Perry County Community Foundation Grant Guidelines

The Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF), a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), conducts an annual competitive grantmaking program for nonprofit organizations serving Perry County.

Grant Amount

Up to $3,500

Applications Open: November 1, 2024

Applications Close: February 1, 2025

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History

The Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF), established in 1987, is a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. PCCF makes discretionary grants to nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Perry County. PCCF also serves as a vehicle for individuals, companies, foundations, and charitable organizations to establish funds that will support the civic, social, educational, and cultural well-being of individuals living in Perry County. PCCF ensures that all gifts, ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, will work to improve the quality of life for Perry County residents, today and in the future.

Funding Priorities

PCCF 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 Perry County.  Through its grantmaking, PCCF 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.

PCCF requires that applicant organizations be aligned with one or more of the following funding priorities

  • Arts & Culture
  • Community Development
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health & Human Services

PCCF is additionally pleased to welcome grant applications that address

  • Substance abuse prevention & treatment
  • Mental health services
  • Programs for young people in Perry County
  • Programs & projects that focus upon or nurture access to early childhood education

Grant Eligibility

  • Eligible projects must serve individuals, groups, and/or locations within Perry County.
  • 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.
  • Grant seekers may apply for any project that best fits their needs and the PCCF guidelines.
  • If you are awarded a grant, we ask that a representative from your agency be present at PCCF’s Annual Grant Presentation Program taking place in spring 2023. Grant award checks will be presented at the event.

Grant Timeline

  • November 1, 2024: Application available.
  • February 1, 2025: All application materials must be submitted online.
  • Applicants will be notified of their status by June 1, 2025.
  • Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.

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 PCCF Advisory Committee makes all grantmaking decisions and consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to the betterment of Perry County.  Committee members evaluate each applicant submission and make valuable suggestions to ensure that work supported by the PCCF will make a difference. The Grant Review 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 Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF)
    • 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!

Questions regarding our grant opportunities?

get in touch with us or
view the grantseeker FAQ