Palmer Family Foundation Fund Grant Guidelines
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), announces an annual competitive grant opportunity available to any visual or performing arts nonprofit organization located in Franklin County for the purpose of supporting the arts in Franklin County. The Palmer Family Foundation Fund, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, makes this special opportunity possible.
Grant Amount
Up to $15,000
Applications Open: February 1, 2025
Applications Close: May 1, 2025
Apply NowFunding Priorities
The Palmer Family Foundation Fund seeks to fund arts programming from nonprofit organizations serving Franklin County.
Grant Eligibility
- Proposed programs and/or projects must serve Franklin County and support the arts.
- This grant opportunity is open to any 501©(3) nonprofit visual or performing arts organization located in Franklin County. Organizations who utilize a fiscal sponsor may apply, but all presented work must take place in Franklin County.
- Funding for general operations is not eligible for this grant opportunity.
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
The fund does not make grants directly to for-profit organizations. In addition, in alignment with The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) guidelines, the following activities are not eligible for support:
- 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 Palmer Family Foundation Fund 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.
Below is a list of the criteria utilized to evaluate applications.
- (20) – Connection to the Mission of the Palmer Family Foundation Fund
- 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!
