Grant Guidelines
Grant proposals must specify in detail how the requested funds would advance the WISE Women of Blair County mission to “empower women and encourage acceptance and inclusion through collaboration, service and education.” Therefore, grants are made to projects that benefit the people and communities of Blair County, Pennsylvania.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Grant Application must be complete, comply with the guidelines for submission and be submitted by October 25, 2024.
(Please refer to Grant Cycle Schedule for further detail.)
Once received, the Grants Committee will conduct a thorough review of all applications. During the review process, the Grants Committee may call or schedule a meeting with representatives of the requesting organization to ask questions and obtain more information.
The Grants Committee will determine the worthiness of each grant request and present its recommendations to the WISE Women Board of Directors. A recommendation will then be made to the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation Board of Directors for final approval.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Grant Application must be complete, comply with the guidelines for submission and be submitted by October 25, 2024.
(Please refer to Grant Cycle Schedule for further detail.)
Once received, the Grants Committee will conduct a thorough review of all applications. During the review process, the Grants Committee may call or schedule a meeting with representatives of the requesting organization to ask questions and obtain more information.
The Grants Committee will determine the worthiness of each grant request and present its recommendations to the WISE Women Board of Directors. A recommendation will then be made to the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation Board of Directors for final approval.
CRITERIA FOR FUNDING
WISE Women of Blair County uses these criteria when determining whether an organization is eligible to apply or should receive support:
WISE Women of Blair County uses these criteria when determining whether an organization is eligible to apply or should receive support:
- Grant awards are limited to projects and services offered in Blair County only. If the organization is regional, the proposal must demonstrate how funds will be utilized and earmarked for Blair County only.
- The WISE Women of Blair County awards grants for projects in the areas of empowerment of women and encouragement of acceptance and inclusion. We will give priority to projects which clearly advance the WISE Women mission; have potential for long-term impact; have been planned in light of overall community needs; do not duplicate existing service; and will help those who are not being adequately served by existing community resources.
- Grants are made to tax exempt charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or public charities with a 50 percent deductibility limitation. Documentation of either status is required from all applicants.
- The organization must have been operating for a minimum of two (2) years.
- The performance history with WISE Women grants will be considered in reviewing new requests.
- Grants are made for one (1) year but grant applicants may submit a request for funding each year grants are available. Applicants may reapply for a new grant even if you are currently receiving a WISE Women grant from a previous grant period.
- Requests asking for only a portion of the support for a project will receive priority over one which looks to the WISE Women as the sole funding source. WISE Women is especially interested in matching grants where each dollar granted will attract money from other sources.
- If asking for grant money to cover costs related to personnel, you must explain exactly how the personnel is specific to this particular project.
- Grants are not made to religious organizations for sectarian purposes but may be made to support projects serving persons, regardless of faith or creed.
RECIPIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Grant recipients are asked to generate local publicity when the grant is received, making the public aware of "the support of WISE Women of Blair County through the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation."
- Any modifications to the approved grant project or committed funds must be approved by WISE Women of Blair County.
- Organizations that receive funding are required to submit the Performance Report, no less than 45 days after the completion of the project or no later than January 17, 2026 if it is a year-long project. The Performance Report must restate the purpose of the project, how the funds were used and any outcomes accomplished. Please view the Performance Report requirements on our website. Your organization must include a check for any remaining funds not used which must be included with the Performance Report.