First Foundation Bank Announces 2025 Supporting Our Communities Grant Awardees

Business Wire

4 days ago

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Foundation Inc. (NYSE:FFWM) ('First Foundation'), a financial services company with two wholly owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank, and a strong commitment to community reinvestment, proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Supporting Our Communities Grant Awards. First Foundation Bank awarded a total of $160,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across fourteen counties in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii – underscoring its commitment to meaningful reinvestment in the communities it calls home.
Each grant awarded reflects First Foundation's approach to community engagement. Rather than focusing solely on financial support, the bank prioritizes lasting relationships, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for inclusive growth.
'These partnerships are not just about philanthropy – they're about connection,' said Thomas C. Shafer, CEO of First Foundation Inc. 'Each nonprofit was chosen because of their meaningful ties they have with our employees and the measurable difference they're making in the areas we serve.'
The selection process is uniquely designed to champion causes that resonate personally with employees—whether through volunteer service, board membership, or direct experience. By elevating the organizations that its workforce is most passionate about, First Foundation ensures authentic and effective local impact.
'From financial education to food security, from youth mentoring to affordable housing – these nonprofits reflect the diverse needs, and the spirit of service found in our communities,' said Sylvia M. Figueroa, Senior Vice President, Director of Community Development and CRA Officer of First Foundation Bank. 'When employees advocate for a cause or commit their time to a local organization, we want to support their efforts and help to bolster the impact in the community through our shared values.'
Grant recipients range from grassroots community initiatives to well-established regional nonprofits. All are united by their commitment to advancing opportunity and equity within their neighborhoods. The funding is part of First Foundation Bank's broader strategy to fulfill its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) priorities and elevate programs that directly contribute to:
Affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization
Financial literacy and economic empowerment
Small business development and job creation
Food security, education, and youth enrichment
Through these efforts, First Foundation Bank is investing in people, not just programs. By channeling resources toward organizations rooted in the fabric of their communities, the bank continues to build a more resilient and inclusive future across its footprint.
For a complete list of First Foundation Bank's 2025 Supporting Our Communities Grant Recipients, please visit: Community & Ways We Give Back | First Foundation Bank
About First Foundation
First Foundation Inc. (NYSE: FFWM) and its subsidiaries offer personal banking, business banking, and private wealth management services, including investment, trust, insurance, and philanthropy services. This comprehensive platform of financial services is designed to help clients at any stage in their financial journey. The broad range of financial products and services offered by First Foundation are more consistent with those offered by larger financial institutions, while its high level of personalized service, accessibility, and responsiveness to clients is more aligned with community banks and boutique wealth management firms. This combination of an integrated platform of comprehensive financial products and personalized service differentiates First Foundation from many of its competitors and has contributed to the growth of its client base and business. Learn more at firstfoundationinc.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.