Select Page

Responsible Stewardship. Meaningful Impact.

 

Application

Guidelines

Open Stewardship Program

Each year, Open Bank dedicates a portion of its profits to support organizations that strengthen and serve our communities.

The Open Stewardship Program was created with funds received from Open Bank to support various needs of many organizations that serve our communities. The Board of Directors and Senior Management of Open Bank are committed to the Open Stewardship Program and will evidence a commitment by donating ten percent of the Bank’s profits to the Open Stewardship Foundation each year.

Our commitment means that we will actively support local civic organizations, schools, and public services, in order to help ensure the continuation and growth of quality services in the communities we serve. This includes support for Christian organizations that provide education, help for the needy, medical care, rehabilitation, food for the hungry, and other worthy services.

Our Commitment

The Open Stewardship Program was established through funds received from Open Bank to support organizations that serve and strengthen our communities.

The Board of Directors and Senior Management demonstrate this commitment by allocating ten percent of the Bank’s annual profits to civic, nonprofit, and Christian organizations. This pledge is incorporated into our annual budget as a foundational principle of stewardship.

We actively support local civic organizations, schools, public service institutions, and Christian ministries that provide education, medical care, rehabilitation, food for the hungry, and other essential community services.

Given the significant needs within our communities, not all requests can be funded. Each application is reviewed annually by the Stewardship Committee with thoughtful and careful consideration to ensure resources are distributed judiciously, fairly, and responsibly.

Public Service & Education

We support public service organizations and schools that advance education, healthcare, and community well-being.

Local Civic & Community Organizations

We invest in civic nonprofit organizations that strengthen and sustain the communities we serve.

Faith-Based & Christian Organizations

We support Christian organizations that provide spiritual guidance, care for the needy, and essential humanitarian services.

Annual Community Contributions

2011

$147,000

2012

$194,000

2013

$298,000

2014

$265,000

2015

$283,275

2016

$264,000

2017

$315,000

2018

$403,247

2019

$461,700

2020

$1,277,500

2021

$377,500

2022

$450,500

2023

$632,500

2024

$545,200

2025

$423,900

How to Apply

Grant applications are accepted at the end of each calendar year for funding consideration in the following year.

    Applicants are encouraged to provide:

  • Organizational overview
  • Proposed project details
  • Expected outcomes and measurable impact

Applications are reviewed by the Stewardship Committee. Due to limited resources, not all requests can be funded.
We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and responsible evaluation process.

Contact:
info@openstewardship.com
(213) 593-4885

To formally submit a grant application, please follow the application guidelines provided in this package. We encourage you to provide detailed information about your organization, your proposed project, and the anticipated outcomes.

1. Review Guidelines

Carefully review eligibility and documentation requirements.
l

2. Prepare Your Application

Complete the Application Cover Sheet and Narrative (maximum 5 pages).

3. Submit Before Deadline

Applications must be emailed or uploaded by the stated deadline.

4. Committee Review

Selected applicants may be invited for presentations or site visits.
z

5. Final Selection & Award

Recipients are notified and invited to attend the Award Ceremony.

Who We Fund

Eligible Organizations

    We welcome applications from:

  • 501(c)(3) Civic Nonprofit Organizations
  • Christian Nonprofit Organizations serving underprivileged communities
    Eligible programs may include:

  • Healthcare services
  • Youth development
  • Elderly care
  • Disability services
  • Housing and economic development
  • Food and shelter programs
  • Educational and workforce initiatives

Not Eligible Organizations

    We do not fund:

  • Political action committees
  • For-profit businesses
  • Loans or investments
  • Fundaising events
  • Individual churches or seminaries
  • Individuals or missionary groups
  • Public media organizations

What We Look For

Applications are evaluated based on:

Community Impact

Demonstrated benefit to the community and measurable outcomes.

Organizational Capacity

History, experience, and ability to execute the proposed program.

Financial Responsibility

Financial transparency and sustainable budget planning.

Feasibility & Sustainability

Practical implementation plan and long-term viability..

Required Documentation

New Applicants

  • Application Cover Sheet
  • Application Narrative (max 5 pages)
  • 501(c)(3) documentation
  • Last two years of signed tax returns
  • Three months of recent bank statements
  • Detailed program description and projected budget

Returning Applicants

  • Application Cover Sheet
  • Application Narrative
  • 501(c)(3) documentation
  • Most recent signed tax return
  • Three months of recent bank statements
  • Detailed program description and projected budget
  • Previous year results and performance report
  • Expense report from prior funding
  • Previous Year’s Contribution Acknowledgment Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

How many applications can we submit?
Each organization may submit one application per calendar year.
Are partial awards possible?
Yes. The Foundation may grant an amount different from the requested amount.
Are site visits required?
Selected applicants may be invited for presentations or site visits as part of the review process.
Can we submit by mail?
No. Applications must be submitted electronically via email or upload.

Open Stewardship Program VIDEO TUTORIAL

Cruise of Love

The Cruise of Love event, part of the Love Sharing Project, was the first initiative of its kind in the Korean American community. Designed to celebrate and strengthen the bonds of family love, the event was held annually from 2017 to 2019 and restarted in 2026.

The program offered a 4-day, 3-night cruise during summer vacation, departing from Long Beach, sailing to Ensenada, Mexico, and returning to Long Beach.

Children prepared surprise video messages for their parents, creating touching and emotional moments during the trip.

Families with children on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities who had never been able to take a full family vacation were also invited, giving them the chance to experience a cruise together for the first time.

Other Programs

Wheelchair Donation Program
A community support initiative providing 136 wheelchairs to nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities. This program reflects a continued commitment to improving mobility, accessibility, and quality of life within underserved communities.
Nonprofit Organization Expo
A community-driven event bringing together over 20 Korean American nonprofit organizations across diverse service areas. The expo was designed to increase awareness, connect residents with essential resources, and strengthen community engagement.
$1 Million Restaurant Support Program
A $1 million relief initiative launched by Open Bank and the Open Stewardship Foundation to support Korean American restaurants impacted by COVID-19. Through this program, 333 small businesses received direct financial assistance, helping them navigate economic challenges and sustain operations during a critical time.
Love Calendar Donation Initiative
A community fundraising project that raised $14,161 through the sale of a limited-edition calendar, which sold out within just five days. All proceeds were donated to support abandoned infants through the Baby Box program, delivering care, protection, and hope to vulnerable lives.
Empowerment Through Food Program
A community-based program designed to address food insecurity and economic challenges among underserved populations. By supporting hands-on culinary training and job development, the initiative helps individuals build skills, confidence, and sustainable futures.
1000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500
Los Angeles, CA 90017
info@openstewardship.com