IRVINE, Calif. – May 31, 2011 – Opus Bank and the Opus Community Foundation announced today that the Opus Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved 13 grant awards. The grant awards will provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that make a positive and meaningful impact in the community and improve the quality of life of individuals and families, particularly the least advantaged, living in or around Opus Bank's communities.

Stephen H. Gordon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Opus Bank and Chairman of the Opus Community Foundation, stated, “The Opus Community Foundation is pleased to partner with these organizations that are committed to doing so much good in our communities. The organizations with whom we have chosen to partner serve as critical resources, provide vital services, and reach deep into our communities with programs that educate, aid, and inspire our youth; or train, counsel, and support those looking for jobs; and provide food and shelter for those with the greatest need.”

Katie Steele, Executive Director of the Opus Community Foundation, commented, “This is an exciting time for Opus Bank and the Opus Community Foundation as we connect with, learn from, and reinvest in our communities. It is inspiring to see how committed our firm, its board and team members are to giving back to the community from the very beginning. It sets a precedent for the future and demonstrates our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those living in our communities.”

The foundation’s grants were awarded to Los Angeles and Orange County-based nonprofit organizations with a focus on affordable housing, education, financial literacy, critical health issues, or the arts. These groups include:

Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach received a grant to support their pre-school program, which prepares children from low income families to enter kindergarten at the same educational level as other children in the community.

Children’s Hospital of Orange County (“CHOC”) received a grant to support their medical programs that are designed to improve the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach, and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients.

City Year of Los Angeles received a grant to support their service programs that place young adult volunteers in public schools in under-resourced neighborhoods. Volunteers serve as tutors, mentors, and role models to help students and schools succeed by leading school-based service programs, youth leadership programs, and community transformation.

Community Action Partnership of Orange County received a grant to support their Farm 2 Kids Program that provides nutritional education and fresh produce to children attending schools in low income neighborhoods of Orange County.

Families Forward received a grant to support their programs that provide families in need with rent assistance, food, clothing, school supplies, and counseling.

Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services received a grant to support their programs that build stronger neighborhoods, improve the quality of life for families of modest means, and revitalize communities through financial education and the development of affordable housing.

Orange County Community Housing Corporation received a grant to support their facilities and programs, which provide families with affordable housing, stability, and education, all of which are focused on helping the families become self-reliant.

Orangewood Children’s Foundation received a grant to support their scholarship program, which sponsors Orangewood youth attending 80 universities, community colleges, and trade schools in 15 states. Orangewood’s focus is on the ongoing needs of children in the foster care system, developing a wide range of activities, scholarships, support, and programs to give every child every chance to succeed.

Palos Verdes Land Conservancy received a grant to support their educational programs for elementary school children and focused on the peninsula’s natural history.

Shakespeare by the Sea received a grant to support their programs that provide access to theatrical experiences to underserved, culturally diverse audiences throughout Southern California.

UCLA Anderson School of Management received a grant to support its Riordan Program, which provides educational courses, mentorship, and professional development for high school and college students and recent graduates from underserved communities.

University of California, Irvine received a grant to support their Summer Financial Literacy program that provides a residential education experience focused on financial literacy to young women from underserved, low-to-moderate income areas of Southern California.

YWCA of the Harbor Area received a grant to support their programs that provide child care and promote economic self-sufficiency for women from low-to-moderate income neighborhoods in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

About Opus Community Foundation

The Opus Community Foundation is a private 501(c) (3) organization established by Opus Bank on September 30, 2010. The Opus Community Foundation targets its philanthropic efforts in the areas of affordable housing, community development, education, financial literacy, critical health issues, and the arts. The foundation’s goal is to stimulate economic change, promote reinvestment, inspire philanthropy, and strengthen the communities around us.​

About Opus Bank

Opus Bank is an FDIC insured California-chartered commercial bank with $708.0 million of total assets, $182.0 million of total loans, $293.8 million in total deposits, and $399.9 million of total equity, as of March 31, 2011. Opus Bank provides high value, relationship-based banking products and exceptional service to its clients comprised of small and mid-sized commercial businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and consumers. Opus Bank offers a wide range of loan products, including commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, multifamily residential, jumbo single-family residential, consumer loans, and is a Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Preferred Lender. Opus Bank operates banking offices in Los Angeles County, located in the communities of Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes/San Pedro, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills Estates, and Torrance, and maintains an executive and administrative office in Irvine, located in Orange County, California. For additional information about Opus Bank, please visit our website:: www.opusbank.com.