Grants

Empowering communities through grant opportunities.

Five Star Bank is committed to investing in areas that support affordable housing, economic development, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization and community services targeted to low- to moderate-income individuals and communities.

Supporting missions that drive local impact.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES Of CHEMUNG / SCHUYLER

Elmira, New York

Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler’s mission is to help build a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people by reducing poverty, promoting healthy individual and family life, collaborating with faith communities, and advocating for justice and peace. Five Star Bank’s grant supports the non-profit’s Housing Counseling Services program, through which it works with homeowners to tailor a path to save their home from foreclosure or help them determine the best approach based on their unique financial situation and family needs. Through the first nine months of 2024, Five Star Bank’s grant enabled nearly 60 households to receive counseling services through this program.

"Five Star Bank's generosity turned dollars into hope and helped put keys in the doors of first homes for low- and moderate-income neighbors in the Southern Tier!"

Karen Wheeler, Program Supervisor and Senior Housing Counselor, Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler

Dress for Success

Buffalo, New York

Dress for Success is committed to helping women navigate the world of work and assisting them in becoming financially independent. The Buffalo chapter of the global organization launched in 2012 with the goal of helping women reach career milestones by ensuring they have both the professional attire and confidence needed to succeed. In addition to providing suits and professional clothing free of charge, Dress for Success provides career coaching, job search support, interview training and practice, resume-building advice, personal branding guidance, and more.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Dress for Success evolved the way it reaches women in the Buffalo region. Transforming a donated van into a mini boutique, the non-profit’s Curbside Fashion Mobile Unit brings suits directly to its clients, which during the pandemic and months following allowed for contactless suiting and today allows Dress for Success to reach more women throughout Buffalo, including those for whom transportation may be a challenge. Five Star Bank’s grant supports this innovative initiative and has allowed Dress for Success to serve an additional 100 clients.

"Thank you, Five Star Bank, for supporting the Dress for Success Buffalo Mobile Unit. Your generous funding has allowed us to bring our programs directly to the communities we serve, empowering women to achieve economic independence."

Michelle Barron, Executive Director, Dress for Success

MILLY’S PANTRY

Penn Yan, New York

The mission of Milly’s Pantry is to support Yates County’s disadvantaged children by addressing food insecurity and academic readiness. Its Weekend Backpack Program provides supplemental food to over 500 children each Friday to ensure they are well-fed over the weekends and its School Supplies Program distributes teacher-requested, grade-appropriate learning supplies to all students who need them. Five Star Bank’s grant supports these ongoing and critical programs, through which Milly’s Pantry served more than 1,000 K-12 students in 2024.

How to apply for a grant.

We focus on collaborative grantmaking with local 501(c)(3) non-profit partners. We work with organizations that support:

Affordable Housing
Economic Development
Neighborhood Revitalization & Stabilization
Community Services Targeted to Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) Individuals.

Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Grant Application

Organizations seeking grant funding are invited to complete the CRA Grant Application, available here. Please ensure that all required fields are completed and that any supporting documentation is submitted with the application.

Upon successful submission, an email confirmation will be sent acknowledging receipt of your application. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis; therefore, applicants should allow sufficient time for the review and evaluation process.

Should additional information be required during the review, Karla Gadley, Community Development Director, will contact you directly. For questions regarding the application process or eligibility requirements, please contact Karla Gadley at KJGadley@five-starbank.com.

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Eligibility requirements include:

Tax Exempt Status/501(c)(3)
Need for private financial support
An organization may apply no more than once a year
The organization is principally based in New York State

Looking to submit a sponsorship request? Learn more by visiting our Partnerships page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for a five star Bank grant?

Nonprofit organizations with a valid 501(c)(3) status that provide programs or services benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and communities within Five Star Bank's service areas may be eligible.

Does my organization need to be located in Five Star Bank's service area to apply?

Yes, eligible organizations must serve communities within Five Star Bank's designated CRA assessment areas.

What types of programs do the grants support?

Grants typically support initiatives related to affordable housing, economic development, financial literacy, workforce development, and other activities that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and communities.

How can my organization apply for a grant?

What information is required in the grant application?

Applicants should be prepared to provide details about their organization, the project's purpose, target audience, expected outcomes, budget and how it aligns with our CRA requirements. Organizations seeking grant funding are invited to complete the CRA Grant Application, available here.

What is the typical grant amount?

Grant amounts vary based on available funding, project scope and community impact. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Does receiving a grant one year guarantee future funding?

No, grants are awarded on an annual basis, and previous recipients must reapply for consideration.

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