Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund Grant Guidelines
The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, was established in 1984 in memory of Martin M. Sacks, a well-known accountant and handball devotee. Mr. Sacks was committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services for the disadvantaged and underserved, particularly youth.
Grant Amount
Up to $1,000
Applications Open: June 1, 2025
Applications Close: September 1, 2025
Apply NowFunding Priorities
The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund invites established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to submit proposals to support youth and family oriented programs and services that are consistent with the mission of your agency. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations serving the south central PA counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, and/or Perry Counties. Preference will be given to programs and/or services that are provided to or within Harrisburg and the immediate surrounding areas. The committee seeks to support innovative activities that directly benefit at-risk children, youth, and their families
Grant Eligibility
This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving the south central PA counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, and/or Perry Counties. Preference will be given to programs and/or services that are provided to or within Harrisburg and the immediate surrounding areas.
Eligible activities may include (but are not limited to):
- Services for homeless women and their children
- Therapeutic counseling services
- Domestic violence and abuse services
- Support groups for individuals or families
- Physical, emotional, or behavioral health services
- Sports and recreation programs
- After-school programs
- Services for children/youth with special needs
Proposals should:
- Be innovative and not duplicate existing programs and services
- Empower the disadvantaged and underserved
- Be collaborative in nature
- Demonstrate measurable and achievable outcomes
Grant Timeline
- June 1, 2025: Application available.
- September 1, 2025: All application materials must be submitted online.
- Applicants will be notified of their status by December 1, 2025.
- Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026. 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 grant review committee for this opportunity consists of a dedicated group of individuals committed to the funding priorities of the Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund. 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 Martin M. Sacks Memorial 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!
