

      Childcare fees/subsidies or K-12 tuition

      Previous grantees who have not submitted required reporting

      Contests, competitions, athletics, pageants, or talent contests

      Scholarly or medical research

      Endowments, scholarships to individuals

      Individuals

      Programs provided outside of our banking footprint

      How do I apply for a grant?
      Applications are accepted through our online portal only.

      My organization has a banking relationship with Old National Bank. Does this affect our application?
      No. To ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest, IRS guidelines prevent consideration of business relationships in grant decisions.

      Can my organization apply for both a grant and sponsorship in the same year?
      Yes, although total commitments to an organization may impact the final decision.

      Is there a limit on how often my organization can apply?
      Yes, only one grant per organization can be funded every two years.

      If my application is declined, can I reapply and how soon?
      Yes, after a decline, an organization may reapply as soon as the next open grant cycle.

      What is the difference between a grant and a sponsorship?
      Foundation grants are donations supporting charitable initiatives, while sponsorships are monetary contributions for events or activities that provide direct benefits to Old National Bank. Sponsorships are evaluated at a regional level.

      What happens after my application is submitted?
      Applicants will be notified of the ONB Foundation board’s decision via email shortly after the board meeting dates listed above. Please ensure that noreply@smartsimple.com and grantsandsponsorships@oldnational.com are added to your contacts.

      If awarded, what will my organization be required to do?
      All grantees sign a Grant Agreement, submit ACH payment information, and provide an annual report within 30 days of the grant period’s end.

      For additional questions, please email grantsandsponsorships@oldnational.com.

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