Perry County Community Foundation Grant Guidelines

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

New in 2026

As housing needs continue to grow in our communities, an additional $10,000 is available through PCCF 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 $3,500

Applications Open: November 1, 2025

Applications Close: February 1, 2026

Apply Now

History

The Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF), established in 1987, is a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. PCCF makes discretionary grants to nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Perry County. PCCF also serves as a vehicle for individuals, companies, foundations, and charitable organizations to establish funds that will support the civic, social, educational, and cultural well-being of individuals living in Perry County. PCCF ensures that all gifts, ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, will work to improve the quality of life for Perry County residents, today and in the future.

Funding Priorities

PCCF seeks 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 Perry County. Through its grantmaking, PCCF invests in innovative, collaborative approaches and solutions to community problems and supports projects that demonstrate achievable outcomes, the potential for replication as a model program, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant term.

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

Arts & Culture
Community Development
Education
Environment
Health & Human Services

PCCF is additionally pleased to welcome grant applications that address

Housing Stability
Substance abuse prevention & treatment
Mental health services
Programs for young people in Perry County
Programs & projects that focus upon or nurture access to early childhood education

Grant Eligibility

Eligible projects must serve individuals, groups, and/or locations within Perry 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.
Grant seekers may apply for any project that best fits their needs and the PCCF guidelines.
If you are awarded a grant, we ask that a representative from your agency be present at PCCF’s Annual Grant Presentation Program taking place in the spring. Grant award checks will be presented at the event.

Grant Timeline

November 1: Application available.
February 1: 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 and ending June 30 of the following year..

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 PCCF Advisory Committee makes all grantmaking decisions and consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to the betterment of Perry County. Committee members evaluate each applicant submission and make valuable suggestions to ensure that work supported by the PCCF 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 Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF)
- 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!