In recognition of its important 100th year milestone, The Philadelphia Foundation has an exciting impactful year planned. In addition to the new grantmaking programs they have rolled out over the past two years, the foundation will support special initiatives available only this year. These opportunities will be announced in the spring and will highlight The Philadelphia Foundation's commitment to supporting healthy nonprofits with effective programs as well as fostering diverse leadership among Greater Philadelphia nonprofits. Stay tuned for the announcement.
Following is what you can expect from Philadelphia Foundation's ongoing discretionary grantmaking program in 2019.
Between February 22 and March 29, Philadelphia Foundation will accept applications for Direct Service grants: general operating support grants for direct-service organizations that are well-run, well-led and that serve high poverty and vulnerable populations in our region, primarily in the five Pennsylvania counties of Greater Philadelphia. Competitive applicants will demonstrate strength in management practices, fiscal performance, leadership at the board and staff levels and a clear history of effective programs that serve vulnerable populations and connect those they serve to multiple resources. These grants will be open to nonprofits with budgets under $10 million, and the amount of the award will be no more than 7% of the organization's operating budget.
From May 17 until July 26, Philadelphia Foundation will accept applications for Impact, Advocacy and Leadership grants. All funding will be available on a competitive basis and will support organizations and programs that serve low-income individuals and other vulnerable populations. Strong applicants will demonstrate a clear history of effective programs connected to larger, community-wide efforts; a commitment to collecting and using data; strong leadership and management practices; and sound fiscal performance. The amount of these awards will be no more than 10% of an organization's operating budget.
Catchafire, which connects social good organizations with a network of skills-based volunteers, remains a valued resource for nonprofits in our region. Through Catchafire, you can access free consulting support for operations, strategy, market and communications, web development and more. Philadelphia Foundation is pleased to continue covering the cost of subscriptions for eligible organizations through the start of 2020.
All programs seeking support should positively impact high poverty populations. There will be opportunity for multi-year support in select categories.
Processes will remain the same for Henrietta Tower Wurts Memorial and special initiative grants supported through donors. Information on these opportunities is shared through eblasts, social media and on TPF’s web site.
Contact grantmakingservices@philafound.org with any questions or comments about the 2019 grants process.