First Niagara is committed to the local communities where we live and work. To ensure that the unique needs of the communities are being met through charitable donations, decisions are made regionally. There are 4 charitable contribution committees around the state in Buffalo, Rochester, Central New York and Eastern New York. The committees meet monthly. If you are interested in applying for a Charitable Donation, you must work with an Employee Link. Here's how the process works:

1. The organization must establish an "Employee Link." An Employee Link is the First Niagara employee who will act as the liaison between your organization and the regional contribution committee. If you currently have a relationship with us, you can work with the First Niagara employee you know. If you do not, visit the branch closest to you and ask to speak with the branch manager. To locate a branch near you, please use our branch locator.

2. When you meet with your Employee Link, please bring the following information about your organization with you:

• Mission statement
• Board member listing (Please indicate if any First Niagara employees serve your organization, either on your board or in a volunteer capacity)
• Description of the need for funding
• Annual budget or project budget
• Copy of the IRS 501 (c)(3) federal tax exemption letter (Requests will not be reviewed without this documentation)

3. Once the Employee Link has all the information required, he/she will submit your request to the appropriate regional contribution committee for review at its monthly meeting. The Employee Link will be notified of the committee's decision and he/she will contact your organization.

Media Kit

• Charitable Contribution Request Form (in PDF format)
• First Niagara Logos
• Media Kit Instructions
• Press Release Template