Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program Grant

The Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

NOTE: Letters of inquiry must be submitted online through this portal to be considered. An invitation to submit a full grant application does not imply or guarantee funding.
Santander Bank recognizes that our success as a financial institution is directly linked to the prosperity of the families, businesses and neighborhoods we serve.
Community Development Focus Areas
Affordable housingSmall business development and job creationFinancial educationFirst-time homebuyer education & Down payment and closing cost assistanceCareer counseling, job training and workforce developmentNeighborhood revitalization & Disaster reliefHuman welfare and community service programs

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:Be recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as a public charity under sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6) and/or 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amendedDemonstrate fiscal and operational capacityProvide programs and services addressing community development needs within Santander Bank's operating footprint

Ineligibility

Proposals for the following will not be considered:IndividualsOrganizations that discriminate, including but not limited to, on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, country of origin, citizenship, veteran, or disability statusReligious organizations, unless engaged in non-sectarian program(s) benefiting a broad base of the community and have an IRS tax exempt 501(c)(3) designation which is separate from parent organization    Sectarian or political organizations; political events; political action committees, candidates, and lobbying    School programs, clubs, pageants and other activities traditionally supported by parents (e.g., Little League, Parent Teacher Organizations and Associations, Scouting)    Team sponsorships and sporting eventsLabor, alumni, or fraternal groupsEndowments or capital campaignsRecreation, athletic, or sports teams, programs, or leaguesFor-profit entities, including start-up small businessesAdvertising in radio, podcasts, programs, bulletins, schedules, maps, yearbooks, book covers and brochuresCosts specifically for travel, including student trips or tours, transportation costsGrants less than $10,000