The Foundation Board of Trustees strives to balance the dual objectives of growing the portfolio value of the fund while responding to critical program, mission and benevolent needs within the church and the community. Given the limitations on spending, we favor supporting organizations and/or efforts that reflect the mission of the church as a whole. The following guidelines may be helpful to organizations seeking funding.
In any grant cycle we typically prioritize funding requests as follows:
1. Requests coming from within PHPC or from organizations supported by the church
2. Requests originating in the greater Presbyterian community
3. Requests generated by outside community organizations
In general, the Foundation prefers to fund capital investments as opposed to annual operating expenses of any external organization. We will, however, consider grants that allow an organization to develop its infrastructure, expand an existing project in a unique way, or initiate a new program. We do not make grants to other endowment funds.
Historically, Foundation grants have ranged from $3,000 to $25,000. We strive to make grants that will have a measurable and meaningful impact over the long term. In general, Foundation grant commitments are limited to once every five years. Nonprofit organizations can apply, but the Grants Committee will recommend whether additional funds should be awarded within five years.
Grant applications can be submitted by email to grants@phpc.org. Foundation Board policy requires that all grant applications be endorsed by one of PHPC’s five councils (Community Outreach, Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism and Membership, and Administration) or the Diaconate. Applications must be submitted to the Grants Committee Chair by March 1 for consideration by the Foundation Board of Trustees at its May meeting and by September 1 for consideration by the Board at its November meeting. All grants must be approved by the Board.
