Fund for the Future

The Elk County Community Foundation offers the Elk County Community Fund Grant, a competitive funding opportunity focused on supporting community development initiatives that enhance the economic and overall wellbeing of Elk County, Pennsylvania. The Foundation is committed to strengthening the region through development, stewardship, and strategic grantmaking that aligns with donor intent and community need. The grant program is underpinned by the broader mission of the Foundation, which is to foster positive impact across the county through philanthropic engagement and funding of effective nonprofit projects. The purpose of this grant is to support projects and programs that meet specific needs within the Elk County community, with an emphasis on those that provide long-term, sustainable benefits. Grant funds are distributed to help organizations address special project or program needs, particularly those that are innovative, impactful, and designed to endure beyond the initial grant period. The Foundation prioritizes proposals that serve a large portion of the community rather than initiatives aimed at a narrow group of individuals. Applications are accepted semiannually, with deadlines on January 15 and July 15. Each application is reviewed within a period of four to six weeks following the submission deadline. These recurring deadlines allow eligible organizations multiple opportunities throughout the year to apply and secure funding. While the average grant award ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, the Foundation has made awards as high as $10,000 in the past, demonstrating a willingness to scale support for projects with significant merit and potential community impact. Applicants must complete an online application process by first creating an organizational profile. All required documentation must be uploaded directly through the digital portal; the Foundation does not accept hard copy submissions. Foundation staff are available to provide guidance throughout the application process and can assist applicants in determining alignment between their project and the available funding opportunities. It is important that applicants carefully review all criteria and requirements specific to the fund before beginning the application. Grants are awarded through a variety of funds established by donors—individuals, families, and organizations—who have contributed resources to create long-lasting change within their communities. While each fund may have its own unique purpose or criteria, the Elk County Community Fund specifically emphasizes initiatives that can bring about community-wide benefits. Previous recipients have included a wide range of organizations and initiatives, such as school-based experiential learning programs and maternal/infant care support centers. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Foundation at eccf@elkcountyfoundation.org or call 814-834-2125. The physical office is located at 32 South Saint Marys Street, Suite 4, PO Box 934, Saint Marys, PA 15857. This grant program is a prime opportunity for nonprofits serving Elk County to access funding that can meaningfully advance their mission and better serve their community.

Projects should include innovative, sustainable activities that serve many in the community, not a few.