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The Powder Mill Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.4M
Grant Range
$1K - $1.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12,393,678 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $143,961,751 (approx.)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycle
  • Grant Range: $500 - $1,080,000
  • Median Grant: $23,750
  • Geographic Focus: York County, Pennsylvania (primarily City of York)

Contact Details

Address: 140 East Market Street, York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 852-2309
Email: info@powdermillfoundation.org
Website: https://powdermillfoundation.org
Application Contact: michael.hady@powdermillfoundation.org

Overview

The Powder Mill Foundation was established in 1993 by Louis J. Appell, Jr. and his wife Josephine to support the revitalization and development of York, Pennsylvania. With assets of approximately $144 million and annual giving exceeding $12 million in 2023, the Foundation has awarded 760 grants totaling over $60 million since 2014. The Foundation's mission is to support local non-profits with funding for capital improvements and expenditures, creation of new programs, collaborative efforts, and community development initiatives. Mr. Appell believed deeply in revitalizing York's downtown core, restoring historic buildings, helping non-profits do meaningful work, strengthening surrounding neighborhoods, and promoting smart growth, sustainability, and preservation. The Foundation now serves as the primary vehicle for continuing his vision of creating vital and authentic urban places attractive to residents and businesses. Michael H. Hady, III became the Foundation's first President and CEO in May 2018, bringing extensive experience in York's non-profit sector.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Powder Mill Foundation awards grants through a quarterly review process with four annual deadlines. Grants range from $500 to over $1 million, with a median award of $23,750. In 2023, the Foundation made 113 grants totaling over $12 million.

Application Deadlines: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1

Application Method: Rolling basis with quarterly board review; applications submitted via mail or email

Priority Areas

  • Capital Improvements: Building renovations, construction projects, facility expansions, security upgrades
  • New Program Creation: Funding to launch new initiatives and services
  • Collaborative Projects: Multi-organizational partnerships that benefit the community (strongly encouraged)
  • Community Development: Projects that enhance York's urban core and neighborhoods
  • Education: Support for educational institutions and programs, particularly York College of Pennsylvania
  • Social Services: Youth services, food assistance, housing programs, family services
  • Arts & Culture: Historic preservation, cultural programming, performing arts
  • Leadership Development: Capacity building for community organizations

Geographic Focus

Primary: City of York, Pennsylvania
Secondary: York County, Pennsylvania
Special: York College of Pennsylvania and Harvard University

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals
  • Propaganda or lobbying activities
  • Political campaigns or attempts to influence legislation
  • Organizations outside York County (with exceptions noted above)
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Governance and Leadership

Officers

  • George W. Hodges - Chairman
  • Michael H. Hady, III - President and CEO
  • Janis L. Lloyd - Secretary/Treasurer

Board of Trustees

  • Louis J. Appell, III
  • Helen F. Appell, II
  • Margaret Driscoll
  • David E. Kennedy
  • Beverly Mackereth
  • Suzanne McConkey
  • Mary Ann Stetler

Trustees Emeritus

  • Josephine S. Appell (Deceased)
  • Louis J. Appell, Jr. (Deceased, Founder)
  • Sally J. Dixon
  • William H. Simpson (Deceased)

Leadership Perspective

Michael Hady, reflecting on founder Louis J. Appell Jr.'s legacy, stated: "We are blessed that he had a vision for the City of York and blessed that he left us the resources to continue its revitalization." The Cultural Alliance of York County describes the Foundation as "more than an investor in our arts and culture community; it is a cheerleader, visionary, collaborator and connector of the arts to York's revitalization and growth."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Download Application Form: Available on the Foundation's website in both MS Word and PDF formats
  2. Complete Required Documentation:
    • Grant Application Form with organization details
    • Copy of 501(c)(3) tax exemption letter
    • Detailed project description
    • Total project budget
    • Most recent financial statement
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statement (optional)
  3. Submit by Deadline: Applications must be received by February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1
  4. Submission Methods:

Decision Timeline

The Board of Trustees meets quarterly to review funding requests. Applications submitted by the deadline dates are reviewed at the subsequent quarterly board meeting. The specific timeframe from submission to decision notification is not publicly disclosed, but follows the quarterly meeting schedule.

Success Rates

The Foundation awarded 113 grants in 2023, 91 in 2022, 92 in 2021, and 86 in 2020. Total application numbers and acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Critical Restriction: Grants to any recipient are limited to one every two years. The Foundation states "In most cases, applications will be considered for funding every two years." There is no specific public information about whether unsuccessful applicants can reapply before this two-year period, but the two-year limitation appears to apply primarily to successful grantees.

Reporting Requirements

Grantees must submit an annual evaluation form by December 31st, available in MS Word and PDF formats on the Foundation's website.

Application Success Factors

Collaborative Approach is Key

The Foundation explicitly states it is "always looking for new and innovative projects to be involved in, especially projects that foster collaboration between non-profits." They also "seek collaboration from other funders to help support these important initiatives." Multi-organizational partnerships appear to be strongly favored.

Examples of Funded Projects

  • New Hope Ministries Red Land Center: Capital campaign for purchase and renovation of a service location providing food and needs assistance for up to 4,000 people annually
  • York Jewish Community Center: Major entrance and lobby renovations plus security systems (federal grant covered equipment; Powder Mill funded construction)
  • York College Center for Community Engagement: Renovation of unfinished second floor for community/college collaborations and establishment of an ongoing support fund
  • Leadership York: Multi-year capacity building grant
  • Codorus Creek Project: Environmental and community development initiative

Founder's Vision Continues

Understanding Louis J. Appell Jr.'s priorities helps applicants align with Foundation values: downtown revitalization, historic building restoration, strengthening neighborhoods, smart growth, sustainability, and preservation.

Capital Projects Welcome

The Foundation's mission explicitly includes "capital improvements and expenditures," and numerous funded examples demonstrate willingness to support significant building projects, renovations, and facility expansions.

Geographic Alignment Essential

Organizations must be headquartered in York County with projects benefiting City of York residents as the primary focus. Secondary consideration given to broader York County initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Emphasize collaboration: Multi-organizational partnerships and projects involving other funders are strongly encouraged and appear to receive favorable consideration
  • Capital projects are core focus: Don't hesitate to apply for building renovations, expansions, and significant capital improvements—this is an explicit funding priority
  • Two-year cycle planning: Recipients can only receive grants once every two years, so plan your funding requests strategically for maximum impact
  • Geographic requirements are strict: Must be headquartered in York County with primary benefit to City of York residents (with specific exceptions for York College and Harvard)
  • Quarterly deadlines are firm: Four annual deadlines (Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1) require advance planning and preparation
  • Align with revitalization vision: Projects supporting downtown York, historic preservation, neighborhood strengthening, and community development resonate with founder's legacy
  • Innovation matters: Foundation seeks "new and innovative projects," not just continuing support for existing programs
  • Median grant is modest: While grants can reach $1 million+, the median is $23,750—most applicants receive smaller amounts
  • Leverage federal/other funding: The York JCC example shows the Foundation will fill gaps left by other funders (e.g., construction costs when equipment is federally funded)

References

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