The LINK Foundation was established as an independent philanthropic organization aligned with LINKBANK’s broader mission to drive positive regional impact. It was founded by stakeholders passionate about community development and structured with a corporate Board of Directors and three regional advisory boards with delegated grantmaking authority. The foundation’s core focus areas are promoting financial literacy, cultivating future leaders, and advancing personal and professional development. These pillars reflect a commitment to empowering communities and fostering long-term, sustainable growth.
The foundation’s origins are closely tied to LINKBANCORP’s financial commitment, which included a $250,000 contribution from its initial capital raise. This funding, along with an ongoing commitment to support the foundation’s activities, highlights the synergy between the bank and the foundation. The ‘Double Your Impact’ initiative further strengthens this connection: for every new checking account opened, LINKBANK contributes $50 to the client, $50 to a nonprofit of their choice, and $50 to the foundation. This model not only benefits local nonprofits but also reinforces the foundation’s financial capacity to support community initiatives.
Having already supported projects within its initial geographic footprint, the LINK Foundation is expanding significantly. It is now tripling in size and broadening its service area to include Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. This growth positions the foundation to increase its impact across a larger region and support a more diverse array of projects aimed at enhancing financial education and leadership development.
Grant applications are welcomed from organizations with 501(c)(3) status whose projects align with the foundation’s pillars and demonstrate financial sustainability. To ensure long-term impact, The LINK Foundation mandates that its contribution represent less than 50% of the total project budget. The foundation does not fund individuals, scholarship requests, political causes, or organizations using a third-party fiscal sponsor’s tax ID. Multi-year funding requests and regranting are also ineligible.
Applications are due by March 31, and successful applicants will be selected through a review process led by the foundation’s regional advisory boards. The foundation encourages a diversified funding approach from applicants to ensure project sustainability. Details on required materials, evaluation metrics, and contacts are not publicly disclosed, but interested organizations are encouraged to apply directly through the LINKBANK website.
