Franklin County Community Foundation Grant Guidelines

The Franklin County Community Foundation (FCCF), a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), conducts an annual competitive grantmaking program for nonprofit organizations serving Franklin County.

New in 2026

As housing needs continue to grow in our communities, an additional $10,000 is available through FCCF to support housing-related needs for individuals in targeted regions. This funding is intended to help nonprofits respond to immediate challenges and strengthen housing stability. Eligible nonprofits can apply through the TFEC Grants Portal.

For questions about this funding opportunity or the application process, nonprofits and community partners are encouraged to contact the TFEC team. Email philanthropy@tfec.org or call 717-236-5040 to connect with a member of our Philanthropy Team.

Grant Amount

Up to $7,000

Applications Open: February 1

Applications Close: May 1

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Funding Priorities

FCCF’s strategic grantmaking focus is to invest in innovative, collaborative approaches and solutions to community problems, and to support projects that demonstrate achievable outcomes, the potential for replication as a model program, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant term. The overarching goal is to fund programs and services that have the potential for the greatest impact on the quality of life and positive outcomes for individuals and families living in Franklin County.

FCCF requires that applicant organizations be aligned with one or more of the following funding priorities:

Arts & culture
Community development
Education
Environment
Health & human services

FCCF’s additionally pleased to welcome grant applications that address:

Programs that provide housing stability
Programs & projects in the field of music & the arts
Health services with particular emphasis on cancer
Services for the in-need, elderly, & people with special needs
Programs that benefit children with special needs or accessibility needs
Programs & projects that focus upon or nurture access to early childhood education

Grant Eligibility

This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving Franklin County.
Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project.
If you are awarded a grant, we ask that a representative from your agency to be present at FCCF’s Annual Grant Presentation Program taking place in the Fall. Grant award checks will be presented at the event.

Grant Timeline

February 1: Application available.
May 1: All application materials must be submitted online.
Applicants will be notified of their status by August 1.
Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1 and ending August 31 of the following year. 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 Franklin County Community Foundation Advisory Committee makes all grantmaking decisions and consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to our regional arts communities. The Committee may request additional information about the grant proposal prior to making an award or denial. Upon review of your application, the committee may request a site visit and/or interview with program staff at your agency.

Below is a list of the criteria utilized to evaluate applications.

(20) – Connection to the Mission of the Franklin County Community Foundation
- 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!