The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) will open applications for its 2026 Community Equity Grants on Nov. 1. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $10,000, with applications due Feb. 1, 2027.
“The people closest to a community’s challenges often have the best ideas for addressing them,” said Stefani McAuliffe, vice president of community impact at TFEC. “These grants give local organizations resources to put those ideas into action and make a meaningful difference.”
What Does the Community Equity Fund Support?
Community Equity Grants support projects that address barriers to opportunity and help create more equitable communities.
Funding priorities include:
- Community Leadership and Development
- Addressing Resource Inequities (basic needs, wealth disparity)
- Racial and Cultural Education
- Remedying Forms of Systemic Injustice
Organizations whose work aligns with the fund’s purpose are encouraged to review the complete grant guidelines.
Who Can Apply?
The Community Equity Fund is open to nonprofit organizations serving Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon or Perry counties, as well as the Dillsburg area of northern York County.
Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or work with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor.
Projects must take place during the grant period of July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.
Supporting Community Impact
In 2025, TFEC awarded $48,971 through the Community Equity Fund to support 15 projects across 13 organizations. These grants helped advance efforts ranging from improved access to health services to cultural celebrations that bring communities together.
“The range of projects funded shows just how many ways organizations are working to strengthen our communities,” McAuliffe said. “From improving access to health care to celebrating cultural heritage, these efforts help create a region where more people feel included and supported.”
Have Questions? Join Our Free Webinar
Organizations interested in applying can join TFEC for a free, 30-minute webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from noon to 12:30 p.m.
McAuliffe and TFEC’s Grants Team will walk through the funding opportunity and explain the application process. Participants can ask questions and learn what to expect when applying.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or have received TFEC funding before, this session can help you prepare your application.
Register for the Community Equity Grants Webinar
Webinar registration closes Nov. 9.
How to Apply
Applications open Nov. 1, 2026, and must be submitted by Feb. 1, 2027. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by June 1, 2027.
Organizations are encouraged to review the guidelines and prepare applications that clearly describe the community need being addressed and the expected impact of their proposed project.
Applicants may also request a draft application review from TFEC’s Community Impact Team at least two weeks before the deadline.
Visit https://www.tfec.org/grants/tfec-community-equity-grants/ to review the grant funding priorities, eligibility, timeline and application instructions.
First time applying through TFEC’s online grant system? Review the application tutorial for help creating an account and submitting your application.
For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact grants@tfec.org or call 717-236-5040.
