Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund Grant

The Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund empowers Harrisburg's future leaders through philanthropic education and engagement. Celebrating its 10th year, the program offers monthly sessions from February to November, culminating in a $5,000 grant awarded to a selected nonprofit. Established by EPP alumni in 2014, the Endowment Fund enhances community impact with competitive grants, emphasizing mental health support. To date, over $40,000 has been awarded, fostering local nonprofit capacity and community service.

Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund Guidelines
The Emerging Philanthropists Program (EPP) goal is to engage Harrisburg’s emerging business and community leaders with philanthropic endeavors by providing resources and educational opportunities.
EPP provides emerging leaders opportunities to be actively engaged in giving back to their community through philanthropy. The class addresses questions like: What does it mean to be philanthropic? How do I make an impact? What are grants and how are they made?
The class culminates by awarding a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice. To date, more than $40,000 has been awarded to the community through grants made by the EPP classes.
The EPP Endowment Fund is a separate grant opportunity from the one described above. After learning the power of philanthropy, the inaugural EPP class of 2014 created a second grant opportunity for the community by establishing the EPP Endowment Fund. The EPP Endowment Fund affords additional community impact through competitive grants outside of the annual EPP class grant. The first grant was awarded in 2019 and the fund has awarded $9,000 to the community so far.
Funding Priorities
The purpose of the EPP Endowment Grant is to provide support for mental health.

Eligibility

This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving Cumberland and/or Dauphin Counties. Nonprofit need not be located there, but must show proof of service in either countyThe class is open to all young professionals in South Central PA through a competitive application process ending in December, and class size is approximately 15 participants. Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

Ineligibility

What We Do Not FundAdvertisingCapital campaignsDirect lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriationsIndividualsNational and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presenceNew staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainabilityReligious organizations for religious purposesRetroactive projects*Grant proposals that include these should describe the scope, purpose and guidelines.