The M&T Charitable Foundation
The vision of The M&T Charitable Foundation is to partner with communities to impact equitable change. That partnership starts by building relationships rooted in trust and understanding.Ìý
Updates as of September 15, 2025
Community Sponsorship Applications
At this time, we are no longer accepting new sponsorship requests for 2025. The application portal is currently closed and will reopen in December 2025 for organizations seeking sponsorship support in 2026.
Grant Applications
Organizations seeking 2025 grant funding from The M&T Charitable Foundation may continue to submit applications through October 31, 2025. After this date, the portal will close and reopen in December 2025 for 2026 grant requests.
Important Note
These updates do not apply to organizations that have been invited to apply as part of our Tax Credit Programs.
We appreciate your continued engagement and encourage you to check back later this year for updates on the reopening date.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to a foundation representative in your area.
Through grants for nonprofit programs and services, the overall mission of The M&T Charitable Foundation is to establish meaningful partnerships and amplify impact as we build inclusive communities across M&T Bank’s footprint. We seek to be equitable, accessible, and responsive to the communities we serve, meeting needs locally and centering on all people in everything we do.
In 1993, The M&T Charitable Foundation was created to formalize the bank’s philanthropic efforts; to provide a vehicle for the bank’s charitable giving- which now spans 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Grant Eligibility Guidelines
To be considered for a grant from M&T Charitable Foundation, organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
Organization must be operating as a recognized 501(c)3 public charity
Must operate or serve individuals within the cities/towns where M&T Bank conducts business
In general, the M&T Charitable Foundation does not make grants to:
Individuals fundraising
Scholarships directly to individuals Political organizations, candidates, or lobbying efforts
Booster clubs and PTOs/PTAs K-12 public schools, public school districts, cities, towns and other municipalities
Religious organizations for non-secular purposes
Fraternal organizations
Athletics / Sports teams
National or international organizations, unless their programs have significant local impact
Rotary Clubs, Chamber of Commerce organizations and various associations
Organizations that discriminate
Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications should be submitted at a minimum of 8 weeks before a decision is needed.Ìý
Required Documentation:
- IRS Determination Letter
- Board of Directors and affiliations
- Organization Total Annual Operating BudgetÌý (if requesting $10,000 or more)
- List of other program donors (if requesting $10,000 or more)
- Form 990 (if requesting $10,000 or more)
- Most current audited financials (if requesting $10,000 or more)
Questions? VisitÌýM&T’s Charitable Contribution ContactsÌýto get in touch with a representative for your area.
Strengthening our communities
While financial support is often critical, it is the participation of the bank’s employees that leads to the most successful outcomes. M&T brings the power of the entire bank to the communities it serves.
FAQs
Grants fund on-going, long-term initiatives, programs, or projects that will specifically impact and improve one or more outcome. All grant funds go to program support and M&T Bank cannot benefit in any way from the donation.
Sponsorships result in a mutually beneficial partnership and yield support for our company goals and marketing objectives. Sponsorships have a a broad reach across a market or state and offer a diverse menu of tangible benefits.
M&T accepts requests year-round. However, we ask that you submit your request a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the date you need a decision, to allow adequate time for the request to be reviewed.
We will do our best to respond within 8 weeks that your organization indicated you need a decision by, due to a high volume this may be delayed.ÌýRequestors will be notified via email.
M&T Bank has a very active volunteer program. If you have a volunteer request, please contact your local program officer.
No, all requests for funding are required to be submitted via the online application. This allows us to streamline the review process and enables us to provide organizations with a faster response.
