Premier Bank Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,367,121 (2023)
• Average Grant Size: ~$2,740
• Grant Range: Varies widely; $25,000 grant documented
• Total Grants Awarded (2023): 499 awards
• Geographic Focus: Ohio, northeast Indiana, southeast Michigan, western Pennsylvania
• Foundation Type: Private grantmaking foundation
• Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Premier Bank Foundation
Attn: Foundation Giving Coordinator
PO Box 1111
Youngstown, OH 44501

Phone: 330-742-9810

Website: yourpremierbank.com/about-us/premier-bank-foundation

EIN: 34-1695319

Overview

Premier Bank Foundation was established in 1991 as a private grantmaking foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities served by Premier Bank. Since its founding, the Foundation has provided over $22 million in support to nonprofit organizations across Ohio, northeast Indiana, southeast Michigan, and western Pennsylvania. The Foundation operates with a clear commitment to community support, economic development, and area revitalization. In 2023, the Foundation distributed $1,367,121 across 499 grants, demonstrating a robust commitment to supporting diverse community initiatives. The Foundation is closely aligned with Premier Bank, which was formed in 2020 through the merger of Home Savings Bank and First Federal Bank of the Midwest.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Premier Bank Foundation offers two main avenues of support:

Grant Applications: For nonprofit organizations seeking funding for specific projects or programs focused on the Foundation's priority areas. Recent documented grants include a $25,000 award to Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) for their Essential Home Repair program in January 2025.

Sponsorships and In-Kind Donations: For charitable events and other community support initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission.

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on three core areas:

1. Community Support: Programs that enhance quality of life and strengthen communities
2. Economic Development: Initiatives that promote economic growth and opportunity
3. Area Revitalization: Projects that improve neighborhoods and community infrastructure

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly listed on the Foundation's website. Organizations should contact the Foundation directly to confirm eligibility for specific types of projects. The Foundation does require applicants to provide IRS verification of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, indicating that only qualified charitable organizations are eligible.

Governance and Leadership

The Premier Bank Foundation operates through a Distribution Committee that meets monthly to review grant applications and sponsorship requests. Specific trustee and officer information is not publicly disclosed on the Foundation's website but can be found in their annual Form 990-PF filings available through nonprofit databases such as ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer and GuideStar.

The Foundation is closely aligned with Premier Bank's leadership, which is headed by Gary Small, President & CEO of Premier Financial Corp. Small has emphasized the importance of community-level banking and local investment, stating: "This annual campaign is especially meaningful to us because it symbolizes our associates, customers and the communities that we serve. The kindness we witness in our communities inspires us to support local initiatives, events and projects."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Submission: Organizations seeking grant funding should complete a grant application. For sponsorships, donations, or other community support, applicants should send a detailed letter or email explaining the event or opportunity and various levels of sponsorship available.

Submission Deadline: All grant applications and sponsorship requests must be submitted by the 3rd Friday of the month preceding the meeting in order to be reviewed at the next scheduled Distribution Committee meeting.

Required Documentation:

• Completed grant application
• Copy of IRS letter verifying 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Application Method: Applications can be submitted to the Foundation Giving Coordinator at the address listed above or through contact methods on their website.

Decision Timeline

The Distribution Committee meets monthly to review applications submitted by the deadline. All applicants will receive written notice of the Distribution Committee's decision. The specific timeframe from application to decision notification is not publicly disclosed but follows the monthly meeting schedule.

Success Rates

With 499 grants awarded in 2023 and 512 in 2022, the Foundation demonstrates a high volume of grantmaking activity. However, specific data on the number of applications received versus approved (success rate percentage) is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Organizations should contact the Foundation directly to inquire about reapplication timelines and requirements.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and recent grant activity, successful applications likely share these characteristics:

Alignment with Priority Areas: Projects that clearly demonstrate impact in community support, economic development, or area revitalization will be strongest. The $25,000 grant to YNDC for essential home repairs exemplifies the type of community-focused, tangible impact the Foundation supports.

Geographic Connection: Organizations must serve communities within Premier Bank's footprint: Ohio, northeast Indiana, southeast Michigan, and western Pennsylvania.

Clear Project Focus: The Foundation supports both grant applications for specific programs and sponsorship of charitable events, suggesting they value both ongoing programmatic work and community events.

501(c)(3) Status: Tax-exempt status verification is required, indicating the Foundation only funds qualified charitable organizations.

Timely Submission: Meeting the monthly deadline (3rd Friday of the month preceding the Committee meeting) is essential for consideration.

Community Impact: Given the Foundation's mission to enhance quality of life, applications should clearly articulate how the proposed project or program will benefit the local community.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Monthly review cycle provides multiple opportunities throughout the year to apply—plan submissions by the 3rd Friday of the month before your desired review date
• Average grant size of ~$2,740 suggests the Foundation distributes many smaller grants, though larger grants like the $25,000 YNDC award demonstrate capacity for more substantial funding
• High volume grantmaking (499 grants in 2023) indicates accessibility and willingness to support diverse organizations
• Geographic specificity matters—your organization must serve communities within Ohio, northeast Indiana, southeast Michigan, or western Pennsylvania
• Three clear priority areas (community support, economic development, area revitalization) provide a straightforward framework for alignment
• Both grants and sponsorships are available, offering flexibility in how organizations can partner with the Foundation
• Written notification is provided to all applicants, ensuring transparency in the decision process

References

1. Premier Bank Foundation Official Website. "Premier Bank Foundation | Community Support." Premier Bank. Accessed March 3, 2026. https://www.yourpremierbank.com/about-us/premier-bank-foundation

2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Premier Bank Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer." ProPublica. Accessed March 3, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/341695319

3. Instrumentl. "Premier Bank Foundation | Canfield, OH | 990 Report." Accessed March 3, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/premier-bank-foundation

4. GrantStation. "Premier Bank Foundation." Accessed March 3, 2026. https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/premier-bank-foundation

5. Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. "Premier Bank Foundation Awards a $25,000 Grant to YNDC for Essential Home Repair." January 28, 2025. https://www.yndc.org/news-and-media/news/premier-bank-foundation-awards-25000-grant-yndc-essential-home-repair

6. Business Journal Daily. "Premier Bank Donates $25K to YNDC for Home Repair Program." January 2025. https://businessjournaldaily.com/premier-bank-donates-25k-to-yndc-for-home-repair-program/

7. BusinessWire. "WesBanco, Inc. Announces Transformative Merger with Premier Financial Corp." July 26, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240726561038/en/

8. Crain's Cleveland Business. "Premier Bank Embraces Community, Technology." Business Journal Daily. Accessed March 3, 2026. https://businessjournaldaily.com/premier-bank-embraces-community-technology/