The Grundy Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 23-1609243
• Annual Giving: $116,000 (2023)
• Grant Range: Varies; typical grants average $2,600, with larger impact grants up to $90,000
• Grant Maximum: $10,000 per institution annually (standard limit)
• Geographic Focus: Bucks County, PA (especially Bristol Borough)
• Application Status: NOT ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS IN 2025 due to Foundation capital projects

Contact Details

Address: 680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007

Phone: 215.788.5460

Email: hello@grundyfoundation.com

Fax: 215.788.0915

Website: https://grundyfoundation.com/

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (by appointment only)

Donation Inquiries: 215.788.7891 ext. 25

Overview

The Grundy Foundation was established in 1961 through the Last Will and Testament of Senator Joseph R. Grundy (1863-1961), a businessman and philanthropist who served in the U.S. Senate from 1929-1930. The Foundation maintains and operates the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Museum and Library in Bristol Borough while continuing the Senator's philanthropic tradition through grant awards to nonprofit organizations. Senator Grundy specified that grant support should 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 Foundation's endowment sustains operations of both the Museum and Library while providing funds for grantmaking primarily in Bucks County, with particular focus on Bristol Borough. In 2023, the Foundation distributed $116,000 in grants across 11 awards. The Foundation has made substantial investments in essential operations, infrastructure improvements, and community support over its 60+ year history.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Capital Projects Program

• Focus: Capital projects throughout Bucks County serving the public in a wide area rather than a single neighborhood
• Grant Range: Varies by project; maximum $10,000 per institution annually
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in Bucks County, PA

Operating/Programmatic Support Program (Limited)

• Focus: Reserved for pre-selected organizations or Board-designated projects
• Priority Areas: Arts and culture, education, and emergency needs
• Geographic Focus: Lower Bucks County
• Average Award: $2,600
• Note: This program is not open to general applications

Impact Grants (Special Funding)

• Recent Example: $90,000 to Bristol Riverside Theatre (2024)
• Recent Example: $33,000 to local Bristol Borough organizations (2024)
• Note: These larger grants appear to be for established partnerships or Board-designated priorities

Priority Areas

The Foundation prioritizes projects that:

• Benefit residents of Bristol Borough and Bucks County broadly
• Serve the public in wide geographic areas rather than single neighborhoods
• Involve capital improvements to facilities and infrastructure
• Support arts and culture organizations
• Enhance educational opportunities
• Address emergency community needs
• Demonstrate sustainability beyond Foundation funding

The Board of Trustees generally restricts grantmaking to Bucks County public charities, with special consideration for Bristol Borough organizations. However, requests from organizations outside Bucks County but within Pennsylvania may be considered if their activities or projects significantly affect the quality of life of Pennsylvania residents.

What They Don't Fund

Explicitly Excluded:

• Individuals (direct grants)
• Religious organizations or campaigns
• Political organizations or campaigns
• Governmental expenses
• Private secondary schools
• Private operating foundations
• Organizations receiving United Way of Bucks County operating or programmatic support

Operational Limitations:

• The Foundation generally avoids regular annual contributions for maintenance and operating funds (except for pre-selected organizations)
• Projects should demonstrate sustainability and not be dependent on The Grundy Foundation after the final grant payment
• Grants may not exceed $10,000 per institution annually (though exceptions exist for impact grants to pre-selected partners)

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (as of 2025)

Executive Director: Jameson (Jamie) Gilpatrick

• Assumed position October 1, 2025
• 30 years of nonprofit experience, primarily in performing arts
• Former Managing Director of Bristol Riverside Theatre
• Previously Managing Director at New York City Dance Alliance and Steps on Broadway
• Served on Bristol Borough Business Association board
• Member of Raising the Bar, Bristol Borough's Economic Development Committee
• Mission-driven leadership style emphasizing collaboration and innovation

Executive Director Emeritus: Eugene J. Williams, Esquire

• Retired end of 2025 after 22 years of service
• Oversaw renovations and expansion of Grundy Campus 2018-2022
• Managed the Grundy Museum and raised its profile over 10 years
• Created and advised community organizations including Bristol Borough Education Fund, Academic Oversight Committee, Garden Club of Bristol Borough, and Artists of Bristol

Board Chair: Frederick LaValley

• 32-year Grundy Trustee

Board Vice Chair: Carl White

Governance Structure

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees chosen according to the provisions of Senator Joseph R. Grundy's Last Will and Testament. Trustee appointments are approved by the Bucks County Orphans' Court. The Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit corporation and is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: Due to extensive Foundation capital projects, no new grant applications will be considered from January through December 2025.

When applications reopen, applicants should use the Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia Common Grant Application Form.

Submission Methods (when accepting applications):

• Mail: The Grundy Foundation, Attn: Executive Director, 680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007
• Fax: 215.788.0915 (requires prior Foundation approval)
• Email: Requires prior Foundation approval

Note: Applications must be sent directly to The Grundy Foundation and should NOT be sent to Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, ensure your organization meets these criteria:

• Qualified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as determined by the IRS
• Not a private operating foundation
• Not receiving operating or programmatic support as a member agency of United Way of Bucks County
• Located in or serving Bucks County, PA (or within Pennsylvania with significant impact on PA residents)
• Focused on capital projects (for open applications) rather than operating expenses

Decision Timeline

The Foundation does not publish specific decision timelines on their website. Based on typical private foundation review processes, applicants should anticipate a review period of several months from submission to notification.

Grant Award History

• 2023: 11 awards totaling $116,000
• 2022: 13 awards
• 2021: 10 awards
• 2020: 24 awards
• 2019: 8 awards

The number of awards varies significantly year to year, suggesting the Foundation responds to available capital project opportunities and Board priorities rather than maintaining a fixed grant cycle.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Foundation made 11 awards in 2023 and 13 in 2022, indicating a relatively small number of grants are awarded annually. The average operating/programmatic grant of $2,600 suggests most awards are modest, with larger impact grants reserved for established partners or Board-designated priorities.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations should contact the Foundation directly for guidance on reapplication timelines and requirements.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrating Strong Geographic Alignment

Bristol Borough Priority: The Foundation shows clear preference for Bristol Borough organizations. In 2024, $33,000 in grants went to local Bristol Borough organizations, and the Foundation has provided annual financial support to Bristol Riverside Theatre since its inception. Organizations based in Bristol Borough should emphasize their direct service to borough residents and their role in the local community fabric.

Bucks County Focus: For organizations outside Bristol Borough, clearly articulate how your project serves a wide geographic area of Bucks County rather than a single neighborhood. The Foundation's guidelines explicitly state grants are made "for capital projects throughout the County serving the public in a wide area rather than a single neighborhood."

Capital Project Strength

Infrastructure Emphasis: Open applications are primarily for capital projects. Successful applications will likely focus on building improvements, facility expansions, equipment purchases, or other tangible infrastructure that serves the community long-term. Operating support is reserved for pre-selected organizations.

Public Benefit Scope: Demonstrate how your capital project will serve the broader public. The Foundation follows Senator Grundy's directive to support "projects for the benefit and use of the people generally." Projects should show wide community impact beyond a narrow constituency.

Sustainability Requirements

Independence from Foundation: The Foundation explicitly states that "the agency should demonstrate that the project would not be dependent on The Grundy Foundation after the final grant payment." Applications must show how the capital improvement will be sustained without ongoing Foundation support. Include details about:

• Maintenance funding plans
• Operational budget for new facilities or equipment
• Other funding sources secured or planned
• Long-term financial sustainability

Relationship Building for Operating Support

Pre-Selected Status: Since operating and programmatic support is "reserved for pre-selected organizations or Board-designated projects," organizations seeking this type of support should focus on building relationships with the Foundation over time. The Bristol Riverside Theatre example shows the Foundation provides ongoing support to established partners.

Board Connections: With trustees serving long terms (Frederick LaValley has 32 years as a trustee), developing relationships with board members who understand your organization's work may be valuable for consideration in Board-designated projects.

Demonstrating Mission Alignment

Community Service Legacy: Frame your project in the context of Senator Grundy's legacy of community service. During his lifetime, Grundy supported public waterworks, sewer systems, schools, post offices, municipal buildings, firehouses, playgrounds, and athletic fields in Bristol Borough. Projects that echo this commitment to public infrastructure and community benefit will resonate.

Quality of Life Impact: Use language that emphasizes how your project improves "the quality of life of Pennsylvania residents" – this phrase appears in the Foundation's guidelines and reflects their core mission.

Avoiding Disqualifications

United Way Check: If your organization receives operating or programmatic support from United Way of Bucks County, you are explicitly ineligible for Grundy Foundation grants. Verify your status before applying.

$10,000 Annual Limit: Remember that grants "may not exceed $10,000 per institution annually" under normal circumstances. While the Foundation has made larger impact grants ($90,000 to Bristol Riverside Theatre), these appear to be exceptions for pre-selected long-term partners. First-time applicants should plan for requests at or below the $10,000 threshold.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Applications Suspended for 2025: The Foundation is not accepting new grant applications throughout 2025 due to their own capital projects. Monitor their website for updates on when applications will reopen.

• Geographic Specificity Matters: Bristol Borough organizations have the strongest advantage, followed by Bucks County organizations. If you're outside this area, you must make a compelling case for significant impact on Pennsylvania residents.

• Capital Projects Only for Open Applications: Operating support is reserved for pre-selected organizations. If you need operating funds, focus on building a long-term relationship with the Foundation rather than submitting a first-time application.

• Modest Grant Amounts Expected: With an average grant of $2,600 and a stated $10,000 annual maximum per institution, plan for smaller awards unless you're an established partner like Bristol Riverside Theatre.

• Sustainability is Non-Negotiable: The Foundation explicitly requires that projects not be dependent on their funding after the grant period. Build a strong sustainability plan into your application.

• Use the Standard Form: The Foundation requires use of the Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia Common Grant Application Form. Do not create a custom application format.

• Long-Term Relationship Building: With only 11 awards made in 2023 and operating support limited to pre-selected organizations, consider the Grundy Foundation as a potential long-term partner rather than a one-time funding source. Engage with their Museum and Library programs, attend their events, and build visibility in the Bristol Borough community.

References

• The Grundy Foundation Official Website. "Grants." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/grants/

• The Grundy Foundation. "Grantmaking Priorities." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/grants/grantmaking-priorities/

• The Grundy Foundation. "Grant Guidelines." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/grants/grant-guidelines/

• The Grundy Foundation. "Apply." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/grants/apply/

• The Grundy Foundation. "About the Foundation." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/about/

• The Grundy Foundation. "Board & Staff." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/about/grundy-foundation-board-staff/

• The Grundy Foundation. "Leadership Change at Grundy Foundation Starting October 1st." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/leadership-change-at-grundy-foundation-starting-october-1st/

• The Grundy Foundation. "The Grundy Foundation Announces Leadership Transition." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/the-grundy-foundation-announces-leadership-transition/

• The Grundy Foundation. "Contact Us." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://grundyfoundation.com/about/contact-us/

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Grundy Foundation." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/231609243

• Candid Foundation Directory. "Grundy Foundation." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=GRUN001

• Cause IQ. "The Grundy Foundation." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-grundy-foundation,231609243/

• Instrumentl. "Grundy Foundation | Bristol, PA | 990 Report." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/grundy-foundation

• Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia. "Common Grant Application & Common Report Form." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://philanthropynetwork.org/resources-nonprofits

• U.S. Senate. "Joseph R. Grundy (R-PA)." Accessed March 2, 2026. https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/image/grundy.htm