GHCF Upstream

Funder: Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation (regional foundation of TFEC)

Geographic Scope: Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and Perry Counties, and the Dillsburg Area

Focus Areas: Funding for nonprofits that improve area communities by supporting existing or new "upstream" systems, interventions, programs, or projects that attempt to create positive social change by addressing a problem at its source rather than managing its "downstream" symptoms

Eligibility:

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those utilizing a fiscal sponsor
• Programs addressing root causes of community problems

Recent Awards (2023-2024 cycle): $384,434.89 total awarded to 52 organizations

Contact Information:

• The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
• 200 N. 3rd Street, 8th Floor
• Harrisburg, PA 17101
• Phone: 717.236.5040
• Email: info@tfec.org or grants@tfec.org

Application Process

Deadlines: February 1, May 1, and September 1 (rolling deadlines)

Steps:

1. Contact TFEC Community Investment Team at grants@tfec.org to request an orientation
2. Attend orientation with Community Investment Team (optional but recommended)
3. Request technical assistance to discuss proposed project (available up to 2 weeks before deadline)
4. Submit application through online portal by deadline
5. Applicants may request one review of draft application materials no later than two weeks prior to submission deadline

Application Tips:

• Write as if the reader has never heard of your organization
• Be specific with details (who, what, where, when, why, how)
• Highlight any partnerships or collaborative efforts
• Provide clear information about programs, promotion strategy, agreements, logistics
• Clearly articulate the "upstream" approach and root cause focus

Required Materials:

• Grant application form
• Project description and budget
• Organizational information
• Demonstrate upstream/systemic change focus