Open Grants
Competitive Open Grants are awarded through established funds, each having their own purpose, timeline, and requirements. The grants are made possible through the generosity of individuals, families, and organizations who have created funds to make a difference in their communities.
To Apply for a Grant
Prior to filling out a grant application, please email or call the Foundation to express your interest. Our Foundation staff will help you determine which grant aligns most closely with your project and will guide you in the application process.
After you have connected with our Foundation staff via phone call or email you may proceed with the application process.
Be sure to allow plenty of time to complete your grant application before the deadline.
Instructions for Submitting a Grant Application:
When you are ready to proceed with a grant application, please follow these instructions. Both the Electronic and Paper portions of the application, as outlined below, must be completed and returned to the Foundation.
Each year the Foundation and our fund holders provide grants that support nonprofits across the region. Browse through the grant opportunities below for information about the focus, timeline, requirements, and application form for each fund.
The Guardian Angel Center received a Women Who Care grant to purchase cribs, car seats, strollers and layettes.
Elk County Development Fund Grants
Focus
The Foundation generally looks to support community development initiatives that will enhance the economic and community wellbeing of Elk County. Distribution from the grants can be used to meet special project or program needs of organizations serving the people of Elk County. The Foundation encourages organizations that will serve a particular need of the community and will make a lasting impact on the overall community to apply. The Foundation seeks to fund projects or activities that will serve the needs of many in the community rather than the needs of a few individuals. Projects should include activities that are innovative and have a plan to be sustained themselves.
Due dates for Applications
January 15 and July 15 with review time 4 to 6 weeks after due date
Average Awards
On average $2000 to $3000, but have gone as high as $10,000
Application
Application can be opened using the current version of Adobe Reader Elk County Development Fund Grant Application
Elk County Society for Special Services Grants
Focus
This granting fund is designated to any nonprofit agency which provides services for the purposes of providing Pre-K education. The application should improve programs that are already established or develop new programs. This fund will not cover direct operating expenses of an agency, rather it hopes to enhance already established programs.
Due dates for Applications
January 15 with review time 4 to 6 weeks after due date
Average Awards
Average grants have been between $1,000-$3,000
Application
Application may be opened using the current version of Adobe Reader.
Fund for the Future
Focus
These Fund for the Future dollars are combined with the Elk County Development Fund dollars and will be awarded at the same time, with about the same criteria.
Due dates for Applications
January 15 and July 15 with review time 4 to 6 weeks after due date
Average Awards
On average $2,000 to $3,000 but have gone as high as $10,000
Application
Applicants apply using the grant application on the Elk County Development Fund section. You cannot apply separately for two different grants – funds from the Elk County Development Fund and Fund for the Future are combined.
Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Grants
Focus
The Advisors for the fund are made up of the Stackpoles’ family and friends. Their goal is to ensure that the Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund continues the good works that both Mr. & Mrs. Stackpole had done in our community during their lifetime and to support the philanthropic causes that were important to both of them.
Please note, given this time in history, the Stackpole Family is very concerned about our community’s nonprofit organizations and the effects of the pandemic.
For the upcoming grant cycles, they will be inviting applications that focus on projects that address:
- Fulfilling/supporting basic human needs.
- Improving access to education and safe recreation for those who are marginalized and the most vulnerable of our community (specifically children, seniors, and individuals with special needs).
Due dates for Applications
Quarterly deadline being January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. Review time is 4-6 weeks after due date.
Average Awards
On average $3,000 to $5,000, but have gone as high as $15,000
Application
Application can be opened using the current version of Adobe Reader.
Harrison & Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund Grant Application
Johnsonburg Area Endowment Grants
Focus
This special fund was designated by the Johnsonburg Community Cable TV Company, to benefit the nonprofit agencies that serve the Johnsonburg Area that is depicted by the school district boundary, and its residents. It was determined by the board and stakeholders of the former Johnsonburg Community TV Cable Company that the Foundation appoint an Advisory Board of seven individuals to represent various groups of people residing in the Johnsonburg Area. The Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund’s purpose is to provide financial support to those non-profit organizations whose application reflects a purpose or project that will benefit the residents of the Johnsonburg Area. Board members from this Advisory Board will then make grant recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for their review and consideration.
Due dates for Applications
June 30
Application
Application may be opened using the current version of Adobe Reader
Borough of Ridgway Charitable Grants
Focus
This special fund was designated by it donor, Sara-Jane Stackpole, to benefit the non profit agencies that serve Ridgway Borough residents. It was Sara-Jane’s wish that the Foundation appoint an Advisory Board of five individuals to represent various groups of people residing in the Borough of Ridgway. The Borough of Ridgway Charitable Fund’s purpose is to provide financial support to those non-profit organizations whose application reflects a purpose or project that will benefit the residents of the Borough of Ridgway. Board members from this Advisory Board will then make grant recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for their review and consideration.
Due dates for Applications
September 15
Average Awards
On average $3,000 to $5,000 but have gone as high as $10,000
Application
Application may be opened using the current version of Adobe Reader
Women Who Care Grants
Focus
Women Who Care strives to educate, encourage, and expand the number of women committed to philanthropy in order to strengthen our community by providing funds and assistance to issues that are important to families. The Women Who Care Fund welcomes grant applications as part of its mission to provide funding for projects that have the most impact for the families in our communities.
Due dates for Applications
The application deadline for 2024 is August 15, with review 6-8 weeks after the due date. Applicants will need to provide a video presentation of their project to the membership at their annual meeting
Average Awards
Maximum grant is $5,000