Provident Bank/Skip Johnson Foundation
Corporate Contribution Guidelines

Chairman’s Message

Provident Bank has a proud history of supporting communities in which our employees live and work. Through these sound investments, the Company has worked to improve and enrich the quality of life in the Baltimore/Washington area. As a strong, independent bank for more than 110 years, Provident is committed to these initiatives because we care deeply about the community in which we are headquartered.

Over the years, we have invested more than money into the community. Our employees devote their time, energy and talents to many national and local nonprofit organizations. Their involvement has enabled Provident to form lasting partnerships with citizens who are addressing the economic and social needs of our area.

Our foundation is dedicated to the memory of one such Provident Bank employee, Skip Johnson, who inspired others to help provide opportunities for those less fortunate. The Skip Johnson Foundation, administered by Provident Bank, is committed to making a positive difference in the communities we call "home."

We hope the following information is helpful for understanding our corporate contribution guidelines and process.

Gary N. Geisel
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Giving Mission

Provident Bank invests in people and programs that create results in the communities where we do business. Our mission is to support institutions as they strive towards building strong and healthy communities. The Skip Johnson Foundation works to achieve this mission by making contributions to nonprofit charitable organizations that work in four key areas where we think we can make the greatest difference: education, economic development, human and community services and arts and culture. Provident Bank also encourages and supports community involvement by employees. Their work helps our cities and neighborhoods while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Giving Focus

Provident Bank’s objective is to make social investments in the following areas:

Education

Provident Bank places a strong emphasis on programs that actively work to foster academic achievement for deserving students who are in need of monetary assistance to reach their full potential. This would also include scholarships, school partnerships, and funding for specialized learning activities.

Economic Development

Provident Bank provides support to help create affordable housing, job creation and retention, strong quality of life, and stable communities.

Human and Health Services

Provident Bank focuses on family and child support services that promote self-sufficiency and provide prevention and health education services.

Arts and Culture

Provident Bank recognizes the important contributions that arts and cultural programs provide to the quality of life in our communities. A special emphasis is placed on those institutions that enrich the cultural development of children and youth, provide enjoyment for our employees and customers and attract favorable national or local attention to the communities we serve.

Guidelines

• Provident Bank will normally consider one contribution request per year from organizations classified as IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, located in areas where we have significant business interests. Special consideration is given to organizations in which Provident employees are actively involved.

• The corporate contribution's budget is established annually and a Corporate Contribution Committee, comprised of Provident Bank employees, administers the giving program.

• The Company and its employees provide yearly support to the annual United Way campaign; therefore, it normally does not give additional general operating support to United Way agencies.

• It is important that organizations demonstrate a broad base of community support as well as support from other local corporations and foundations.

• The Company does not contribute to individuals, churches for religious causes nor does it provide support for start-up funding.

• The Company expects those organizations receiving contributions to be in compliance with the requirements of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal, state and local laws and regulations.

• When an organization seeks to renew a contribution, information will be required on how the company’s previous donations were used and the value they provided.

• No capital campaigns will be funded.

The Corporate Contributions Committee meets quarterly. Significant financial requests ($5,000 or more) should be submitted by the following dates to be considered by the next quarter:

Proposals are accepted and considered throughout the year.

Please allow six to eight weeks for processing contribution requests. All proposals will receive a written response after the Corporate Contributions Committee has made a decision.

Please send two copies of all proposals and attachments to:

Vicki Cox
Senior Vice President
Manager, Public and Community Relations
Provident Bank
114 East Lexington Street
Mail Code 456
Baltimore, MD 21202

How to Apply

All requests must be made in writing. Provident Bank will consider the following requests: grants, event sponsorships, and in-kind donations. Please review the requirements for the various requests:

Grant Request ($5,000 and above)
Please send the following information:

A. Cover letter on the requesting organization’s letterhead, including proposal summary and amount requested, signed by the executive director or board president.

B. Narrative of no more than five pages, including:

1. Agency Information

1. Brief summary of agency history including mission, goals and objectives;
2. Description of current programs, activities, and accomplishments;
3. Overall agency plans for the coming year;
4. Description of organizational structure, board/staff responsibilities, and level of volunteer involvement; and
5. Agency affiliation with federated funds or public agencies.

2. Purpose of Grant

1. Statement of need or problem to be addressed, description of constituency served or target population, and how they will benefit;
2. Description of program goals and measurable objectives;
3. Description of program and activities planned to accomplish these goals; is this a new or ongoing activity on the part of sponsoring organization;
4. Timetable for implementation;
5. Other organizations, if any, participating in the program;
6. List of names and qualifications of key staff and volunteers responsible for program implementation;
7. Long-term sources and strategies for funding of this program; and
8. Projected program budget.

3. Evaluation

1. Expected results during the funding period;
2. A post-grant report that details accounting of expenditures; and
3. Results achieved

Attachments. Please attach information on the following:

Small Grant Request Applications ($5000 or less)

Please send the following information as described above, i.e. Cover letter, Narrative, Agency Information, Description of program goals and measurable objectives, Current budget, Projected program budget, Board of Directors list.

Event Sponsorships
Please send the following:

1. Brief summary of organization, including mission, goals and objectives;
2. Copy of 501(c)(3) IRS nonprofit determination letter;
3. Complete information on the event and how funds raised will be used;
4. List of all sponsorship levels, cost and entitlements. For advertisements, please make sure that ad size, format, contact person, and due date are included;
5. Current list of board of directors;
6. Event budget and organization budget; and
7. List of corporate sponsors for event and the amount of the support.

In-Kind Donations
(i.e., services, office equipment, etc.)
Please send the following information:

1. Brief summary of organization, including mission, goals and objectives;
2. Copy of IRS nonprofit determination letter;
3. Complete information on the use of the in-kind donation and its benefit to the overall mission of the organization;
4. Organization budget; and
5. List of corporate contributors and amount/item or service donated.

See also: Guidelines for Corporate Volunteerism Requests