As you are aware, there is ongoing uncertainty around federal and state funding that significantly impacts nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting a strong and resilient sector, and we encourage all organizations to be proactive in their planning.
We strongly encourage every nonprofit to engage in scenario planning, examine cash flow projections and assess funding risks. We have seen nonprofits explore a variety of pathways forward, such as adapting program design, reducing or merging operations and significantly diversifying revenue streams .
- The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now & forever.
- With 400+ charitable funds housed under one umbrella, a single proposal provides multiple pathways for nonprofits to be considered for funding.
- Nonprofits are encouraged to submit proposals throughout the year.
Proposals submitted by nonprofits are considered for 2 types of grants:
Direct Service Programs & General Operations:
Families and individuals with charitable funds at the Community Foundation support the causes they care about. Most of the grants CCCF awards come from these charitable funds and help nonprofits with their programs and day-to-day operations.
• Donors choose which organizations to support, with help from CCCF’s staff.
• Grants are awarded throughout the year, whenever the donor is ready to give.
Capacity Building: Coping with Cutbacks:
These grants are specifically designed to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofits serving Chester County.
• Funding may support efforts in contingency planning, strategic restructuring, partnerships and collaborations, marketing and communications, resource development, technology improvements, and more.
• Volunteer grant panels and CCCF staff review proposals.
Nonprofits are urged to submit one grant proposal annually. There is no deadline and grant decisions are made on a monthly basis.
Apply
To apply for a program or operating grant from the Community Foundation and its family of funds, review the guidelines, CCCF Grant Guidelines and send to grants@chescocf.org. Email submissions preferred.
All grant applicants must be charitable, tax exempt organizations with 501(c) (3) certification.
A proposal is considered “complete” when CCCF has received your:
- Grant Proposal Summary Sheet
- Grant Proposal Narrative
- Attachments (attachments may be mailed if they are not easy to e-mail)
The Community Foundation also accepts the Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia’s Common Grant Application Form found at www.philanthropynetwork.org.
Questions? Contact grants@chescocf.org or call (610) 696-8211.