First Financial Bank (Nasdaq: FFBC) and the First Financial Foundation have awarded a total of $50,000 in grants to eight organizations in Indianapolis, building on a commitment to make a positive impact through donations that enhance and develop local communities.
“Serving communities is part of our culture, and we see these donations through our local partner organizations as investments in people and neighborhoods to create positive outcomes that will benefit us all,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial Bank.
Throughout its four-state footprint of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois, First Financial awarded a total of $510,000, matching last year’s result as the largest grant campaign to date. The awards, made to 73 different organizations, are focused on promoting neighborhood development, workforce development and education, and workforce and the arts, with a particular focus on low-income communities.
In Indianapolis, New Hope of Indiana is among this year’s recipients.
“New Hope of Indiana is grateful to First Financial Foundation for this generous grant in support of our Vocational Services program,” said Allison Wharry, CEO. “This commitment will help individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment as well as create a more inclusive work environment where those with and without disabilities work together. We thank First Financial for believing in our mission and for making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Community Action Agency of Greater Indianapolis, Edna Martin Christian Center, Indianapolis Urban Youth Baseball and Softball, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Martindale Brightwood Community Development Corp., We Bloom and Westminster Neighborhood Services are this year’s other recipients.
First Financial broadened the impact of the campaign by adding funding from CREA, a low-income housing tax credit organization.
First Financial’s commitment to the communities it serves extends beyond the annual grant campaign. Earlier this year, First Financial announced a new Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for 2024-2028, committing to $2.4 billion in lending and investments to low- and moderate-income clients and census tracts. The new CBA includes a goal of $18 million in philanthropy. The First Financial Foundation gave a total of more than $2.4 million in donations in 2023. First Financial’s giving is focused on helping groups that create and preserve affordable housing and workforce development, plus those that provide housing counseling and promote financial and economic inclusion. Last year, First Financial team members also gave more than 14,000 volunteer hours to local organizations.
