12 Agencies to Benefit from Year Three of Program Partnership with Greater New Orleans Foundation
GULFPORT, Miss. (December 15, 2020)—For the third year in a row, Hancock Whitney, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, has awarded competitive grants to help nonprofits broaden community development efforts across the five Gulf South states the bank serves.
Through its competitive grant program, Hancock Whitney awarded a total of $200,000 to 12 eligible non-profit organizations currently supporting small businesses through technical assistance and entrepreneurship training. The competitive grants are part of Hancock Whitney’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program.
“We received applications from so many outstanding organizations providing critical services and resources to communities throughout the Gulf South,” said Hancock Whitney Director of Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Sunada Brookins. “This year, their support has been especially vital in helping so many people and businesses navigate the unexpected impacts of the pandemic. We are very grateful for the commitment these organizations, their leadership and teams, and volunteers sustain year-round.
Organizations receiving competitive grants this year from Hancock Whitney are Thrive New Orleans (New Orleans), Tampa Bay Wave (Tampa, Florida), University of South Alabama (Mobile, Alabama), Beaver Street Enterprise Center (Jacksonville, Florida), Heritage Global Group (Biloxi, Mississippi), Agenda for Children (New Orleans), Flyte (New Orleans), Market Umbrella (New Orleans), Fund 17 (New Orleans), Propeller (New Orleans), Baker Ripley (Houston, Texas), and Adult Reading Center, Inc. (Pearland, Texas).
The Greater New Orleans Foundation was instrumental in creating awareness about the grants across the Hancock Whitney footprint and managed the grant application process.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and they are hurting during this pandemic, with evidence that minority-owned small businesses have faced the most difficult challenges,” said President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation Andy Kopplin. “Hancock Whitney continues to show thoughtful and strategic philanthropy, and this round of grants is further proof of that. We are proud to be their partner.”
The Hancock Whitney competitive grant program received numerous applications from organizations working tirelessly to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Hancock Whitney currently supports non-profit organizations serving 30 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and non-MSAs in the bank’s five-state footprint.
About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; certain insurance services; and mortgage services. The company also operates a loan production office in Nashville, Tennessee. BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and analysis firm, consistently recommends Hancock Whitney as one of America’s most financially sound banks. More information is available at hancockwhitney.com.
About the Greater New Orleans Foundation
For over 35 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has been connecting generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in our 13-parish region. Together with a family of donors and partners, we are building a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. More information is available at www.gnof.org.
Hancock Whitney Media Contact
Ashley Harrison, Community Affairs CRA Manager
ashley.harrison@hancockwhitney.com
504.619.4144
Greater New Orleans Foundation Media Contact
Tyronne Walker, Vice President of Communications & Public Relations
504.599.2160
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