Focus

Whitney receives many requests for contributions.  In order to provide meaningful support, we target specific categories that are a priority for the Company, our communities, associates, employees and clients. Focused giving allows us to make a greater impact with our contributions.

Whitney employees volunteer in a wide variety of civic, cultural and community endeavors.  The company encourages employee participation in programs that benefit the greater good of the markets we serve.

Areas of focus include the following

Education

Housing & Economic Self Reliance

Health & Human Services

Arts & Culture

Environment & Public Service

Important Information

Eligibility

Restrictions

Timeline

How to Apply

Where to Apply

Education

Funding programs that teach children and young people the skills they need to succeed in work and in life is a key priority.  We support programs that provide financial literacy skills from youth to adulthood. 

• Includes preschool, grades K-12, higher education, vocational and technical training, umbrella education funds and diversity initiatives.

• Focuses university and college contributions on recruitment, diversity, technology, market development and teaching excellence.

• Supports initiatives that help the economically disadvantaged prepare and gain access to college.

• Considers local educational endowments and capital campaigns for potential support.
  

Housing & Economic Self Reliance

Whitney is committed to improving quality of life and building a strong, vibrant community in the markets we serve.  We focus on initiatives that encourage, sustain and develop economic self-reliance, provide affordable housing and strengthen our neighborhoods.  We provide financial assistance to organizations that contribute to the well-being of the communities where our employees live and work and where we do business.  We support:

• Programs that improve the standard of living of economically disadvantaged residents.

• Neighborhood revitalization programs in collaboration with housing and community groups.

• Affordable housing initiatives.

• Economic development activities to enhance the economy of the community.

• Programs that provide unbiased, third-party acquisition and distribution of information on issues of mutual concern to the community and the Company.

Health & Human Services

Whitney is dedicated to supporting the general health and well being of our communities including support to not-for-profit agencies that offer services to the disadvantaged, the poor, elderly or handicapped.

• Priority and support is given to organizations delivering health care and human services in Whitney communities.
  
  
• National organizations that address key issues of interest to Whitney may also be funded.

Arts & Culture

We recognize the importance of arts and cultural events to the overall development and economic prosperity of a community.   We support:

• Arts and cultural activities that enrich the community.

• Programs that make cultural and educational opportunities available to low-income individuals.

Environment & Public Service

Damage to our physical environment has a detrimental effect on the long-term economic viability of the markets we serve.  We are committed to working with and funding organizations whose policies and activities exhibit an understanding and sensitivity to the effect of changes in the environment that impact our communities’ health.

Eligibility

Whitney makes corporate contributions to tax-exempt, not-for-profit organizations as defined under Section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code.

Restrictions

Whitney's Corporate Contributions Program does not support:

• Individuals

• Multi-year commitments (unless a specific strategic rationale exists and the contribution is reviewed for renewal each year).

• Operating costs of organizations that receive funds from a Whitney-supported United Way.

• Legislators, political organizations or campaigns.

• Sectarian organizations whose programs are limited to members of one religious group.

Timeline

Whitney accepts requests at any time. Those requests are reviewed and considered for funding on a monthly basis. Whitney attempts to review all proposals within six weeks after receipt, at which time Whitney either declines the proposal or sends notification that the proposal will be further evaluated.

How to Apply

Whitney does not have a formal application form. A cover letter accompanying the proposal should state the mission of the organization, the grant amount requested, the purpose of the grant and the legal name of the organization (which must be identical to the name used on IRS Form 990). Note any previous Whitney support, including dates and amounts. Proposals must not exceed five single-spaced typed and numbered pages. (Do not use binders.) Provide the following information in this order:

• Proposal summary ( 1-to-2 page description of the entire proposal).

• Mission of the organization.

• History of the organization.

• Need for the project, in view of related work by others.

• Project description.

• Audience served.

• Goals, objectives, and action plan.

• Expected quantifiable outcomes or results.

• Method of evaluation of proposed outcomes.

• Other sources of support for the project.

• If applicable, the plan for continuing the activity beyond Whitney's support.

Attachments should include:

• Financial information (most recent organizational financial statement and income-and-expense budget; list of other current and projected sources of funding for the project).

• Most recent completed Form 990 submitted to the IRS, which includes the federal taxpayer identification number and the legal name of the organization.

• List of Board of Directors and their affiliations.

• A copy of the IRS determination letter of the organization's tax-exempt status.

Please direct your proposal to the appropriate region :