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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 11, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
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<TD width="64"></TD>
<TD width="299">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD></TR>
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<TD COLSPAN="2" width="363">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Registration Statement No. 333-______</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD width="314">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD width="64">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD width="299">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
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<TD width="64"></TD>
<TD width="299"></TD></TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>UNITED STATES<br>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<br>
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549</STRONG></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD width="314">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD>
<TD width="64"></TD>
<TD width="299"></TD></TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>FORM S-8</STRONG></FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD width="64"></TD>
<TD width="299"></TD></TR>
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&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD></TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<br>
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</STRONG></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD width="314">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD>
<TD width="64">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD>
<TD width="299">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD></TR>
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<TD width="64"></TD>
<TD width="299"></TD></TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">PROVIDENT FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="-1"><HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD COLSPAN="3" width="677"></FONT>
  <p align="center"><FONT SIZE="-1">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD width="314">&nbsp; </TD>
<TD width="64">&nbsp; </TD>
<TD width="299">&nbsp; </TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Delaware</FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">33-0704889</FONT><HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314"><FONT SIZE="-1">(State or other jurisdiction of</FONT><font size="2">
incorporation or organization)</font></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64"><FONT SIZE="-1"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">(I.R.S. Employer<br>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD width="314">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD>
<TD width="64">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD>
<TD width="299">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">3756 Central Avenue<br>
Riverside, California</FONT>
<FONT SIZE="-1"><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299"></P>
</FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><br>92506
<HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314"><FONT SIZE="-1">(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64"><FONT SIZE="-1"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">(Zip code)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314">&nbsp; </TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299">&nbsp;&nbsp; </TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD COLSPAN="3" ALIGN="CENTER" width="677"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan</FONT>
<HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD COLSPAN="3" ALIGN="CENTER" width="677"><FONT SIZE="-1">(Full title of the plan)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314"><FONT SIZE="-1"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64"></TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="314" valign="bottom"><FONT SIZE="-1">Donavon P. Ternes<br>
Chief Financial Officer<br>
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.<br>
3756 Central Avenue<br>
Riverside, California 92506<br>
(909) 686-6060
<HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="64" valign="bottom"></P>


</FONT><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" width="299" valign="bottom"><FONT SIZE="-1">John F. Breyer, Jr., Esquire<br>
Kristin M. Pechinsky, Esquire<br>
Breyer &amp; Associates PC<br>
8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 785<br>
McLean, Virginia 22102<br>
(703) 883-1100 <HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD COLSPAN="3" ALIGN="CENTER" width="677"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<CENTER>
<p></p>
</CENTER>
</P>

<BR WP="BR1"><BR WP="BR2">
<TABLE BORDER="0" WIDTH="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111">
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD COLSPAN="5" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</STRONG></FONT>

  <FONT SIZE="-1"><HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Title of each class of
securities to be registered</FONT><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">Amount to be
registered</font><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">Proposed maximum
offering price per share</FONT><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">Proposed maximum
aggregate offering price</FONT><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">Amount of
registration fee</FONT><HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom"><FONT SIZE="-1">Common stock,</FONT><font size="2">
$0.01 par value per share</font><FONT SIZE="-1"><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" valign="bottom"></P>
</FONT><font size="2">352,500</font><FONT SIZE="-1"><SUP>(1)</SUP></font><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" valign="bottom">
<font size="2">$22.82</font><FONT SIZE="-1"><SUP>(2)</SUP></FONT><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" valign="bottom">

<font size="2">$8,044,050</font><HR>
</TD>
<TD ALIGN="CENTER" valign="bottom">

<font size="2">$1,020</font><HR>
</TD></TR></table>

<table width=100%>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<td width=5%><FONT SIZE="-1"><SUP>(1)</SUP> </FONT></td>
<Td width=95%><FONT SIZE="-1">Together with an
  indeterminate number of additional shares which may be necessary to adjust the
  number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Provident Financial
  Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan as a result of a stock split, stock
  dividend or similar adjustment of the outstanding common stock of the
  registrant.</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<td width=5%><FONT SIZE="-1"><SUP>(2)</SUP> </FONT></td>
<Td width=95%><FONT SIZE="-1">Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h), calculated on the basis of $22.82 per share, the average of the high and
low share prices of Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on
February 6,
2004.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>


<BR WP="BR1"><font size="2">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font><P><FONT SIZE="-1"><CENTER><STRONG>PART I<BR><BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</STRONG></CENTER>
</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	The document(s) containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given to participants
in the Provident Financial Holdings, In. 2003 Stock Option Plan as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Such document(s) are not being filed with the Commission, but constitute (along with the documents
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II hereof) a prospectus that meets
the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933.</FONT></P>

<P><font size="-1">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><CENTER><STRONG>PART II<BR><BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</STRONG></CENTER>
</FONT></P>

<BR WP="BR1"><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>Item 3</U>.	Incorporation of Documents by Reference</FONT><P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	The following documents previously or concurrently filed by Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. (the
"Registrant") with the Commission are hereby incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and the
prospectus to which this Registration Statement relates (the "Prospectus"):</FONT></P>

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<TR VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE="-2">

	<TD width="27"></TD>
<TD width="43" align="left">
</FONT>
<font size="2">(a)</font></TD>
<TD width="602"><FONT SIZE="-1">	the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 (File No. 000-28304) filed pursuant to
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;</FONT></TD>

</FONT>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE="-2">

	<TD width="27">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD COLSPAN="2" width="651" align="left"></TD>

</FONT>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE="-2">

	<TD width="27"></TD>
<TD width="43" align="left">
</FONT>
<font size="2">(b)</font></TD>
<TD width="602"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">	all other reports filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 since the end of the fiscal year covered by the Annual Report on Form 10-K
referred to in Item 3(a) above; and</FONT></TD>

</FONT>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE="-2">

	<TD width="27">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD COLSPAN="2" width="651" align="left"></TD>

</FONT>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD width="27">&nbsp;</TD>
  <FONT SIZE="-2">

<TD width="43" align="left">
</FONT>
<font size="2">(c)</font></TD>
<TD width="602"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">	the description of the Registrant's
common stock, par value $0.01 per share, set forth in the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A, registering the Registrant's common stock,
pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and all
amendments thereto or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description.</FONT></TD>

</FONT>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates
that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
deemed incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and the Prospectus to be a part hereof and thereof
from the date of the filing of such documents.  Any statement contained in the documents incorporated, or deemed to
be incorporated, by reference herein or therein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Registration Statement and the Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or therein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein or therein modifies or
supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement and the Prospectus.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	The Registrant shall furnish without charge to each person to whom the Prospectus is delivered, on the written
or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference, other than exhibits to
such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference to the information that is incorporated).
Requests should be directed to the Corporate Secretary, Provident Financial Holdings, Inc., 3756 Central Avenue,
Riverside, California 92506, telephone number (909) 686-6060.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	All information appearing in this Registration Statement and the Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by the
detailed information, including financial statements, appearing in the documents incorporated herein or therein by
reference.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>Item 4</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Description of Securities</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Not Applicable</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>Item 5</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Not Applicable</FONT></P>

<P><font size="-1">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>Item 6</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Indemnification of Directors and Officers</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Article XVII of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation requires indemnification of any person who is or
was a director, officer or employee of the Registrant for expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with
the defense or settlement of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides for permissible and mandatory indemnification
of directors, officers, employees and agents in certain circumstances.  Section 145 provides as follows:</FONT></P>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT SIZE="-1">	(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the
person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful. The termination
of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the
person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.</FONT><P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment
in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or
is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good
faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and
except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have
been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in
which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 	To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits
or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in
defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys'
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 	Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made
by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or
former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect
to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are
not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors
designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or
if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(e)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in
defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or
proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of
such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf
of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be
determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation
as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred by former directors and </FONT></P>

<P><font size="2">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon
such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(f)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 	The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other
subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or
advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors
or otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such
office.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(g)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 	A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against
any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such
person's status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such
liability under this section.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(h)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 	For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting
corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or
merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors,
officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect
to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans;
references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and
references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with
respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a
manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit
plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in
this section.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(j)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall,
unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(k)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 	The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for
advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation's
obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys' fees).</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>Item 7</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Exemption From Registration Claimed</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Not Applicable</FONT></P>

<P><font size="-1">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>Item 8</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Exhibits</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement on Form
S-8:</FONT></P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" WIDTH="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111">
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" valign="bottom"><FONT SIZE="-1">Exhibit<BR>
Number</FONT><HR>
</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></P>
</FONT><font size="2">Description of Document</font><HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Bylaws of the Registrant (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">4.3</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Registrant (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">5</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Opinion of Breyer &amp; Associates PC</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Consent of Breyer &amp; Associates PC (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">24</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Power of attorney (contained in the signature page of the Registration Statement)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">99</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (2)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">
&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">
<HR>
</TD>
<TD></TD></TR></TABLE>

<table width=100%>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<td width=5%><font size="2">(1)</font></td>
<Td width=95%><font size="2">Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-2230), and incorporated herein by
reference.</font></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<td width=5%><FONT SIZE="-1">(2) </FONT></td>
<Td width=95%><FONT SIZE="-1">Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Definitive
Annual Meeting Proxy Statement (000-28304), filed with the Commission on October
21, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>


<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><U>Item 9</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Undertakings</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">		&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;		1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the Registration Statement; and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change in such information in the
Registration Statement; provided, however, that clauses (i) and (ii) do not apply if the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant
to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">		&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;		2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed the initial bona fide offering thereof.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">		&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;		3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement </FONT></P>

<P><font size="2">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	shall be deemed to a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officer and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</FONT></P>

<P><font size="-1">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P>&nbsp;</P>

<FONT SIZE="-1"><CENTER><STRONG>SIGNATURES</STRONG></CENTER>
</FONT></P>

<BR WP="BR1"><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable
grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Riverside, State of
California, on the 22<SUP>nd</SUP> day of January, 2004.</FONT><P><FONT SIZE="-1">	<STRONG>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PROVIDENT FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.</STRONG></FONT></P>

<BR WP="BR1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT SIZE="-1">	By:	<U>
/s/ Craig G. Blunden&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Craig G. Blunden&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(Duly Authorized Representative)</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG><CENTER>POWER OF ATTORNEY</STRONG></CENTER>
</FONT></P>

<BR WP="BR1"><FONT SIZE="-1"><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  Each person whose signature appears below hereby
makes, constitutes and appoints Craig G. Blunden his true and lawful attorney, with full power to sign for such person
and in such person's name and capacity indicated below, and with full power of substitution any and all amendments
to this Registration Statement, hereby ratifying and confirming such person's signature as it may be signed by said
attorney to any and all amendments.</FONT></p>

<TABLE BORDER="0" WIDTH="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111">
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>Signature</STRONG></FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></STRONG></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>Title</STRONG></FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></STRONG></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>Date</STRONG></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/Craig G. Blunden</font><HR>
<font size="2">Craig G. Blunden</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) </FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/Donavon P. Ternes</font><HR>

<font size="2">Donavon P. Ternes</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Chief Financial Officer<br>
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom"></P>
<font size="2">/s/Joseph P. Barr</font>
<HR>

  <font size="2">Joseph P. Barr</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/Bruce W. Bennett</font><HR>

<font size="2">Bruce W. Bennett</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/Debbi H. Guthrie</font><HR>

<font size="2">Debbi H. Guthrie</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/Seymour M. Jacobs</font><HR>

<font size="2">Seymour M. Jacobs</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/Robert G. Schrader</font><HR>

<font size="2">Robert G. Schrader</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/Roy H. Taylor</font><HR>

<font size="2">Roy H. Taylor</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD valign="bottom">
<font size="2">/s/William E. Thomas</font><HR>

<font size="2">William E. Thomas</font></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">Director</FONT></TD>
<TD valign="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">January 22, 2004</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>

<BR WP="BR1"><font size="2">&lt;PAGE&gt;<BR WP="BR2">
</font>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>PROVIDENT FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.</STRONG></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>EXHIBIT INDEX</STRONG></FONT></P>

<TABLE BORDER="0" WIDTH="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111">
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER" valign="bottom"><FONT SIZE="-1">Exhibit<br>
Number</FONT><FONT SIZE="-1"><HR>
</TD>
<TD valign="bottom"></P>
</FONT><font size="2">Description of Document</font><HR>
</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1">4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Bylaws of the Registrant (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">4.3</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Registrant (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">5</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Opinion of Breyer &amp; Associates PC</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Consent of Breyer &amp; Associates PC (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">24</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Power of attorney (contained in the signature page of the Registration Statement)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT><FONT SIZE="-1">99</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT SIZE="-1">Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (2)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP"><TD ALIGN="CENTER">
<HR>
</TD>
<TD></TD></TR></TABLE>

<table width=100%>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<td width=5%><font size="2">(1)</font></td>
<Td width=95%><font size="2">Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-2230), and incorporated herein by
reference.</font></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<td width=5%><FONT SIZE="-1">(2) </FONT></td>
<Td width=95%><FONT SIZE="-1">Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Definitive
Annual Meeting Proxy Statement (000-28304), filed with the Commission on October
21, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>


<P ALIGN="left"><font size="2">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P ALIGN="left">&nbsp;</P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>Exhibit 5</STRONG></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>Opinion of Breyer &amp; Associates PC</STRONG></FONT></P>

<BR WP="BR1"><font size="2">&lt;PAGE&gt;<BR WP="BR2">
</font>
<BR WP="BR1"><BR WP="BR2">
<FONT SIZE="-1"><CENTER>[Letterhead of Breyer &amp; Associates PC]</CENTER>
</FONT></P>

<p align="center">

<BR WP="BR1"><BR WP="BR2">
<FONT SIZE="-1">		February 9, 2004</FONT></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<P><FONT SIZE="-1">Board of Directors<BR>
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.<BR>
3756 Central Avenue<BR>
Riverside, California 92506<BR><BR>

Ladies and Gentlemen:</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	We have acted as special counsel to Provident Financial Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to shares of
common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock") of the Company which may be issued pursuant to the
terms of the Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), pursuant to the grant or exercise
of stock options ("Options"), all as more fully described in the Registration Statement.  The Registration Statement also
registers an indeterminate number of additional shares which may be necessary to adjust the number of shares registered
thereby for issuance as the result of a stock split, stock dividend or similar adjustment of the number of issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock.  You have requested the opinion of this firm with respect to certain legal aspects
of the proposed offering.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	We have reviewed the Registration Statement, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company, the
Plan, a specimen stock certificate evidencing the Common Stock and such other documents and records as we have
deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion.  We are relying upon the originals, or copies certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction, of the corporate records of the Company and such other instruments, certificates and
representations of public officials, officers and representatives of the Company as we have deemed applicable or
relevant as a basis for the opinions set forth below. In addition, we have assumed, without independent verification, the
genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents furnished to us and the conformance in all respects
of copies to originals. Furthermore, we have made such factual inquiries and reviewed such laws as we determined to
be relevant for the purposes of this opinion. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	For purposes of this opinion, we have also assumed that (i) the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to
the exercise of Options will continue to be validly authorized on the dates the Common Stock is issued pursuant to the
exercise of the Options, (ii) on the dates the Options are exercised, the Options will constitute valid, legal and binding
obligations of the Company and will be enforceable as to the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to
applicable bankruptcy, moratorium, insolvency, reorganization and other laws and legal principles affecting the
enforceability of creditors' rights generally); (iii) no change occurs in applicable law or the pertinent facts; (iv) the
Options are exercised in accordance with the terms of the Plan and any separate agreement evidencing the grant of such
Options pursuant to the Plan and the exercise price due therefor, if any, is paid in accordance with the terms thereof;
and (v) the provisions of "blue sky" and other securities laws as may be applicable have been complied with to the extent
required. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	Based on the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion as of the date
hereof that the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Plan, upon receipt by the Company of the
consideration required thereby, as applicable, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common
Stock. </FONT></P>

<P><font size="-1">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;	We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE="-1">		&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;		Sincerely,</FONT></P>

<font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
/s/ Breyer &amp; Associates PC<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;		BREYER &amp; ASSOCIATES PC</FONT><p>
<font size="-1">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></p>

<P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>Exhibit 23.1</STRONG></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE="-1"><STRONG>Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP</STRONG></FONT></P>

<font size="2">&lt;PAGE&gt;<BR WP="BR1"></font><BR WP="BR2">
&nbsp;<FONT SIZE="-1"><p align="left">INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT</p>
</FONT></P>

<BR WP="BR1"><FONT SIZE="-1">We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. on
Form S-8 of our report dated August 14, 2003, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Provident Financial
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended June 30, 2003.</FONT><P><FONT SIZE="-1">/s/ Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP</FONT><br>
<font size="2">DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP</font><BR>
<P><FONT SIZE="-1">Costa Mesa, California<BR>
February 9, 2004</FONT></P>

<P><font size="-1">&lt;PAGE&gt;</font></P>

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 11, 2004
Registration Statement No. 333-______
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
33-0704889
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3756 Central Avenue
Riverside, California
92506
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan
(Full title of the plan)
Donavon P. Ternes
Chief Financial Officer
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.
3756 Central Avenue
Riverside, California 92506
(909) 686-6060
John F. Breyer, Jr., Esquire
Kristin M. Pechinsky, Esquire
Breyer & Associates PC
8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 785
McLean, Virginia 22102
(703) 883-1100
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of each class of
securities to be registered
Amount to be
registered
Proposed maximum
offering price per share
Proposed maximum
aggregate offering price
Amount of
registration fee
Common stock,
$0.01 par value per share
352,500
(1)
$22.82
(2)
$8,044,050
$1,020
(1)
Together with an
  indeterminate number of additional shares which may be necessary to adjust the
  number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Provident Financial
  Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan as a result of a stock split, stock
  dividend or similar adjustment of the outstanding common stock of the
  registrant.
(2)
Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h), calculated on the basis of $22.82 per share, the average of the high and
low share prices of Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on
February 6,
2004.
<PAGE>
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The document(s) containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given to participants
in the Provident Financial Holdings, In. 2003 Stock Option Plan as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933.
Such document(s) are not being filed with the Commission, but constitute (along with the documents
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II hereof) a prospectus that meets
the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933.
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3
.	Incorporation of Documents by Reference
The following documents previously or concurrently filed by Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. (the
"Registrant") with the Commission are hereby incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and the
prospectus to which this Registration Statement relates (the "Prospectus"):
(a)
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 (File No. 000-28304) filed pursuant to
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
(b)
all other reports filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 since the end of the fiscal year covered by the Annual Report on Form 10-K
referred to in Item 3(a) above; and
(c)
the description of the Registrant's
common stock, par value $0.01 per share, set forth in the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A, registering the Registrant's common stock,
pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and all
amendments thereto or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description.
All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates
that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
deemed incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and the Prospectus to be a part hereof and thereof
from the date of the filing of such documents.  Any statement contained in the documents incorporated, or deemed to
be incorporated, by reference herein or therein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Registration Statement and the Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or therein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein or therein modifies or
supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
The Registrant shall furnish without charge to each person to whom the Prospectus is delivered, on the written
or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference, other than exhibits to
such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference to the information that is incorporated).
Requests should be directed to the Corporate Secretary, Provident Financial Holdings, Inc., 3756 Central Avenue,
Riverside, California 92506, telephone number (909) 686-6060.
All information appearing in this Registration Statement and the Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by the
detailed information, including financial statements, appearing in the documents incorporated herein or therein by
reference.
Item 4
.     Description of Securities
Not Applicable
Item 5
.     Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Not Applicable
<PAGE>
Item 6
.     Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Article XVII of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation requires indemnification of any person who is or
was a director, officer or employee of the Registrant for expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with
the defense or settlement of any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides for permissible and mandatory indemnification
of directors, officers, employees and agents in certain circumstances.  Section 145 provides as follows:
(a)    	A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the
person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful. The termination
of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the
person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.
(b)    	A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment
in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or
is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good
faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and
except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have
been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in
which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses
which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
(c)     	To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits
or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in
defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys'
fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
(d)     	Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made
by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or
former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect
to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are
not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors
designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or
if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
(e)    
Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director in
defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or
proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of
such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf
of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be
determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation
as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred by former directors and
<PAGE>
officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon
such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.
(f)     	The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other
subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or
advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors
or otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such
office.
(g)     	A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against
any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such
person's status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such
liability under this section.
(h)     	For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting
corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or
merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors,
officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect
to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.
(i)    	For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises" shall include employee benefit plans;
references to "fines" shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and
references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with
respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a
manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit
plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in
this section.
(j)    	The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall,
unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
(k)     	The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for
advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporation's
obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys' fees).
Item 7
.    	Exemption From Registration Claimed
Not Applicable
<PAGE>
Item 8
.    	Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement on Form
S-8:
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)
4.2
Bylaws of the Registrant (1)
4.3
Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Registrant (1)
5
Opinion of Breyer & Associates PC
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2
Consent of Breyer & Associates PC (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5)
24
Power of attorney (contained in the signature page of the Registration Statement)
99
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (2)
(1)
Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-2230), and incorporated herein by
reference.
(2)
Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Definitive
Annual Meeting Proxy Statement (000-28304), filed with the Commission on October
21, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9
.     Undertakings
(a)    	The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
1.     To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the Registration Statement; and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change in such information in the
Registration Statement; provided, however, that clauses (i) and (ii) do not apply if the information required to be
included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant
to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement.
2.    	That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed the initial bona fide offering thereof.
3.    	To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b)    
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement
<PAGE>
shall be deemed to a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c)    	Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officer and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable
grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Riverside, State of
California, on the 22
nd
day of January, 2004.
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
/s/ Craig G. Blunden
Craig G. Blunden
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Representative)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  Each person whose signature appears below hereby
makes, constitutes and appoints Craig G. Blunden his true and lawful attorney, with full power to sign for such person
and in such person's name and capacity indicated below, and with full power of substitution any and all amendments
to this Registration Statement, hereby ratifying and confirming such person's signature as it may be signed by said
attorney to any and all amendments.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/Craig G. Blunden
Craig G. Blunden
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
January 22, 2004
/s/Donavon P. Ternes
Donavon P. Ternes
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
January 22, 2004
/s/Joseph P. Barr
Joseph P. Barr
Director
January 22, 2004
/s/Bruce W. Bennett
Bruce W. Bennett
Director
January 22, 2004
/s/Debbi H. Guthrie
Debbi H. Guthrie
Director
January 22, 2004
/s/Seymour M. Jacobs
Seymour M. Jacobs
Director
January 22, 2004
/s/Robert G. Schrader
Robert G. Schrader
Director
January 22, 2004
/s/Roy H. Taylor
Roy H. Taylor
Director
January 22, 2004
/s/William E. Thomas
William E. Thomas
Director
January 22, 2004
<PAGE>
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)
4.2
Bylaws of the Registrant (1)
4.3
Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Registrant (1)
5
Opinion of Breyer & Associates PC
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2
Consent of Breyer & Associates PC (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5)
24
Power of attorney (contained in the signature page of the Registration Statement)
99
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (2)
(1)
Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-2230), and incorporated herein by
reference.
(2)
Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Definitive
Annual Meeting Proxy Statement (000-28304), filed with the Commission on October
21, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 5
Opinion of Breyer & Associates PC
<PAGE>
[Letterhead of Breyer & Associates PC]
February 9, 2004
Board of Directors
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.
3756 Central Avenue
Riverside, California 92506
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to Provident Financial Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to shares of
common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock") of the Company which may be issued pursuant to the
terms of the Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), pursuant to the grant or exercise
of stock options ("Options"), all as more fully described in the Registration Statement.  The Registration Statement also
registers an indeterminate number of additional shares which may be necessary to adjust the number of shares registered
thereby for issuance as the result of a stock split, stock dividend or similar adjustment of the number of issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock.  You have requested the opinion of this firm with respect to certain legal aspects
of the proposed offering.
We have reviewed the Registration Statement, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company, the
Plan, a specimen stock certificate evidencing the Common Stock and such other documents and records as we have
deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion.  We are relying upon the originals, or copies certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction, of the corporate records of the Company and such other instruments, certificates and
representations of public officials, officers and representatives of the Company as we have deemed applicable or
relevant as a basis for the opinions set forth below. In addition, we have assumed, without independent verification, the
genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents furnished to us and the conformance in all respects
of copies to originals. Furthermore, we have made such factual inquiries and reviewed such laws as we determined to
be relevant for the purposes of this opinion.
For purposes of this opinion, we have also assumed that (i) the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to
the exercise of Options will continue to be validly authorized on the dates the Common Stock is issued pursuant to the
exercise of the Options, (ii) on the dates the Options are exercised, the Options will constitute valid, legal and binding
obligations of the Company and will be enforceable as to the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to
applicable bankruptcy, moratorium, insolvency, reorganization and other laws and legal principles affecting the
enforceability of creditors' rights generally); (iii) no change occurs in applicable law or the pertinent facts; (iv) the
Options are exercised in accordance with the terms of the Plan and any separate agreement evidencing the grant of such
Options pursuant to the Plan and the exercise price due therefor, if any, is paid in accordance with the terms thereof;
and (v) the provisions of "blue sky" and other securities laws as may be applicable have been complied with to the extent
required.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion as of the date
hereof that the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Plan, upon receipt by the Company of the
consideration required thereby, as applicable, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common
Stock.
<PAGE>
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8.
Sincerely,
/s/ Breyer & Associates PC
BREYER & ASSOCIATES PC
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. on
Form S-8 of our report dated August 14, 2003, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Provident Financial
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended June 30, 2003.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
February 9, 2004
<PAGE>