Direct Service Grants 

Direct Service Grants are available on a competitive basis for direct-service nonprofits serving high poverty and vulnerable populations in our Greater Philadelphia region.

First-time applicants to Philadelphia Foundation are recommended to attend an information session prior to applying.  Additional questions can be directed to grantmakingservices@philafound.org

Almost all Direct Service grants are awarded to agencies who received past funding from Philadelphia Foundation and have a proven track record.

Organizations seeking direct service grants should demonstrate a strong history of effective programs that serve on behalf of vulnerable populations, strong management practices, sound fiscal performance and strong leadership at the board and staff levels.

Organizations must support Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other historically marginalized and under-invested communities.

Successful applicants demonstrate non-profit best practices and are working to operationalize equity at all levels (Board, Operations, and Service Delivery). Applicant uses trauma informed, strength and racial equity-based policies and practices in program development and delivery. Applicant demonstrates results-oriented programming including a track record of successes and proven outcomes for low-income communities. Board and leadership demographics should reflect the communities being served.


For nonprofits serving this population:

Greater Philadelphia (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in PA and Burlington and Camden counties in NJ).

Priority given to:

  • Those able to demonstrate that at least 70% of those they serve or represent are low-income
  • Those with operating budgets under $5 million

Common requirements for all grant applicants:

Special requirements:

  • No deficit of more than 10% for the past year.
  • Operating Budget above $100,000.
  • Must complete child abuse clearance and criminal background checks for all staff and volunteers who work with youth.

Strongly preferred:

  • Written, board-approved policies regarding whistle-blowing, conflict of interest, and document retention and destruction.
  • Interim or permanent executive leadership in place for at least three months.
  • Limited familial relationships among board and staff members.

Amounts of grants:

Grant amounts range between $15,000 and $30,000.

Grants to organizations that are national or state-wide will be pro-rated based upon their work in Greater Philadelphia.

Types of projects funded:

Grants are unrestricted and may be used for all mission-related activities, including operating expenses and contributions to capital campaigns.

Application deadline:

Applications are due by 12:00 midnight on 3/1/24.

Application Program Grants Process

Step 1: Determine eligibility

Carefully read the criteria listed in the application.

Step 2: Apply

The application deadline is 03/01/2024

Download the application and apply.

Step 3: Follow-up

A program staff member will reach out to you to discuss next steps.

Step 4: Report

Once the grant period is completed, a grant report will be required.