University Center at Harrisburg Grant Fund

• Eligible projects must serve individuals, groups, and/or locations within Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Franklin, Lebanon Counties and Dillsburg area.
• 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 University Center at Harrisburg guidelines.

• November 1, 2024: Application available.
• February 1, 2025: All application materials must be submitted via the online application portal by 11:59pm.
• 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. Only projects taking place during the stated grant year will be considered for this round of funding.

• 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 University Center at Harrisburg Fund Advisory Committee makes all grantmaking decisions.  Committee members evaluate each applicant’s submission and make valuable suggestions to ensure that work supported by the University Center at Harrisburg Fund 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 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                       

• 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!