The Kids Trust Fund Grant Guidelines

Programs must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Serve children aged 0-18 years old and/or their families
• Operate within the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, York, Lancaster, Juniata, and Mifflin.
• Enhance or expand the services already provided by your organization (if your organization is proposing a new program, you must provide a plan for sustaining the program after the grant term)

We are interested in supporting innovative activities that directly benefit children of abuse and their families. Proposals should:

• Be innovative and not duplicate existing programs and services
• Empower children of abuse
• Be collaborative in nature
• Have the potential to become long-term solutions to existing abuse issues involving youth
• Demonstrate measurable and achievable outcomes

• 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.

• 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.

The Kids Trust Fund Advisory Committee makes all grantmaking decisions and consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to the betterment of children and families.  The Grant Review Committee may request additional information or seek a site visit 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 Kids Trust 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

• 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!