THE SANDLER O'NEILL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION

THE SANDLER O'NEILL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION THE SANDLER O'NEILL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION WAS ORGANIZED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 ATTACK ON THE U.S AND FUTURE DISASTERS OR ACTS OF WAR. THE FOUNDATION'S PRIMARY MISSION IS TO AID THE DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE EMPLOYED BY SANDLER O'NEILL & PARTNERS, L.P. AND WHO PERISHED IN THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. THE FOUNDATION MAINLY ASSISTS SUCH FAMILY MEMBERS WITH THE EXPENSES OF POST-SECONDARY (COLLEGE-LEVEL) EDUCATION WITHOUT REGARD TO NEED AFTER A SATISFACTORY AND DETAILED ILLUSTRATION OF SUCH EXPENSES. WHEREVER POSSIBLE, THE FOUNDATION MAKES DISBURSEMENTS DIRECTLY TO THE POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS. GRANTS MAY EVENTUALLY BE MADE TO OTHER VICTIMS OF THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 ATTACK AND/OR OTHER RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS.