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First Financial Bank and the First Financial Foundation have announced $27,500 in grants for two Columbus organizations. First Financial’s 2021 Annual Grant Campaign is benefitting more than 60 organizations throughout its four-state footprint in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois.
In Columbus, First Financial announced grants for the Foundation for Youth of Bartholomew County and Thrive Alliance.
“Thanks to the support of First Financial, our community will be able to house up to six individuals and support them on their path to addiction recovery,” said Mark Lindenlaub, executive director of Thrive Alliance. “Addiction recovery is complex, and it’s nearly impossible for someone in unstable housing or experiencing homelessness to focus on recovery work. That’s why having safe, stable, and affordable housing first is so important.”
“This campaign is an outstanding example of our intent to be a positive influence, and to help our clients and communities thrive,” said Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial Bank. “Our support for these organizations will lift our cities and towns and help our neighbors grow and prosper.”
The 2021 Annual Grant Campaign places a particular focus on low-income communities, with funding priorities in neighborhood development, workforce development and education, and culture and the arts.
First Financial has again collaborated with external funders to increase support for communities beyond the direct support being provided by the First Financial Foundation. Outside funding for this campaign was provided by CREA, a low-income housing tax credit organization, and the Ohio Capital Impact Corporation, which funds programs specifically targeted to benefit residents and neighborhoods with affordable housing.
