General Operating Grants Portal Coming Soon
At the Chester County Community Foundation, we believe strong philanthropy begins with strong relationships. As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our partnership with the nonprofit community, we are transitioning to a new, streamlined online grants management system.
This transition also gives us an opportunity to listen and learn. We want to hear from you! We are launching a community survey for nonprofit leaders and staff to share what is working, what could be improved, and how we can better support your work. It should take about 10-minutes to complete the survey which will focus on:
- Grantmaking: Building stronger partnerships and improving the experience
- Training & Resources: Identifying tools nonprofits need most
- Community Leadership: Exploring opportunities for collaboration
We want to know what you are seeing, what organizations like yours need, and how the Community Foundation can be a strong partner to support the community.
While the General Operating grant application has closed until January 2027, we are still accepting Capacity Building grant applications through the end of 2026.
Capacity Building: Coping with Cutbacks
CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT GUIDELINES
- We accept Capacity Building Grant Proposals year-round; and review those proposals every other month.
- Capacity building grants are intended to strengthen the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofits serving Chester County.
- Capacity Building Funding supports strategic investments that strengthen an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission more effectively, efficiently, and sustainably over the long term.
- These grants are intended to build organizational infrastructure, leadership, systems, and capabilities rather than support ongoing operating expenses.
- Capacity-building initiatives should result in stronger organizational performance and position the nonprofit for greater impact in the future.
What Capacity Building Funding can support:
- Apply for Capacity Building Funding if you are seeking support for a specific project, initiative, or investment designed to strengthen your organization’s long-term effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability.
- This funding is not flexible funding to support your organization’s ongoing programs, services, operations, or capital improvements.
- Capacity Building will support salaries and expenses related to implementing the specific project, initiative, or investment for which you are seeking funding to strengthen your organization’s ability to serve the community more effectively.
Capacity Building Funding does not support:
- Salaries and benefits
- Program expenses
- Rent, utilities, and occupancy costs
- Insurance and administrative expenses
- Technology, operational costs, or capital improvements
Decision-making process:
- CCCF Designated Entrusted Funds are stewarded by volunteer grant panels and Community Foundation staff.
Exciting new streamlined general operating grants portal coming January 2027!
Questions? Contact grants@chescocf.org or call (610) 696-8211.