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High Foundation

Annual Giving
$6.8M
Grant Range
$1K - $2.5M
Success Rate
12%

High Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$6.8 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $241.9 million
  • Average Grant Size: $31,000
  • Grant Range: $500 - $2,500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Lancaster County and South-Central Pennsylvania primarily; also Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia where High companies operate
  • Success Rate: 12% for new applicants
  • Application Method: Fixed annual cycle (application window opens periodically)

Contact Details

Overview

High Foundation was established in 1980 by S. Dale High as the primary philanthropy of the High Family, owners of the High companies (High Industries, High Real Estate Group, and their affiliates). The foundation has contributed over $20 million to projects and initiatives over its 40+ year history. In 2022, in a landmark philanthropic move, the High family transferred ownership of High Industries ($570 million annual revenue) to the foundation, and in 2023, High Real Estate Group ownership also transferred to the foundation. This ownership structure means profits from these companies now directly fuel the foundation's charitable work, positioning High Foundation among the largest private foundations in central Pennsylvania with assets exceeding $241 million.

The foundation's mission is to "build bridges to opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities, striving for an equitable world of beauty, prosperity, and peace." Their approach emphasizes systemic change and collective impact rather than isolated charitable giving. The foundation also established a $65 million Donor Advised Fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Opportunity Grants The primary annual grant program supporting community partners in areas where High companies operate. Recent grants have ranged from $500 to $110,000 for typical grants, with major capital grants reaching up to $2.5 million.

Sample grant amounts:

  • Lancaster Conservancy: $110,000
  • City of Lancaster: $75,000
  • PA 211 East (referral tracking software): $80,000
  • Conestoga Valley Education: $35,000
  • Assets of Lancaster: $30,000
  • Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (student housing renovation): $400,000
  • Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center (largest community grant): $2,500,000

High Impact Portfolio Focused on systemic change in two areas:

  • Environmental sustainability (partnerships with Lancaster Conservancy, environmental centers, nature preserves)
  • Affordable housing initiatives (addressing housing instability and workforce housing)

High Coworker Scholarship $5,000 per year (up to four years) for children of High company employees attending accredited colleges or trade schools.

Essence of Humanity Award Annual recognition of individuals who exemplify remarkable human qualities in serving their community.

Priority Areas

Economic Vibrancy

  • Workforce development and education
  • Economic security and mobility
  • Generational wealth-building
  • Housing and re-entry support for justice-impacted individuals

Community Vitality

  • Arts, culture, and civic engagement
  • Physical infrastructure and open space
  • Historic preservation and environment

Individual and Social Well-Being

  • Physical and mental health
  • Nutrition and physical activity
  • Services for seniors and disabled accessibility
  • Safety initiatives

What They Don't Fund

  • Political organizations
  • For-profit entities
  • Organizations outside their geographic service areas
  • Organizations not aligned with their three funding pillars

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • S. Dale High - Chairman and Founder
  • Suzanne M. High - Vice-Chair
  • Thomas T. Baldrige - Vice-Chair
  • Steven D. High
  • Gene P. Otto
  • Vanessa E. Philbert
  • Janice L. Snyder
  • Jordan S. Steffy
  • Carl J. Strikwerda

Staff

  • Robin D. Stauffer - Executive Director
  • Diana S. Martin - Director of High Impact & Executive Director of Partners for Environmental Stewardship
  • Christina J. Snyder - Grants Manager
  • Wyatt A. Behringer - Communications and Development Manager
  • Josephine D. Thornton - Executive Assistant

Leadership Philosophy

S. Dale High, founder: "We are on this earth for a purpose that is larger than our own self-interests, and we must strive to make the world a better place."

Suzanne M. High, Vice Chair: "We choose to focus our philanthropy on systemic change, where possible, seeking opportunities that lead to collective impact."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Review the Opportunity Grants Guide (available on their website when application window opens)
  2. Verify your organization is located in Lancaster City, Lancaster County, or communities where High companies operate
  3. Confirm alignment with High Foundation's three Opportunity Grant Pillars
  4. Submit application through their online process during the application window
  5. Contact Christina Snyder (CSnyder@high.net) with questions

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a non-political, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
  • Located in Lancaster City, Lancaster County, or communities where High companies provide economic investment and employment
  • Mission must align with High Foundation's Opportunity Grant Pillars (Economic Vibrancy, Community Vitality, Individual and Social Well-Being)
  • Must demonstrate commitment to equality and advancing a diverse, stimulating world for all

Decision Timeline

  • Application window opens annually (check website for current dates)
  • Grant decisions announced for the upcoming fiscal year (e.g., 2024-2025 grantees)

Success Rates

  • 12% of new applicants receive funding
  • 223 grants awarded in recent year

Application Success Factors

What High Foundation Looks For

Based on their stated values and funded projects, successful applicants demonstrate:

Alignment with Systemic Change The foundation explicitly seeks "systemic change" and "collective impact." Projects addressing root causes of poverty, inequality, or environmental concerns are prioritized over direct service alone.

Strong Community Partnerships Fritz Schroeder, CEO of Lancaster Conservancy (a major grantee), noted: "High Foundation has helped the Lancaster Conservancy protect hundreds of acres across Lancaster County while also strategically supporting priority restoration projects." Collaboration and partnership are central to their approach.

Innovation and Boldness One of their core values is "boldness" - they "seek out and support innovation to keep their ideas fresh and to find new solutions."

Equity Focus Applications should demonstrate how the project ensures "everyone in their communities has the opportunity to be successful, recognizing that everyone is starting from a different place."

Examples of Funded Projects (2024-2025)

  • Aaron's Acres (disability services)
  • Chestnut Housing (affordable housing)
  • The Factory Ministries (community development)
  • Stroud Water Research Center (environmental)
  • Tec Centro (workforce development)
  • YWCA (various services)

Grant Partner Testimonials

Craig Dalen, ASSETS Lancaster: "High Foundation's generous support allows us to provide these subsidized services."

Deborah Brandt, Fig Industries: "S. Dale High saw potential in our small business and our passion for the community."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Focus on systemic change: High Foundation explicitly prioritizes transformative, systemic approaches over direct service. Frame your project in terms of addressing root causes and creating lasting impact.

  2. Demonstrate community partnership: They value collaboration highly. Highlight existing partnerships and how your work connects to broader community efforts.

  3. Align with their three pillars: Economic Vibrancy, Community Vitality, or Individual and Social Well-Being must be clearly demonstrated in your proposal.

  4. Geographic alignment is critical: Your organization must operate in Lancaster County/City or other communities where High companies (High Industries, High Real Estate) have operations - this includes parts of Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia.

  5. Equity and diversity commitment: They require organizations to have "a belief in and mindset for promoting an environment of equality and helping to advance a diverse and stimulating world for all."

  6. Review the Opportunity Grants Guide thoroughly: Before applying, study their guide to ensure alignment with their strategic vision.

  7. Consider scale appropriately: Typical grants range from $25,000-$110,000, but major capital projects can receive up to $2.5 million. Match your ask to your project scope and organizational capacity.

References

Data accessed December 2024

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