African American Community Fund

The African American Community Fund Grants are administered by the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF), a private philanthropic organization based in Pennsylvania. The WCCF serves as a central funder supporting charitable causes throughout Washington County and is committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents through community-focused grantmaking. The African American Community Fund Grants program specifically targets initiatives that uplift and serve the African American community within the region. The purpose of this grant program is to support nonprofit organizations providing services that directly benefit the African American community in Washington County. Funding is available for the expansion of existing programs, the creation of new initiatives, or projects that align with community needs in specific areas. These areas include cultural heritage, community development, education and enrichment, historical preservation, and entrepreneurship. By focusing on these categories, the fund aims to foster greater inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment within the local African American population. Projects eligible for funding may include activities such as cultural celebrations like Juneteenth festivals, ethnic food events, or performing arts programs. Educational support may take the form of STEM or STEAM camps, music and art programs, curriculum development, and the acquisition of necessary supplies and equipment. Community development proposals might focus on the construction or rehabilitation of buildings, the development of playgrounds or community gardens, or efforts to meet match requirements for other funding sources. Preservation efforts can involve the maintenance and documentation of historic sites, churches, cemeteries, or locations tied to the Underground Railroad. Support for African American entrepreneurship is also encouraged, with examples such as funding for business incubator cohorts or covering dues for professional organizations. The grant application process is open to any exempt nonprofit organization operating in Washington County. There are no stated restrictions on organizational size, faith affiliation, or fiscal sponsorship structures, although the projects must benefit the African American community. The application portal opens on February 1 and closes on February 28. The foundation does not require pre-application steps such as a letter of intent or concept paper. All applications must be submitted through the grant portal within the given window. No specific evaluation criteria or selection process details are provided, but based on the grant’s purpose, it can be inferred that alignment with the fund's focus areas and demonstrable community impact will be important. There is also no information available on award size, number of awards, or performance period, suggesting applicants may need to contact the foundation for these details or prepare flexible proposals. Contact with WCCF can be made via the general email address (info@wccf.net) or by phone at (724) 222-6330 during business hours. The grant cycle opens annually in February, implying a recurring pattern. The next anticipated cycle would be February 2027, with a recommended internal check date set for February 1, 2027. This predictable structure allows nonprofits to prepare in advance and align their program planning accordingly.