Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund Guidelines

The Emerging Philanthropists Program (EPP) goal is to engage Harrisburg’s emerging business and community leaders with philanthropic endeavors by providing resources and educational opportunities.

EPP provides emerging leaders opportunities to be actively engaged in giving back to their community through philanthropy. The class addresses questions like: What does it mean to be philanthropic? How do I understand the needs of our community? How do I make an impact? What are grants and how are they made?

Grant Amount

Up to $2,000

Applications Open: November 1

Applications Close: February 1

Apply Now

History

The Emerging Philanthropists Program (EPP) engages Central Pennsylvania’s emerging business and community leaders in exploring the power and impact of philanthropy. Open to professionals through a competitive application process, the class brings together approximately 15 participants who meet monthly after work for sessions designed to deepen their understanding of community needs and provide practical tools for giving back. Each session focuses on a different aspect of philanthropy, offering resources and educational opportunities that empower participants to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The program culminates with the class awarding a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice, and since more than $40,000 has been granted to the community through EPP classes.

The EPP Endowment Fund is a separate grant opportunity from the one described above. After learning the power of philanthropy, the inaugural EPP class of 2014 created a second grant opportunity for the community by establishing the EPP Endowment Fund. The EPP Endowment Fund affords additional community impact through competitive grants outside of the annual EPP class grant. The volunteer committee that oversees the EPP Endowment Fund is comprised of EPP class alumni. The first grant was awarded in 2019 and the fund has awarded $9,000 to the community so far.

Much like the EPP Class, the EPP Endowment Fund Committee seeks to provide capacity building opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Harrisburg area; allowing them to better serve those within their footprint.

Graduates of the EPP Class have said:

“The emerging philanthropists program has changed my life.”

Jolene Leisure, class of 2014

“Going through EPP has given me so much inspiration and excitement. It has helped guide me to where I am today with my career, along with giving me a clear mind for the additional work I want to do in the community.”

Jenna Reitz, Class of 2019

Funding Priorities

The purpose of the EPP Endowment Grant is to provide support for mental health.

Grant Eligibility

This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving Cumberland and/or Dauphin Counties. Nonprofit need not be located there, but must show proof of service in either county

Grant Timeline

November 1, 2025: Application available.
February 1, 2026: All application materials must be submitted online.
Applicants will be notified of their status by June 1, 2026.
Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

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 EPP Endowment Committee makes all grantmaking decisions and consists of a dedicated group of individuals. Committee members evaluate each applicant submission and make valuable suggestions to ensure that work supported by the EPP Endowment Fund will make a difference. The Grant Review 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.

(20) – Connection to the Mission of the EPP Endowment Fund
- 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.

(5) – Roles and responsibilities are defined and work to strengthen/enhance the project.
- Partnerships, collaborations, services and affiliations are clearly defined if applicable.

(5) – 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.

(10) – Project success is clearly defined and measurable.
- Goals are measurable and anticipated outcomes are clearly defined.

(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.
(50) – TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE

Would you recommend funding this project? Yes/No

Resources

Application Tutorial
- How to register and apply
Draft Reviews
- 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.

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!