The U.S. Bank Foundation aims to advance vibrant and equitable communities through its Community Possible Platform, focusing on the building blocks of a stable job, a home, and connection through culture and play. This initiative is dedicated to ameliorating racial and economic inequities and fostering transformative change, emphasizing responsiveness, humility, and diverse community involvement. The foundation is committed to funding economic development within these domains, prioritizing initiatives that confront systemic barriers to success.
The U.S. Bank Foundation's Community Possible Grant Program seeks to empower organizations working towards sustainable, impactful change within three primary areas: Work, Home, and Play. The program exclusively funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits, utilizing an electronic Letter of Interest for new or emerging organizations and an invitation-only application process for established partners. Its grant making focuses on addressing immediate needs as well as systemic economic and racial barriers, with a special consideration for environmental stewardship across all areas.
Work: Supports workforce education and economic prosperity through funding for small business development training, job skills, career readiness programs, educational success pathways, and financial literacy for various demographics.
Home: Aims at neighborhood stability and revitalization by financing projects related to safe and affordable housing, transitional living spaces, homeownership education, and green housing initiatives.
Play: Encourages active and cultural engagement by investing in arts education, active play spaces for K-12 students, environmental stewardship, and programs that enhance community livability.
The types of funding requests entertained include operating grants to support day-to-day nonprofit expenses, program or project grants for specific activities, and a limited number of capital grants for organizations with a strong alignment to the Community Possible focus areas and an established funding relationship with the foundation. Factors such as innovation, positive community engagement, demonstrated outcomes, service delivery to low-income and minority groups, organizational diversity, and financial health are considered in the grant-making process.