Philadelphia, PA (August 1, 2019) – Since 1968, The Douty Foundation has awarded grants to small grassroots organizations in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties that are creating social change in their communities. In honor of its 50th anniversary, Douty is releasing updated funding guidelines with a focus on increased investment to support the critical work facing social change organizations right now.
“We believe that the power to create change is propelled by lived experience and lies at the intersection of equity and opportunity” said Jennifer Leith, Executive Director of The Douty Foundation. “As we begin our 51st year, our desire to support grassroots, people-powered work is unchanged. The issues, causes and communities that we care about and support are in need of financial support, now more than ever.”
Beginning with its 2019 annual application deadline, Douty’s grant awards will increase to a minimum of $20,000 per year and will be three-year commitments. While the foundation has made a conscious decision to expend 10- to 15-percent of its assets per year on grants each year (rather than the minimum IRS requirement of 5 percent), the increase in grant size will necessitate the creation of a funding focus to its annual Request for Proposals.
Douty is seeking to support organizations for which a $20,000 grant will have notable impact; typically those with annual operating budgets of under $1 million. Organizations that received grant funding from Douty in 2018 will receive the same level of support in 2019 as these changes are implemented; 2018 Grantees that fall under the 2019 RFP Focus are encouraged to apply under the September 16th deadline. Additional information on the new guidelines can be found here or contact Jennifer Leith with questions: Jennifer@doutyfoundation.org or 215-620-1869.
Additionally, in honor of its 50th anniversary, Douty recently awarded $200,000 in funding to three organizations focused on increasing education equity and opportunity in Philadelphia:
These organizations have been supported by Douty over the years and in most cases, Douty was an initial investor in its beginning stages of development.
To learn more about The Douty Foundation, visit its website: doutyfoundation.org.