1889 Foundation Discretionary Grants

The 1889 Foundation Grant aims to enhance community health in Cambria and Somerset Counties through innovative initiatives. Emphasizing a broad definition of health, the Foundation fosters collaborations among organizations to address systemic health issues. It prioritizes ambitious projects that demonstrate accountability and measurable impacts, supporting U.S. non-profits that align with its mission. The Foundation does not provide ongoing operational support but seeks transformative change through strategic grantmaking.

Statement of Identity
1889 Foundation serves as a community leader and funder of initiatives that improve the health of people and communities in Cambria and Somerset Counties.
In line with the World Health Organization, “health” is defined broadly as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
The Foundation’s resources are targeted to ambitious, innovative initiatives that achieve meaningful impacts. We seek to leverage our grantmaking to bring additional funding resources into the region. We are particularly interested in comprehensive approaches that are formulated by multiple organizations working in partnership. Some grant funding is dedicated to specific issues or approaches that the Foundation identifies as a priority, while other funding is available for applicant-designed initiatives. In either case, we expect the initiative to be based on solid research and sound logic, and to specify the outcomes to be achieved. The Foundation places a high value on accountability, both for itself and for grantees.
The Foundation’s focus on initiatives means that we do not serve as an ongoing source of operating support for the region’s nonprofit organizations. At the same time, the Foundation is committed to improving how organizations throughout the region address the issues that most affect health and well-being. Through our interactive approach to grantmaking, our encouragement of partnering and targeted support for capacity building, we strive to help organizations become more strategic, adaptive and financially sound.
Grant Philosophy
Strategic Grants, which are invited applications that align with programs, projects, or initiatives identified or initiated by the Foundation as strategic priorities.  The Foundation Board determines these mission-focused efforts annually.Discretionary Grants*, which offer eligible organizations the opportunity to apply for funding aligned with our mission and focus areas during a limited open application period. The Discretionary Grants cycle opens annually on the 2nd Monday of November and closes on the 4th Monday of December.
*Consideration of these grant applications is contingent upon the availability of discretionary funding.

Eligibility

Applications must demonstrate a clear tie to the Foundation’s mission and should align with the following priority areas: Population HealthChildhood DevelopmentMedical Education and TrainingThe Foundation supports U.S. charitable organizations classified as tax exempt under IRS Section 501c3.The Foundation may consider applications in which an intermediary arrangement has been made between a registered 501c3 charity and an organization that is not a qualified applicant; however, there must be a direct affiliation of mandate and purpose.Organizations must demonstrate strong leadership and a committed board, financial transparency and solvency, effective management, and the capacity to carry out the proposed initiative.Must align with 1889 Foundation’s mission and Strategic Priorities.Programs must primarily benefit the residents of Cambria and Somerset Counties.Programs must demonstrate a provision for measurement and evaluation and a realistic plan for ongoing financial viability.Operational costs that are related to and necessary for the successful completion of the proposed project may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Ineligibility

For loans, debt retirement, or operational deficitsFor an organization’s routine, ongoing operational expenses (e.g., general overhead, staff salaries not tied to the project, rent, etc.) **For urgent needs, emergency funding, or gap fundingFor endowments or revolving funds that act as suchFrom an individual for their personal benefitFrom individuals unauthorized to act on behalf of a qualified tax-exempt organizationFor funds to be distributed to beneficiaries of the organizations’ choosingFor propagandizing or for influencing legislation and electionsFor sectarian or religious organizations whose principal activity is for the primary benefit of their own members or adherents For institutions that, in policy or practice, unfairly discriminate against race, ethnic origin, sex, creed or religion.For feasibility studies or researchFor organizations organized and operating outside any U.S. state or territoryFor-profit organizationsMultiple-year grants will be considered on an individual basis.  Grant sizes vary and are determined in accordance with the spending policy.