Grundy Foundation Grant

The Grundy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Bucks County, particularly in Bristol Borough, focusing on capital projects and specific programmatic support. Established through the will of Joseph R. Grundy, the foundation prioritizes projects that benefit the community and comply with 501(c)(3) regulations. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funding sources and seeks innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the community while avoiding regular contributions for operating costs.

Joseph R. Grundy (1863 – 1961) was a businessman who created wealth in a number of enterprises such as textiles, banking, newspapers, and real estate. He was active in the civic affairs of Bucks County and Pennsylvania, having represented the Commonwealth in the U.S. Senate by appointment in 1929 – 1930, and also played a role in national electoral politics, but his heart always remained true to the Bristol Borough community in which he lived.
Upon the Senator’s death in 1961, his Last Will & Testament established The Grundy Foundation to create and oversee the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum and the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library. Both the Museum and Library were named in honor of his pre-deceased sister, “Meta.” In addition to the operation of the Museum and Library, The Foundation continues to carry out the Senator’s philanthropic tradition of giving back to his community through grant awards to deserving nonprofit organizations.
Grantmaking
The Grundy Foundation’s endowment, which sustains the operations of both the Museum and Library, also provides for grantmaking. Senator Grundy specified that grant support would be given to “projects for the benefit of the inhabitants and institutions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for projects or works designed for the benefit and use of the people generally.”
The Board of Trustees generally has restricted grantmaking to Bucks County public charities, with special consideration to those of Bristol Borough. Grants are made primarily for capital projects throughout the County serving the public in a wide area rather than a single neighborhood. Grants for operating or programmatic support are reserved for pre-selected organizations or Board-designated projects. Applicants receiving operating or programmatic support as a member agency of the United Way of Bucks County are ineligible for grant consideration. Areas of grantmaking interest include arts and culture, education, community development, and health and human services.
Priorities
The grantmaking priorities of The Grundy Foundation are:
Capital Projects (“Bricks and Mortar”)501 (c) (3) Organizations throughout Bucks County may apply Operating/Programmatic SupportPre-selected organizations in Lower Bucks County or Trustee-recommended projects focused on arts and culture, education, and emergency needs.

Eligibility

The Trustees, after review of The Will (Section Eighth B, Last Will and Testament of Joseph R. Grundy, Deceased, relating to The Grundy Foundation) and previous policies for grant-making, then re-affirmed that funds in excess of operating and maintenance expenses necessary to The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library and Museum shall be used "exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes", and recommended the following more specific guidelines for grant approval: Grants should be concentrated to Bucks County organizations and especially in and around the Borough of Bristol. Requests from organizations outside of Bucks County but within Pennsylvania should not be ruled out merely as a matter of geographic location but should be given consideration if those organizations' activities or projects may have a significant effect on the quality of life of Pennsylvania residents.The record of a prospective grantee regarding services performed, reputation in the community, leadership and program sponsorship should be carefully evaluated before final approval. Grants should be evaluated as to amount on a merit basis and not limited to a fixed percentage of the project. Grants, where feasible, should be used as leverage to obtain funds from other foundations, corporations, individuals or government agencies. Although leverage participation should be considered, it should not be the sole requirement for approving grants. Approval of grants for minor capital items, seed money or start-up grants for operating expenses may be considered for new organizations or special programs of the established nonprofit that is addressing the changing social needs of the County. The grants may be approved and paid out over three years on a gradual phase-out payment basis. The agency should be required to demonstrate that the project would not be dependent on The Grundy Foundation after the final grant payment. The Foundation may consider approving annual scholarships, leadership recognition awards, etc. to Bucks County educational institutions for their selection and distribution to excellent students or staff. The grants, however, may not be made directly to individuals or exceed $10,000 per institution annually. Generally, the Foundation should avoid regular annual contributions for maintenance and operating funds. The Foundation will focus its participation in grants for operating expenses through an annual grant to the United Way of Bucks County. As such, only capital or special project requests will be considered from members of the United Way. The philosophy of giving described by W. James MacIntosh on April 17, 1984 emphasizing major projects designed to help citizens of Bristol and Bucks County, and modified May 1, 1985, and further modified March 19, 1990, is hereby reaffirmed. All prospective grantees must qualify as 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and not be considered a private operating foundation. Grantees must further comply with all terms and conditions as set forth by the aforementioned section of the Will of Joseph R. Grundy, Deceased.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not make grants to religious or political organizations or campaigns, governmental expenses, private secondary schools or individuals. (See also The Will, Section B-1).Applicants receiving operating or programmatic support as a member agency of the United Way of Bucks County are ineligible for grant consideration.