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Lancaster County Community Foundation

Annual Giving
$15.3M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $15.3 million (2024)
  • Assets Under Management: $235 million
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000
  • Typical Grant Range: $10,000 - $50,000
  • Geographic Focus: Lancaster County, PA (some programs also serve Cumberland County)
  • Application Cycle: Two cycles annually (currently closed until March 2026)

Contact Details

Address: 24 W King St, Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: (717) 397-1629
Website: https://www.lancfound.org/
EIN: 20-0874857

Grant Program Contacts:

  • Dave Koser, Director of Programs
  • Rachael Hartman, Program Officer
  • Fran Rodriguez, Senior Program Officer

Overview

Founded in 1924, the Lancaster County Community Foundation has been serving Lancaster County for over 100 years. The foundation stewards $235 million in community assets and awarded $15.3 million in grants in 2024, supporting 312 organizations with grants, 444 organizations through ExtraGive, and 42 students with scholarships. The foundation's mission is to harness community-based philanthropy and the power of endowment to help shape a Lancaster County where every individual is valued, has a sense of belonging, and has the opportunity to thrive. In 2024, the foundation celebrated its centennial by activating $1.146 million across four future-focused categories: Creative Expression, Well-Being & Vibrancy, Next Generation, and Our Planet. The foundation is known for hosting ExtraGive, the largest per capita giving day in the country, which has raised over $110 million since 2012.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Lancaster Thrives Together: $10,000 - $50,000
A $375,000 annual competitive opportunity supporting upstream solutions addressing root causes of poverty and needs of unemployed and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations. The foundation typically makes 12-18 grants per cycle. Applications reviewed through two-stage process (LOI, then full application). Fixed deadlines.

Passion Grants: $7,500 - $31,900
Supports broad range of impact areas including human services, environment, human rights & inclusion, arts, early child development, and Eastern Lancaster County projects. Fixed deadlines. Organizations cannot receive grants from the same Passion Grant for more than 3 consecutive years.

John J. Snyder, Jr. Fund for Historic Preservation: Variable amounts
Part of Passion Grants, provides funding for restoration, maintenance, and repair of historical structures in Lancaster and Cumberland counties. Fixed deadlines.

Aastha Horizons Grant: Variable amounts
Supports organizations enhancing Lancaster County across diverse topics including education, healthcare, social services, environmental conservation, arts and culture, community development, and youth empowerment. Rolling basis applications.

Clean Water Fund: Variable amounts
Partnership grant improving stream efficiency and effectiveness. Unique in that it can grant to municipalities.

LGBTQ+ Giving Circle: Variable amounts
Supports organizations addressing LGBTQ+ community needs. In 2025, seven organizations received grants totaling $74,000.

ROC Giving Circle (BIPOC Business Support): Variable amounts
Awards to existing 501(c)(3) nonprofits developing programming, services, or products supporting development and sustainability of BIPOC-owned small businesses in Lancaster County.

Baldwin Leadership Program: Variable amounts
Supports personal leadership development in Lancaster County.

Priority Areas

Based on the foundation's strategic approach, priority areas include:

  • Equity: Ensuring every person has a safe, respectful community to live and thrive
  • Bridge Building: Promoting mutual respect and understanding across diverse groups
  • Innovation: Supporting creative, transformative community initiatives
  • Upstream Solutions: Addressing root causes of poverty and social issues
  • Environmental Conservation: Including water quality and stream health
  • Historic Preservation: Protecting Lancaster County's heritage
  • BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Community Support: Advancing equity and inclusion
  • Leadership Development: Building community capacity
  • Early Childhood Development: Investing in future generations

What They Don't Fund

The foundation will not typically fund:

  • New organization creation
  • Schools (as direct recipients)
  • Capital campaigns or capital costs
  • Political campaigns
  • Pre-award expenses
  • Cemetery associations
  • Religious causes advancing specific beliefs
  • Organizations not serving Lancaster County residents (except John J. Snyder Fund which also serves Cumberland County)
  • Hateful or discriminatory activities (per Anti-Hate policy)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Sam Bressi, President & CEO (since 2008)
Bressi emphasizes the foundation's commitment to best practices, civility, compassion, and human kindness. He stated, "We're here because in 1924, a group of visionaries came together to shape a better future for Lancaster County. Thanks to their foresight and generosity, we've been part of creating a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant community." On philanthropy's role, he noted, "Philanthropy is an essential partner in strengthening our community, but it is not designed to replace the scale or stability of smart federal investment."

Tracy Cutler, Executive Vice President
Wayne Groff, Chief Financial Officer
Kim Shorter, Chief Operating Officer

Board of Directors

  • Steve Nieli (Chair) - Executive Director, High Family Office
  • Lydia Henry - Vice President of Culture and Inclusion, Atomic Design, Inc
  • Fred Waller - Owner, Waller Tax Financial Services
  • Pedro Rivera - President, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
  • Salena Coachman - VP of Talent Sustainability & Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, Armstrong World Industries
  • Chris Ballentine - Community Relations Manager, Willow Valley Communities
  • Rob Barber - Vice President, Modular Systems and R&D, ATOMIC
  • Beth Brennan - CFO, United Disabilities Services Foundation
  • Cindy DeLuca - President and General Manager, WGAL 8 TV
  • Lauren Frick - President, The Steinman Foundation
  • Jeff Guindon - Managing Member, Carriage Hill Investment Associates LLC
  • Joe Hess - Senior Vice President - Financial Consultant, Hazlett, Burt, & Watson
  • Alisa Jones - President and CEO, Union Community Care
  • Andrew Rich - President, Franklin & Marshall College
  • Emily Watkins - Member, Barley Snyder's Trusts & Estates

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses Foundant, an online grant portal system. All users must create an account before accessing the portal.

Application Cycles:

  • Cycle 1 (typically spring): Passion Grants, John J. Snyder Fund
  • Cycle 2 (typically fall): Lancaster Thrives Together, Baldwin Leadership Program
  • Rolling: Aastha Horizons Grant accepts applications year-round

Current Status: Grant applications are closed until March 2026.

Two-Stage Process for Competitive Grants:

  1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission - First cycle deadline typically in May, second cycle in July
  2. LCCF staff reviews and approves selected LOIs
  3. Invited organizations submit full applications
  4. Review and decision

Organizations can learn how to create and access their organization's grant portal on the foundation's website. Tutorial resources and step-by-step instructions are available through the portal system.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines vary by program. The foundation uses a two-stage review process for competitive grants like Lancaster Thrives Together, with LOI deadlines in May and July, followed by full application invitations.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, for Lancaster Thrives Together, the foundation typically awards 12-18 grants from a $375,000 pool, with grants ranging from $10,000-$50,000, suggesting moderate competition for this program.

In 2024, the foundation supported 312 organizations with grants (not including ExtraGive), indicating substantial grantmaking activity.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may not receive grants from the same fund for more than 3 consecutive years. Organizations must be in good standing with all existing awards and contracts with the foundation to be eligible for new grants.

No specific waiting period for unsuccessful applicants is publicly stated. Organizations seeking clarification should contact the Programs Team directly.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Values

The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating:

  • Equity: Fair access to resources and opportunities for all
  • Innovation: Creative approaches to community challenges
  • Courage: Commitment to values even when difficult
  • Bridge Building: Promoting mutual respect across diverse groups
  • Upstream Solutions: Addressing root causes rather than symptoms

Compliance Requirements

Critical Requirements:

  • Non-discrimination policy meeting all federal requirements
  • Compliance with foundation's Anti-Hate policy
  • Current 501(c)(3) status
  • Registration with Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations
  • Annual IRS Form 990 completion
  • Recent audit or financial review by independent CPA (less than 12 months old)

The foundation's non-discrimination and anti-hate policies are strictly enforced. Organizations must serve Lancaster County residents without discrimination. Some faith-based organizations have opted not to participate due to these policy requirements.

Recent Grant Examples (2024-2025)

Organizations that received funding include:

  • Lancaster-Lebanon Education Foundation - $50,000 (Lancaster Thrives Together)
  • Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County - $50,000 (Lancaster Thrives Together)
  • United Way of Lancaster County - $40,000 (Lancaster Thrives Together)
  • Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity - $25,000 (Lancaster Thrives Together)
  • Eight nonprofits supporting education, childcare, workforce development - $274,000 (Next Generation grants)
  • Seven LGBTQ+ organizations - $74,000
  • Organizations addressing food insecurity, maternal health, mental health, historic preservation, music education (Passion Grants)

Strategic Considerations

  • Geographic Focus: Must serve Lancaster County residents (Cumberland County also eligible for Snyder Fund only)
  • Impactful Ideas: Foundation seeks "innovative, impactful ideas" that create transformative change
  • Sustainability: Foundation provides capacity-building resources, workshops, and roundtables beyond grant dollars
  • Community Connection: Demonstrated understanding of Lancaster County's diverse communities and needs
  • Measurement: Ability to articulate and measure impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Plan for Annual Cycles: Applications typically open in March with two competitive cycles (spring and fall), except Aastha Horizons which is rolling. Plan submissions 3-6 months in advance.

  • Emphasize Upstream Solutions: Particularly for Lancaster Thrives Together, focus on addressing root causes of poverty and systemic issues rather than symptomatic relief.

  • Demonstrate Equity Commitment: The foundation's core value of equity is non-negotiable. Applications must show concrete commitment to serving all Lancaster County residents without discrimination and advancing fair access to opportunities.

  • Three-Year Limitation: Since organizations cannot receive grants from the same fund for more than 3 consecutive years, develop a diversification strategy across the foundation's multiple grant programs or plan for funding gaps.

  • Two-Stage Process: For competitive grants, invest time in a compelling Letter of Inquiry that clearly articulates innovation, impact, and alignment with foundation values - only invited organizations submit full applications.

  • Leverage Support Resources: The foundation offers capacity-building workshops, resources, and roundtables. Participating demonstrates commitment to organizational excellence and builds relationships with foundation staff.

  • Consider ExtraGive: Beyond traditional grants, the foundation's ExtraGive program (November 21 annually) provides additional funding opportunities with stretch pools and prizes exceeding $500,000, though non-discrimination policy requirements apply.

References

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