Annual Community Grants Program

Geographic Scope: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Mission: The Cranberry Foundation serves as the community's foundation, fostering a vibrant and resilient Cranberry through philanthropic and collaborative partnerships that promote growth, vitality, and sustainability.

The Cranberry Foundation invites applications for its Annual Community Grants Program. Applications are reviewed by the Cranberry Foundation's Community Impact Committee, with final approval by the Foundation Board of Directors. The grantmaking budget is established at the end of the prior fiscal year and is contingent upon fundraising outcomes.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: January 2
• Deadline: March 31
• Decisions Announced: by July 1
• Project Period: July 1 – June 30 (following year)
• Grantees Recognized: Four Pillars Reception

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must be:

• IRS-recognized 501(c) non-profit organization (e.g., 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6)) operating for more than one year, OR
• Civic organization located in Cranberry Township that has:
  • Operated for more than 3 years
  • An elected governing body & bylaws
  • A consistent record of community service

Additional Requirements:

• Be in good standing with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Demonstrate that Cranberry Township is part of core service footprint
• Comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws
• Note: General service to "Western PA" or "Butler County" alone is not sufficient

What We Fund

• Projects and events that directly benefit Cranberry Township residents
• New or expanded programs with measurable community outcomes
• Grant Range: $500–$5,000
• Match Requirement: The Foundation does not fund 100% of a project. Applicants must demonstrate additional support, either monetary or in-kind.

Exceptions & Special Requests

The Foundation may consider off-cycle grants for:

• Urgent or unforeseen community needs
• Initiatives directly supporting Township priorities

What We Do Not Fund

• General operating expenses or salaries unrelated to the project
• Partisan political activities, lobbying, or religious proselytizing
• Completed projects, debt reduction, or retroactive expenses
• Fundraising events, endowments, vehicles, real estate, alcohol, prizes/gift cards
• Individuals, including scholarships or student projects

Selection Criteria

Priority is given to proposals that:

• Demonstrate measurable resident impact
• Align with the Foundation pillars of growth, vitality, and sustainability
• Show strong partnerships and financial feasibility

Reporting & Accountability

• Final Report Due: Within 12 months of disbursement or 30 days after project completion (whichever is sooner)
• Report Contents: How funds were used, outcomes achieved, and Cranberry Foundation recognition materials (photos, press, social posts)
• Consequences: Late or missing reports may affect future eligibility
• Unused Funds: Must be returned; project scope changes require prior approval

Contact Information

Email: info@cranberryfoundation.org
Address: 2525 Rochester Road, Suite 450, Cranberry Township, PA 16066

How to Apply

1. Access the Application Form at https://www.cranberryfoundation.org/communitygrantapplication
2. Submit by March 31 (Annual deadline)

Organization Information

• Legal organization name
• Doing Business As (if applicable)
• Physical address
• Website
• EIN
• Primary contact name/title, email, phone
• Year established
• Number of years in operation
• 501(c) status type
• Date of IRS determination
• For civic organizations: Years active in Cranberry Township, bylaws on file, elected governing body
• Organization mission and primary areas of focus
• History of CTCC or Cranberry Foundation grants

Eligibility Checklist

Applicants must check all that apply:

• IRS-recognized 501(c) tax-exempt organization operating more than one year
• Civic organization located in Cranberry Township operating more than three years with elected governing body and bylaws
• Cranberry Township is part of core service footprint
• Compliance with applicable nondiscrimination laws

Project Information

• Project title
• Total project budget
• Amount requested ($500-$5,000)
• Project start date
• Project end date
• Will project continue if grant not awarded? (Yes/No)
• Project summary (less than 50 words)

Community Need & Cranberry Impact

• Description of the community need addressed (with optional attachment)
• Explanation of how project directly benefits Cranberry Township residents (include data and metrics; optional attachment)
• Estimated number of Cranberry Township residents served
• Percentage of total participants who are Cranberry Township residents

Goals, Outcomes & Evaluation

• Specific outcomes or community impact expected

Project Plan & Timeline

• Key activities and timeline description

Budget & Funding Plan

• Budget narrative including pending funding or in-kind support (optional attachment)
• Evidence of additional support/match

Recognition Plan

• Description of how Cranberry Foundation support will be publicly recognized
• Channels: press, social media, website, signage, etc.

Required Attachments

• Proof of 501(c) status (IRS determination letter) OR civic-organization bylaws & officer roster
• Most recent Form 990 (or 990-N confirmation) OR most recent financial statements
• Itemized project/event budget
• Marketing or promotional samples (if available)
• List of Board of Directors

Certification & Signature

• Authorized representative name & title
• Date
• Signature (drawn or uploaded image)
• Certification that information is true and complete; organization is in good standing; funds will be used as described; scope changes will be requested in advance; final report will be submitted by deadline