Hancock Whitney : Awards $140K in Grants to 12 Non-Profits across Gulf South Footprint

GULFPORT, Miss., Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hancock Whitney-one of the strongest, safest banks in the country-has awarded $140,000 in competitive grants to 12 non-profit organizations making major differences for people and communities across the Gulf South.

Hancock Whitney grant winners are qualifying 501 (c)(3) organizations providing affordable housing, small business, economic development, and youth programs to local communities. Grant recipients include BakerRipley (Houston, Texas); Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County (Bradenton, Florida); Boys Town North Florida (Tallahassee, Florida); Chinese Community Center (Houston, Texas); Disability Connection (Gulfport, Mississippi); Florida State University Foundation (Tallahassee, Florida); Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Gulfport, Mississippi); Louisiana Green Corps (New Orleans); New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (New Orleans); and Rising Foundations (New Orleans).

Project Build a Future of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County in Tampa, Florida, received top grant awards.

Funded by Hancock Whitney through its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program, the competitive grants align with the bank's larger community development efforts throughout the Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas region.

'We developed this initiative as another way to reinvest in the communities we serve according to our core values and our mission to help people achieve their financial goals and dreams,' said Hancock Whitney Director of CRA and Community Affairs Sunada Brookins. 'We received a tremendous outpouring of interest in the competitive grants and are very grateful to the Greater New Orleans Foundation for their partnership in managing this strong response and their commitment to our communities.'

The Greater New Orleans Foundation was instrumental in creating awareness about the grants across the Hancock Whitney footprint and managed the grant application process.

'We are excited to partner with Hancock Whitney as they continue impactful investments in non-profits throughout our region,' said Greater New Orleans Foundation CEO Andy Kopplin. 'Our foundation prides itself on providing strong corporate citizens with expertise to pinpoint the best investment options for their company. Hancock Whitney is a great partner and an example of how we all can make strategic philanthropic investments that improve the communities we live in.'

Hancock Whitney received and considered 266 grant applications before determining recipients.

'Our applicants are outstanding, and our winners are bright, shining forces for opportunities in their respective communities. Hancock Whitney thanks and recognizes all grant applicants and celebrates the grant winners. As we continue to expand our community development efforts, we'll look for more opportunities to partner with organizations in the communities we serve,' added Brookins.

Hancock Whitney currently supports non-profit organizations serving 24 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. Part of Hancock Whitney Corporation's Gulf South financial services family, bank 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 www.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.

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SOURCE Hancock Whitney Bank