The Old National Bank Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations to fund widespread community impact programs and/or projects. The Foundation is part of our overall charitable giving initiative, which enables us to support programs that improve quality of life in areas of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. We believe in supporting where our clients, team members and shareholders live and work.
Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. Due to the volume of applications received, each is evaluated on a competitive basis as we strive to fund programs with strong impact and measurable outcomes.
Grant application cycle dates, funding priorities, restrictions, and other helpful information can be found in our Guidelines and FAQ. You are required to review this document prior to submitting an application.
The Foundation contributes annually to the United Way throughout our footprint. As a result, United Ways are not eligible for other grant funding opportunities.
Capital Campaigns and Multi-Year Grants: These are very rare for our foundation and are initiated by the Old National Bank Executive Leadership Team.
Also note: some requests that are not eligible through the Foundation may be eligible for a sponsorship.
The grant application is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are seeking to carry out programs related directly to our funding priorities, mission and vision.
Foundation Partner Spotlight
Old National has always focused on strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In 2024, we invested over $3.68 million in our communities via grants to 229 organizations. We’re sharing just a handful of initiatives funded in 2024 through our Foundation.
An Affordable Housing Partner
ONB Foundation funding enables free home-improvement assistance to low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and veteran homeowners, ensuring they can age in place safely. Volunteers rehabilitate homes, offering services like exterior painting, repairs, and accessibility upgrades.
An Affordable Housing Partner
Our grant funding supports CWC’s Housing First initiative which ensures Louisville-area families remain anchored in safe, affordable housing as their parents navigate early recovery and their children’s crucial first five years.
An Economic Development Partner
BLD’s no-interest loan program provides Black entrepreneurs with financial support without the burden of interest. Our grant dollars help foster economic growth and stability within the Black community by offering accessible funding, empowering business owners to thrive and succeed.
An Economic Development Partner
Through its funding, the ONB Foundation will enable an ecosystem of training and support for new or emerging Milwaukee entrepreneurs from low- to moderate-income BIPOC communities. BizStart’s structured guidance is designed to be flexible and able to evolve as entrepreneurs
A Workforce Development Partner
The ONB Foundation helps the Greenwood Project create career pathways in financial services for Black and Latino college students. Our funding helps train scholars in career-tracked skills they will need to succeed in the financial services industry. More than 70 percent of Greenwood participants are currently working in financial services.
A Workforce Development Partner
Blue Jacket Academy is an intensive training program to help individuals who have previously struggled to find or keep employment overcome their personal barriers. The ONB Foundation investment provides coursework and soft skills needed to succeed. Graduates can gain work experience through entry level employment in a Blue Jacket social enterprise.
A Financial Education Partner
By partnering with the Old National Bank Foundation, Project Green aims to move consumers away from asset-reducing products and practices—like payday lending—and toward an asset-building mindset. Project Green partners with local churches to provide their congregations and surrounding communities with financial capabilities and educational workshops.
A Financial Education Partner
The ONB Foundation funding makes it possible for CLIMB USA to expand investment education into BIPOC communities. Using an innovative investment club model called Community Based Investment Enterprises, this organization teaches underserved youth, families, and communities how to research stocks and create a real investment portfolio.
An Educational Achievement Partner
This funding will support the expansion of CYC’s capacity to provide first-in-class programming to vulnerable youth and families in even more Chicago communities. CYC ensures kids have a safe place they can go to explore, to discover, to process, and ultimately to envision a bright future for themselves.
An Educational Achievement Partner
Our funding supports family stability and aims to prepare children for success in school and life. Through a unique co-location model with an affordable family housing building, Rise Early is serving low-income families to create positive learning experiences in the early years, which prepares children for a lifetime of success.
Old National Bank Foundation Guidelines and FAQ
Please review these guidelines to help with the application process and to ensure alignment with our mutual goals.
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Cycle Dates |
Board Decision Dates |
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January 2-February 12 |
April 16 (grant applicants notified soon after) |
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May 1-June 11 |
September 10 (grant applicants notified soon after) |
Our funding targets innovative programs that enhance the quality of life within our communities in support of the following four strategic initiatives: Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment. We prioritize programs that serve underrepresented communities and low- to moderate-income people.
Affordable Housing
Economic Development
Workforce Development
Financial Empowerment
Financial Education
The Old National Bank Foundation awards over $3 million annually to eligible organizations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin where Old National has a banking presence.
The ONB Foundation does not provide funding for the items or organizations below. This is not an exhaustive listing. Additional restrictions may apply.
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Short-term programs, summer camps/programs, field trips, athletic facilities or equipment, and playgrounds/equipment |
Feasibility studies, project research or development phases, including the costs of hiring consultants or planners |
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School clubs/organizations, including, but not limited to bands, athletic or academic teams, booster clubs, PTO/PTA |
Sponsorships, fundraisers, races, telethons, marathons, benefits, banquets, galas, golf tournaments, festivals, or other events |
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Meals, tickets, dues, memberships, fees, travel, tuition, subscriptions, and other tangible benefits |
Organizations that discriminate based on race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, or religion |
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Meetings, conferences, workshops including continuing education |
Political, labor, international or fraternal organizations |
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Debt retirement or funding of any activity that is already completed |
Programs administered by religious organizations for religious purposes |
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A 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organization charity or private foundations |
Childcare fees/subsidies or K-12 tuition |
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Previous grantees who have not submitted required reporting |
Contests, competitions, athletics, pageants, or talent contests |
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Scholarly or medical research |
Endowments, scholarships to individuals |
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Individuals |
Programs provided outside of our banking footprint |
How do I apply for a grant?
Applications are accepted through our online portal only.
My organization has a banking relationship with Old National Bank. Does this affect our application?
No. To ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest, IRS guidelines prevent consideration of business relationships in grant decisions.
Can my organization apply for both a grant and sponsorship in the same year?
Yes, although total commitments to an organization may impact the final decision.
Is there a limit on how often my organization can apply?
Yes, only one grant per organization can be funded every two years.
If my application is declined, can I reapply and how soon?
Yes, after a decline, an organization may reapply as soon as the next open grant cycle.
What is the difference between a grant and a sponsorship?
Foundation grants are donations supporting charitable initiatives, while sponsorships are monetary contributions for events or activities that provide direct benefits to Old National Bank. Sponsorships are evaluated at a regional level.
What happens after my application is submitted?
Applicants will be notified of the ONB Foundation board’s decision via email shortly after the board meeting dates listed above. Please ensure that noreply@smartsimple.com and grantsandsponsorships@oldnational.com are added to your contacts.
If awarded, what will my organization be required to do?
All grantees sign a Grant Agreement, submit ACH payment information, and provide an annual report within 30 days of the grant period’s end.
For additional questions, please email grantsandsponsorships@oldnational.com.
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