About Us - Popular Foundation

Our Mission

The Popular Foundation was created to strengthen the social and economic well-being of communities we serve.

Social Commitment

We work hand-in-hand with our communities. We are committed to actively work to promote the social and economic well-being of our communities.

Qualifying Criteria

The Popular Foundation supports registered, non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)3, charitable organizations that:

• Provide opportunities for Popular Foundation employees to volunteer in a meaningful way
• Deliver services that will economically empower individuals within our communities
• Represent models in non-traditional learning environments and are directly engaged in providing programs within our communities
• Demonstrate program sustainability
• Are nondiscriminatory in their policies and practices with regards to physical abilities, gender, race, age, sexual orientation, ethnic origin and/or creed

Grantmaking Focus

The Foundation invests exclusively in programs of social impact that furnish direct services in Education, Community Development and Financial Literacy, as defined below:

• Education: Programs that address academic needs of disadvantaged populations from K to 12. Initiatives under this category may support the development of academic skills through tutoring and or mentoring, Art Education, Special Education, Alternative Education or college access programs.
• Community Development: Programs that pursue the strengthening of civil society by prioritizing the actions of communities and their perspectives in the development of social, economic and environmental policy. Community development programs may support infrastructure, economic development projects, installation of public facilities, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, microenterprise assistance, code enforcement, homeowner assistance and many other identified needs.
• Financial Literacy: Programs that measure how well an individual can understand and use personal finance-related information so the individual develops the ability and confidence to use his/her financial knowledge to make financial decisions.

Sustainability

The Popular Foundation will give priority funding to organizations that can demonstrate ongoing sustainability. We will consider repeat grants for up to three consecutive years. However, we may fund at decreasing levels in years two and three of our support to encourage organizations to obtain a diversified funding base. Repeat funding is not guaranteed and organizations requesting repeat grants must re-apply for funding through our grant process each year.

Ineligibility

Popular Foundation funds may not be used for the following:

• One-time fundraising events or the purchase of tables at events
• Event sponsorships
• Production of any marketing materials
• Capital expenditures (building or land acquisitions)
• Grants to individuals
• Promotion of religious or political causes

Applying organizations must access, complete and submit their online application form. Employee liaisons may not complete the application form for an applying organization.

The Foundation will only be accepting applications submitted electronically via the online application form. Paper applications or applications delivered in person will not be accepted.

1. Applying organizations must first create their User Account using a valid e-mail address.

   The creation of this account will permit applicants to administer the application process as well as access the application history. Future applications will also be stored and accessed from this account.

   It is important that the password used to create the User Account be stored and known to all organization employees who may need access to the Application Form. If the password is lost or forgotten, access the User Account link and press the button Forgot Your Password? Click Here. After entering the e-mail address belonging to the User Account, the system will automatically send an e-mail with the account password.




2. Once the User Account is created applicants may then access the Application Form.

   If you already have a User Account created from a previous year, you may go directly to the Application Form.




3. We recommend you review the Application Guide before proceeding to fill out the online application.

THE APPLICATION FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM AUGUST 1ST UNTIL AUGUST 31ST, 5PM (EST).

The Popular Foundation will consider proposals from organizations that are aligned with our mission and in which Popular employees are involved as volunteers.