Community bank gave back in 2015 by donating $175,000 to local non-profits through its Sierra Grant Program
PORTERVILLE, CA — Bank of the Sierra announced that 2015 saw over $175,000 distributed to a variety of non-profit organizations throughout the 6 counties it serves. Each quarter the Bank awarded approximately 15 organizations with a grant, the amount of which was determined individually by the specific needs of the organization. Most organizations received a grant of $1,000 to $5,000.

The grant program partners with traditional non-profits, public school districts, and other local organizations. The types of projects that benefitted from the grants ranged widely, including initiatives to help underprivileged children and the elderly, housing and community building projects, cultural and educational initiatives, and environmental preservation efforts.

Kevin McPhaill, Bank President and CEO, explained his appreciation for the grant program and the organizations that benefit from it: “The Sierra Grant program has been an important part of how Bank of the Sierra engages with the areas it serves. We’re happy to assist with the projects these organizations introduce, and we’re always grateful to hear of the many ways community members are making a difference.”

About the Sierra Grant Program
Since its inception in 2004 the Sierra Grant Program has been responsible for donating over a million dollars to organizations that improve local communities. Non-profits who wish to apply for a Sierra Grant can pick up an instructional brochure at any Bank of the Sierra branch, or visit the bank’s web site at www.bankofthesierra.com/resources/sierra_grant_program.

About Bank of the Sierra
Since its founding in 1977, Bank of the Sierra has grown to become the largest independent bank in the southern San Joaquin Valley, with approximately $1.8 billion in assets. The Bank is a multi-community financial institution that offers a full range of retail and commercial banking services, employing over 400 people at 29 locations, including an online branch, a real estate industries center, and an ag credit center. Offering more than just financial services, Bank of the Sierra is committed to providing the benefits of local banking with a focus on improving the communities in which it serves.