SIDNEY — U.S. Bank awarded $159,000 in grants to nonprofits organizations in the northern Ohio counties of Allen, Erie, Guernsey, Jefferson, Miami, Muskingham, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Tuscarawas and Van Wert, and $26.2 million in total across the country in 2016.

The grants, made through the U.S. Bank Foundation, support the three core pillars of the Community Possible corporate social responsibility platform the bank introduced last year: work, home and play.

“Work, home and play are the building blocks that make our country great: a stable job, a home to call your own and a community connected through the arts, recreation and play,” said Andy Counts, regional president for U.S. Bank. “We’re proud to help hundreds of organizations strengthen local communities across the country and look forward to continuing to make Community Possible in 2017 and beyond.”

The grants were distributed across the company’s 25-state footprint. The total giving also includes grants made to U.S. Bank’s national partners United Way and American Red Cross as well as employee giving match programs.

This year, U.S. Bank will provide grants in the areas of work, home and play through three grant cycles. More information can be found on U.S. Bank’s websit, www.usbank.com.

Work area grants support programs and organizations that help small business thrive, people succeed in the workforce, provide pathways to higher education and gain greater financial literacy. The application period for work grants is April 1-May 31.

Home area grants support efforts that connect individuals and families with sustainable housing opportunities. The application period for home grants is July 1-Aug. 31.

Play area grants support access to the arts, arts education and learning through play for children and adults in low- and moderate-income communities. Application for play grants will be accepted through March 15.