Emerging Philanthropist Program Grant Guidelines
The Emerging Philanthropist Program (EPP) seeks to engage Central PA’s emerging business and community leaders with the great possibilities that lie within philanthropic endeavors in Harrisburg.
The program helps emerging philanthropists answer such questions as: What does it mean to be philanthropic?; How do I understand the needs of our community?; and What can I do to make an impact? Additionally, The Emerging Philanthropist Program provides resources and educational opportunities for Harrisburg’s developing leaders who wish to be actively engaged in giving back to their community. In May of each year, the EPP program will announce the funding priority to be used to guide its grantmaking.
Funding Priorities
In 2023, the EPP program seeks grant proposals from nonprofit organizations providing health and human services programs focused on food security in Franklin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and Northern York Counties. Please note that select applicants will be asked to complete an interview and/or a site visit with participants of the EPP program as part of the grant review process.
Grant Eligibility
One (1) $5,000 grant will be awarded to the chosen organization. EPP will not fund 100% of any project.
Grant Timeline
- May 1, 2024: Application available.
- July 1, 2024: All application materials must be submitted via the online portal
- Applicants will be notified of their status by Fall 2024.
- Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2025. Only projects taking place during the stated grant year will be considered for this round of funding.
What We Do Not Fund
- Advertising*
- Capital campaigns
- Direct lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriations
- Individuals
- National and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presence
- New staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainability
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Retroactive projects
*Grant proposals that include these should describe the scope, purpose and guidelines.
Criteria for Evaluating Proposals
The Emerging Philanthropist Program Participants make all grantmaking decisions and consists of emerging leaders participating in the Emerging Philanthropists Program. The Committee may request additional information about the grant proposal prior to making an award or denial.
Below is a list of the criteria utilized to evaluate applications.
- (50) – Connection to the Mission of the EPP Initiative
- Need and target audience is clearly stated.
- Narrative provides a clear picture of all proposed actions and activities.
- Project/program dates and locations are clearly addressed and anticipated.
- (10) – Roles and responsibilities are defined and work to strengthen/enhance the project.
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- Partnerships, collaborations, services and affiliations are clearly defined if applicable.
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- (15) – Funding:
- Project has a funding diversification plan and is not 100% dependent upon grant award.
- Budget Worksheet clearly defines where awarded funds will be applied.
- (15) – Project success is clearly defined and measurable.
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- Goals are measurable and anticipated outcomes are clearly defined.
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- (10) – Diversity Equity and Inclusion:
- Project demonstrates how it will be inclusive/accessible to all applicable audiences.
- The board, staff and/or volunteers reflect the community and the people being served.
- (100) – TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE
Resources
- Application Tutorial
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- How to register and apply
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- Draft Reviews
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- Applicants may request a draft review of their application up to 2 weeks prior to the deadline. To request a draft review contact the Community Investment Team, at grants@tfec.org.
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If you should have any questions regarding TFEC grant opportunities or your application, please contact the Community Investment Team, at grants@tfec.org or 717-236-5040. Questions are welcome at any time!
