Discretionary Grants and Cycle Grants
Discretionary Grants
Discretionary grants can be awarded to nonprofits that do not meet both F4HE’s grant-receiving criteria. While submissions are rolling and organizations are welcome to apply at any time, Foundation for Health Equity will make decisions on discretionary grant applications bi-monthly as they are received. These grants are small, generally ranging between $500 and $1,500 each.
Cycle Grants
Cycle Grants can be awarded to nonprofits that fit F4HE’s grant-receiving criteria under either of our two grant cycles: Hunger & Food Insecurity and Community Health. These grants are awarded to those non-profits that are exemplary of BOTH direct service and systems change efforts.
What are the criteria? Great question!
The Foundation will support nonprofits that work to advance health equity in NW Philadelphia through direct service OR actively creating systemic change*.
Application questions are available prior to applying via the online portal. You are also welcome to reach out to Foundation staff with any questions (Bethany@F4HE.org).
*Please see our definition of systems change.
Letter of Intent (LOI) Guidelines
What We Fund
Special emphasis is placed on programs providing the following services among the most needy populations:
- Hunger and food insecurity
- Community health
- Direct service work describes what help and assistance organizations are presently providing to help those being affected by the system.
- Systems change is focused on addressing the root causes of social issues, by changing key factors that continue to perpetuate cycles of dysfunction and inequity. Think about the question: How are you working yourself out of a job?
Who May Apply
Grants are restricted to organizations identified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and serving Northwest Philadelphia in the following zip codes:
- 19150 – Wadsworth
- 19144 – Germantown
- 19138 – East Germantown
- 19128 – Roxborough
- 19119 – Mt. Airy
- 19118 – Chestnut Hill
One LOI per organization may be submitted in a single calendar year. Applicants will be notified directly should there be any exception.
Please Note
Organizations must be identified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and cannot identify as a private foundation. A photocopy of the organization’s most recent IRS determination letter is required for consideration of funding.
Foundation for Health Equity™ operates under a mission-driven strategic plan which guides our grantmaking. Therefore, as a general practice it is outside of our funding scope to provide grants for the following:
- Institutions which in policy or process discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion/non-religion
- Grants to individuals
- Support of the promotion of specific religions
- Loans, endowment, and debt reduction
- Capital campaigns
The LOI Process
Prior to submitting an LOI, ensure your organization is actively engaged in either;
- Hunger/ Food Insecurity – systems change and direct services
- Community Health – systems change and direct services
Has 501(c)3 tax exemption status and is located in/serves the communities below:
- 19118 – Chestnut Hill
- 19119 – Mt. Airy
- 19128 – Roxborough
- 19138 – East Germantown
- 19144 – Germantown
- 19150 – Wadsworth
Overview of the Grant Cycle
Step One: LOI submission PLEASE call with questions
- Accepted January 2 – February 1 for Community Health Cycle
- Accepted June 2 – July 1 for Hunger/Food Insecurity
- Portal closes 5pm on the due date (February 1/July 1)
- An automated email will confirm submission
- Please ensure your LOI is completed in its entirety
- Incomplete LOI’s will not be considered
Step Two:
- F4HE reviews LOIs.
Step Three:
- Non-profits that meet all requirements will be contacted for an interview.
- Non-profits that do not meet requirements will receive decline letters.
Step Four:
- Review and contact Awarded/Declined organizations
- Contact made late May for Community Health Grant Cycle
- Contact made late September for Hunger/Food Insecurity Cycle
Step Five:
- Year-End Report and Renewal
- At the end of the grant year, non-profits will be contacted for a site visit and renewal discussion.
Elements of the LOI: Please download PDF for full list of questions
Application Information
- Mission Statement
- Amount Requested*
Program Information
- General Operating Acknowledgement
- Request Overview – Direct Service
- Program Description – Systems-Level Change
- Individuals Served per Zipcode
Documents Upload
- IRS Determination Letter
- Letters of Agreement/MOUs
- Other/Additional Information
*If your organization is requesting a renewal, pay close attention to which questions on the LOI are required for you to answer.
If at any point throughout the process you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Bethany Flood, Executive Director, at 215.438.8102 or bethany@f4he.org.