Jason A. Meyerhoeffer, President and CEO of First Federal Bank, and Lori Ward, First Federal Foundation President, announced that grant applications for funding from the First Federal Foundation are now being accepted through June 30. Applications are accepted online and can be accessed at www.BankFirstFed.com/Foundation. “This is always one of our favorite moments each year, spending time reviewing opportunities for the Foundation to make positive change in our communities,” noted Meyerhoeffer. “Being a community bank with a foundation is unique, certainly a point of pride, and it speaks to our commitment to being a civic leader.”

The Foundation's Board of Trustees follows certain criteria when making funding decisions such as whether it is a capital project, the community impact potential, any humanitarian consideration, if matching funds have been obtained, the project plan and timeline, the overall budget and any background or project objectives. The minimum award is $1,000 and the maximum grant generally is $5,000. “Since the Foundation was established, it has granted over a million dollars to organizations and charities,” stated Ward. “First Federal has grown with Idaho for more than a century and we are committed to caring for and giving back to our friends and neighbors.”

The First Federal Board of Directors established the First Federal Foundation in 2003 with the belief that giving back to communities enhances the quality of life for all who live and work in Idaho. Now in its twentieth year, the continuing mission of the Foundation is community improvement for educational, civic, health, human services, social and cultural organizations. Initially, the Foundation focused primarily on the Magic Valley but has now broadened its impact to include the Treasure Valley.

Foundation grants have been awarded for a variety of capital projects and enhancements. Often these grants will touch the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. The Board of Directors for the Gooding Helping Hearts and Hands organization stated, “We would like to thank the First Federal Foundation for its contribution towards the remodeling of our building. The front of the building now conveys the spirit of our organization. This would not have been possible without the Foundation’s contribution to our project.”

For more information about the First Federal Foundation, please visit www.BankFirstFed.com/Foundation.