Community Giving
Since 1910, First Northern Bank has been giving back to the communities it serves in the form of monetary and in-kind donations, sponsorships, and volunteer time.
The Bank and its employees have participated in community-based development corporations, organized small business and consumer seminars, participated in various community groups, surveyed customers to identify particular credit needs, provided technical and management counseling services to small businesses and have provided financial counseling services to consumers.
The Bank has also established an internal review program for declined loan applications, supported area schools through curriculum development, participated in government insured, guaranteed or subsidized loan programs, has donated funds to community groups and local charities, and has invested in local municipal bonds and loans.
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Donation Requests
First Northern Community Bancorp is the single-bank holding company of First Northern Bank, a state-chartered bank operating in seven counties: Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, Colusa, Glenn, and El Dorado. For over 105 years, we have been committed to continually enhancing the economic vitality and social welfare of our local communities through helping charitable organizations via monetary and in-kind contributions and volunteerism.
Recipients of charitable contributions must:
- Provide services within our local markets
- Hold a current IRS Non Profit Organization 501(c)3 designation
- Submit a written request and provide supporting documentation
If you would like to be considered as the recipient of a charitable contribution from First Northern Bank, please complete a First Northern Bank Donation Application and submit your packet to your local branch:
Along with your completed Application, please include copies of the following:
- IRS 501(c)3 Letter of Determination
- List of current Board of Directors on non-profit's letterhead
- Organization's mission statement on letterhead
- Organization's operating budget for past two years (preferably audited statements)
- List of existing funding sources (current and pending)
- Banking relationships with First Northern Bank
General Information
Requests can be made up to $5,000. However, contributions vary, and typically range from $100 to $1,500. Consideration will be given to the reputation of the organization, the geographical area of service, the number of people directly benefiting from the contribution and the value a project will add to the life of the community.
It is our general policy to exclude the following organizations and purposes:
- Organizations without 501(c)3 tax exempt status
- Organizations that practice discrimination by race, color, creed, sex, age or national origin
- Organizations outside our assessment areas
- Political candidates
- First year programs or seed money
- Religious organizations when denominational or sectarian in purpose, fraternal organizations, veterans groups and labor organizations, when serving only their own membership
- Individuals
- Reduce debt or past operating deficits
Send Donation Requests to:
Sunil Bhagat
Vice President/Community Outreach & Partnerships Officer, First Northern Bank
1375 Exposition Blvd, Ste. 300
Sacramento, CA 95815
Each request is individually reviewed for eligibility. Requesting organizations will receive notification of a funding decision within 30 days of receipt of request. Since each First Northern Bank branch best knows its own community's needs, the Contribution Request review process may vary by region.
Community Reinvestment Act
The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) was enacted in 1977. The legislative intent behind the Act was to encourage an insured depository institution to meet the credit needs of its entire community, including consumer and commercial credit needs, with a special emphasis on real estate lending activities and the needs of low and moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the institution.
First Northern Bank strongly supports, and hereby reaffirms, the goal of meeting the credit needs of the communities it serves, including LMI neighborhoods. CRA is an integral component of the Bank's planning process and sound business practices.
First Northern Bank believes that helping its neighbors build a better way of life through its loan and deposit services is simply good business. The Bank is proud of the fact that its lending programs, deposit and savings products, and other financial services have enabled its neighbors to purchase businesses, build financial security and enjoy their retirement years.
Areas of focus under the Community Reinvestment Act:
- Economic Development
- Affordable Housing
- Small Business
- Community Services targeted to low- and moderate-income individuals*
* Low-income is defined as <50% of the Area Median Income. Moderate-income is defined as at least 50% and <80% of Area Median Income.
CRA Performance Evaluation - May 8, 2023
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