Donations and Scholarships

Donation Request Guidelines

Statement of Purpose

Silvergate Bank is committed to Southern Californians and to their economic and cultural growth. We support non-profit community groups and activities and encourage Silvergate Bank employees to become actively involved in their communities.  In addition to employee involvement, Silvergate Bank contributes funds to select non-profit organizations. Contributions are made at the corporate level by Silvergate Bank’s Community Reinvestment Committee. This committee meets once each month to review all requests for donations. To allow adequate time for consideration, requests should be received by the Bank at least two months before the actual need for funding.

Qualifications

Silvergate Bank has developed a set of guidelines to help evaluate requests for support and contributions. Requests will be considered from Southern California based non-profit organizations serving Southern California residents in the following categories:

  • Affordable Housing
  • Health and Welfare Services
  • Financial Literacy
  • Youth and Senior Services
  • Minority Services
  • Culture, Museums, and the Arts

Eligible organizations must be non-profit and designated as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a public service organization or institution. Requests for support will not be considered from:

  • Individuals
  • Religious or political groups
  • Groups based outside Southern California

Additionally, funds will not be contributed toward an organization’s general operating expenses

How to Apply

Organizations applying for a donation should submit a completed Donation Request Application along with a copy of the organization’s current expense statement and budget, list of Board of Directors and most current Annual Report. The Donation Request Application may be obtained from the following location:

Silvergate Bank
Compliance Department
4275 Executive Square, Suite 800
La Jolla, CA 92037

When completing the Donation Request Application form, make certain the following is clearly identified:

  • description of the organization, including its history, purpose and proposed project
  • a statement of need and a description of the methods chosen to meet its goal
  • the time expected to complete this project as well as any major milestones
  • the total cost of the project, other sources and levels of funding, and the amount and/or items being requested
  • a statement demonstrating broad community support for and involvement in the project and the organization

When to Apply

Contribution requests are reviewed monthly. Each organization approved for a donation will be forwarded an award letter if approved by the committee.

Academic Scholarship

Each year Silvergate Bank awards academic scholarships to deserving college students of modest means.  Scholarships are awarded on an ongoing first come, first served basis by the academic scholarship committee.  Applicants should complete the Academic Scholorship Application, and forward it along with 1) Proof of University Enrollment and 2) Copy of the current year’s FAFSA  to the following address:

Silvergate Bank
4275 Executive Square, Suite 800
La Jolla, CA 92037

Phone: 858-362-6300
Fax: 858-362-6323