Eligibility Requirements & Resources

Eligibility for funding is determined based on due diligence and assessment of the following:

• Serve Lancaster County* residents without discrimination
• Current 501(c)(3)** designation from the IRS
• Registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations unless otherwise exempt per the Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act
• Complete IRS Form 990 Annually
• Annual Audit or a financial review by an independent CPA within the last 12 months
• In good standing with all existing awards and contracts with the Lancaster County Community Foundation
• May not receive grants from the same fund for more than 3 consecutive years
• Provide organizational Non-Discrimination Policy meeting all federal requirements as it applies to your type of organization (FAQs)
• Be aware of the Community Foundation’s Anti-Hate policy

*The John J. Snyder Fund also serves Cumberland County, building must be owned by the CBO

**The Clean Water Fund also grants to municipalities

Please note competitive grants at the Community Foundation will not typically fund:

• Creation of a new organization
• Schools
• Capital campaigns/capital costs (equipment, building costs, maintenance)
• Political campaigns
• Expenses incurred before the grant is awarded
• Cemetery associations
• Religious causes that further a specific belief/agenda