March 12, 2007 – FirstBank accepted applications through October 2006 from local non-profits and community organizations for its annual Neighborhood Grant Program. Grants up to $2,000 were awarded to organizations at the St. Croix Business After Hours hosted at the FirstBank Sunny Isle Branch on March 15.
The primary focus of FirstBank's program is to fund organizations that promote or sustain economic development or assist in revitalizing or stabilizing low- and moderate-income communities. Applications accepted for programs centered on affordable housing, small business development, youth development, care for the homeless, financial literacy, job training, day care operations, health services, domestic violence prevention and addiction recovery.
This year on St. Croix, two special purpose grants were also be awarded:
"Community Connection" Grant: $2,000 will be awarded to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on behalf of a volunteer who demonstrated unmatched enthusiasm and dedication to living out the mission of the organization. The grant application was accompanied by a success story where the featured person's efforts made a significant impact in someone else's life.
"First In Service" Grant: $1,000 will be shared by a Virgin Islands student and the community-based organization for which she has been a volunteer for approximately one and a half years. The grant funding will be evenly allocated to the community organization and to the student.
The Neighborhood Grants are part of FirstBank's continuing commitment to be an outstanding corporate citizen to the Virgin Islands. Through its Community Reinvestment program, FirstBank not only provides funding support but also partners with organizations territory-wide to deliver financial education to all segments of the community.
2007 St. Croix Neighborhood Grant recipients:
* Beyond Visions Foundation
* Salvation Army
* Arthur Richards Jr. High School
* Lutheran Social Services
* Strategic Solutions Inc.
* VI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council
St. Croix Animal Welfare Center
Community Connection Recipient:
* Women's Coalition of St. Croix
First In Service Recipients:
* Miss Hadassah Emanuel
* St. Croix Educational Complex