Core Grant Program

The Nelson Foundation’s Core Grant Program will consider general operating requests from nonprofit organizations that:

• • work to ensure that young people in Greater Philadelphia, experience their futures in healthy, thriving, and prosperous communities.
  • work to eliminate racial and social inequities through direct service or advocacy/systems change work focusing on eliminating systemic inequities to young people, their families, and communities
  • demonstrate a commitment to equity in internal and external operations.
  • have total annual expenses of less than $2.5 million
  • focus primarily on serving young people, their families, and communities suffering from the effects of systemic racism, inequity, and injustice. The majority of services should be provided in Greater Philadelphia (including Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties).
  • have an independent 501(c)3 tax status. We also accept applications from organizations with a fiscal sponsor or local affiliates of national umbrella organizations. For local affiliates, there must be local staff and a local board/advisory board in place.
  • do not provide programming that is solely “drop-in,” infrequent, or less than four weeks in duration.

Applications will NOT be accepted from hospitals or medical facilities, schools (private, public, or charter), colleges/universities, or daycare facilities. The Foundation will not support individuals, scholarship programs, fundraising events, medical expenses, or religious activities.

Any potential applicant who believes that their organization or program aligns with the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values and meets the eligibility criteria may apply during the annual grant cycle, which begins on January 1. There is only one grant cycle for this program, and the deadline dates will remain consistent from year to year. Letters of inquiry and full applications are accepted only through the Foundation’s online grant application system, accessible through the “online application” button on our homepage. We encourage you to review the questions on the LOI and Application before completing the forms online.

• LOIs may be submitted any time between January 1-March 1. Staff will review and evaluate each LOI by March 15 to determine whether an organization will be invited to complete a full application.
• If invited to apply, application forms will be due April 15.
• Applications are reviewed and evaluated by both staff and board members (criteria detailed below), and the Board of Directors will approve core grant awards in late June.
• Once approved, a grantee organization is required to sign an electronic grant agreement, and the first installment payment is processed quickly. There are no interim reporting requirements.
• Foundation staff will complete brief check-in calls and at least one site visit during the grant period. There will be a final report due 30 days after the end of the multi-year grant. This report will serve as part of a streamlined grant renewal process.

The Nelson Foundation will consider the following when evaluating applications:

• • Is there a steadfast and unwavering commitment to ensure that young people in the Greater Philadelphia Region experience their futures in healthy, thriving, and prosperous communities?
  • Is the organization serving youth who are adversely affected by white dominance and systemic oppression?
  • What is the potential for eliminating systemic oppression, inequities, and social injustices?
  • How are the voices of youth, families, and communities served elevated and incorporated into the work? Is the organization responsive to feedback? How does the organization build community trust?
  • What is the level of commitment to diversity and community representation in staff leadership, other staff, and the board? How is DEI incorporated into the organizational culture?
  • How does the organization collaborate and cultivate partnerships? Does The Nelson Foundation believe it could build a strong, transparent relationship with this organization?
  • If the Foundation funds the organization, will it have sufficient strength of leadership (staff and board) and adequate resources (e.g., financial, staffing, facilities) to meet its objectives?
  • What is the organization’s level of willingness to learn, adapt, and be open to new solutions? Does the organization provide opportunities for staff and board to advance their professional development, build new skills, and gain new knowledge?

If your organization meets the eligibility requirements and has reviewed the guidelines and deadlines, you may enter the online grant portal and submit an LOI for the core grant program between January 1- March 1. Please use the button below to log in or create an account.  If you are unsure whether your organization already has an account, please contact us to avoid creating duplicate accounts.