Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation Grant Guidelines
The Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation (MACF), a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), conducts an annual competitive grantmaking program for nonprofit organizations serving the Mechanicsburg zip codes of 17050 and 17055.
Grant Amount
Up to $12,000
Applications Open: February 1, 2025
Applications Close: May 1, 2025
Apply NowFunding Priorities
MACF seeks to fund programs and services that have the potential for the greatest impact on the quality of life and positive outcomes for individuals and families living in the Mechanicsburg area. Through its grantmaking, MACF invests in innovative, collaborative approaches and solutions to community problems and supports projects that demonstrate achievable outcomes, the potential for replication as a model program, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant term.
MACF requires that applicant organizations be aligned with one or more of the following funding priorities:
- Arts & Culture
- Community Development
- Education
- Environment
- Health & Human Services
MACF is additionally pleased to welcome grant applications that address:
- Community development and town pride in Mechanicsburg
- Hospice Services for people of the Mechanicsburg area
- Mechanicsburg based programs and organizations that serve people with terminal and debilitating illnesses, including Alzheimer’s Disease
- Programs & projects that focus upon or nurture access to early childhood education
Grant Eligibility
- This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving the Mechanicsburg zip codes of 17050 and 17055.
- Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project.
- If you are awarded a grant, we ask that a representative from your agency to be present at MACF’s Annual Grant Presentation Program taking place in Fall 2024. Grant award checks will be presented at the event.
Grant Timeline
- February 1, 2025: Application available.
- May 1, 2025: All application materials must be submitted online.
- Applicants will be notified of their status by August 1, 2025.
- Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1, 2025 and ending August 31, 2026. Only projects taking place during the stated grant year will be considered for this round of funding.
What We Do Not Fund
- Advertising*
- Capital campaigns
- Direct lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriations*
- Individuals
- National and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presence
- New staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainability
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Retroactive projects
*Grant proposals that include these should describe the scope, purpose and guidelines.
Criteria for Evaluating Proposals
The Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation Advisory Committee makes all grantmaking decisions and consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to our regional arts communities. The Committee may request additional information about the grant proposal prior to making an award or denial. Upon review of your application, the committee may request a site visit and/or interview with program staff at your agency.
Below is a list of the criteria utilized to evaluate applications.
- (20) – Connection to the Mission of the Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation
- Need and target audience is clearly stated.
- Narrative provides a clear picture of all proposed actions and activities.
- Project/program dates and locations are clearly addressed and anticipated.
- (5) – Roles and responsibilities are defined and work to strengthen/enhance the project.
- Partnerships, collaborations, services and affiliations are clearly defined if applicable.
- (5) – Funding:
- Project has a funding diversification plan and is not 100% dependent upon grant award.
- Budget Worksheet clearly defines where awarded funds will be applied.
- (10) – Project success is clearly defined and measurable.
- Goals are measurable and anticipated outcomes are clearly defined.
- (10) – Diversity Equity and Inclusion:
- Project demonstrates how it will be inclusive/accessible to all applicable audiences.
- The board, staff and/or volunteers reflect the community and the people being served.
- (50) – TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE
Would you recommend funding this project? Yes/No
Resources
- Application Tutorial
- How to register and apply
- Draft Reviews
- Applicants may request a draft review of their application up to 2 weeks prior to the deadline. To request a draft review contact the Community Investment Team, at grants@tfec.org.
If you should have any questions regarding TFEC grant opportunities or your application, please contact the Community Investment Team, at grants@tfec.org or 717-236-5040. Questions are welcome at any time!
