U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund releases $15 million in grants

Several grants will help fund nonprofit programs supporting disaster relief and resilience efforts

The U.S. Bank Foundation has distributed $15 million in grants from the U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund in 2025 to increase wealth-building opportunities for low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities. 

This is the third round of grants distributed from the Opportunity Fund, a five-year, $75 million charitable fund the foundation launched in 2023. The grants include funding for organizations that are working to provide small business support; expand access to affordable housing for LMI communities; increase the availability of and access to homeownership; support digital access and workforce development in LMI, rural and tribal communities; advance financial health; and promote economic development and solutions for environmental sustainability. 

“By working together with nonprofits, we’re able to help people experience the pride of homeownership, the excitement of launching a business, and the confidence to prepare for meaningful employment and make informed financial decisions,” said Erica Opstad, head of community affairs at U.S. Bank and president of the U.S. Bank Foundation. 

Several grants are helping to fund nonprofit programs supporting disaster relief and resilience efforts, with particular focus on areas of Los Angeles and St. Louis that were impacted by natural disasters earlier this year. These include:

• Greater Los Angeles Habitat for Humanity for its ReBUILD LA initiative for homeowners affected by the January wildfires. The initiative provides case management to help survivors – including LMI homeowners, uninsured and underinsured households, seniors, individuals with disabilities and families with children – navigate rebuilding, access service and close financial gaps.

• Neighborhood Housing Services Los Angeles County for its Restore the Legacy Coalition, which aims to expand homeownership for LMI families impacted by the wildfires. The program aims to provide financial education, disaster case management, affordable lending and real estate services over three years.

• The Center by Lendistry for its LA Wildfire Home Rebuilding Toolkit for LMI residents affected by the Eaton fire in Altadena. The program bridges immediate relief and long-term recovery through trauma-informed counseling, education resources and personalized case management to help families rebuild safely, prevent displacement and restore stability. 

• Invest STL for its Northside Resilience Fund to aid recovery in St. Louis neighborhoods that received substantial damage from the May 2025 tornado. The fund will cover urgent needs such as building stabilization, rent, temporary housing, utilities, food, clothing and medical expenses.

Additionally, Habitat for Humanity International also is receiving an Opportunity Fund grant toward its Building Disaster Resilience initiative, which is designed to address disparities in disaster recovery by providing culturally responsive insurance literacy, estate navigation and resilient construction practices. 

U.S. Bank has had a longstanding relationship with Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates to help expand access to affordable housing and homeownership, providing $3.9 million in corporate contributions, U.S. Bank Foundation giving and employee matching gifts nationally to Habitat in 2024. Since 2008, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance has provided more than $141 million through the federal New Markets Tax Credit program to Habitat affiliates across the country, contributing to the creation of more than 4,800 housing units. Many U.S. Bank employees also have participated in Habitat projects in their communities over the years, with 8,000 hours volunteered in 2024 alone.

“Safe, decent, and affordable housing is the cornerstone for strong and thriving communities. When corporations invest in their local communities, they can serve as a catalyst to drive meaningful change,” said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president of corporate partnerships and cause marketing at Habitat for Humanity International. “U.S. Bank and the U.S. Bank Foundation have been instrumental in our efforts to increase access to affordable housing in communities across the country. We are grateful for their continued partnership and their support of our mission.”

The Opportunity Fund builds upon the foundation’s signature Community Possible grant program, which continues to provide funds to nonprofits, as well as the legacy of U.S. Bank Foundation programs such as the Market Impact Fund. U.S. Bank corporate contributions also support community needs, and the bank has committed nearly $1.9 million in additional funding to help wildfire recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area as well.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is funded primarily through contributions from U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates and subsidiaries. The Foundation’s mission is to close the gaps between people and possibility in the areas of work, home, and play.

The Opportunity Fund represents a financial commitment of the U.S. Bank Foundation; it is not a traditional equity fund, nor does it represent a form of ownership.