Responding to Crisis — How SRF’s Emergency Grant Program Helped Partners Stay Afloat

When sudden disruptions threaten essential community programs, timing matters. That’s why The Sarah Ralston Foundation (SRF) launched its Emergency Grant Program — designed to help nonprofit partners respond swiftly to unexpected funding gaps, facility breakdowns, or crises that directly impact service to vulnerable Philadelphians.

In its first round of emergency support, SRF distributed $107,000 in rapid-response funding to partners navigating three urgent challenges: staffing disruptions caused by the federal SCSEP pause, facility breakdowns that threatened safe gathering spaces, and temporary freezes in food support programs. Each grant was designed to stabilize services quickly, ensuring older adults did not lose access to meals, support, and community connection.

Keeping Doors Open and Kitchens Running

Philly House — With two of four HVAC units in its kitchen and dining facilities failing during the peak of summer heat, temperatures climbed above 85°F — a critical issue for food preparation and safety. SRF’s $25,000 grant helped replace the units and stabilize operations. Over half of Philly House’s clients are older adults, making climate control vital for both health and meal service continuity.

Marconi Older Adult Program (Caring People Alliance) — When a 20-year-old rooftop HVAC unit failed at the South Philadelphia community center, the facility’s main gathering space was left without heating or cooling. This room serves as the heart of the program — hosting daily congregate lunches, exercise classes, and celebrations for local seniors. With limited reserves and colder weather approaching, SRF’s $25,000 emergency grant enabled a full system replacement, ensuring the center could continue offering a comfortable, welcoming environment for older adults year-round.

Protecting Jobs and Dignity After Federal Inaction

Philly APP-HRC — When the federal pause in SCSEP funding abruptly furloughed three older adult staff members, APP-HRC lost key personnel central to outreach and reentry programs. SRF stepped in with a $14,000 grant to sustain staffing for several months, giving the organization time to develop a long-term sustainability plan.

North City Congress — Also hit hard by the SCSEP furloughs, the senior center lost nine older adult trainees who filled crucial kitchen, janitorial, and administrative roles. At the same time, a major air conditioning failure left the building overheated and unsafe. SRF’s $18,000 grant helped cover both emergency repairs and partial stipends for displaced workers — many of whom continued to volunteer without pay.

Sustaining Meal Service for Hundreds

Broad Street Love — Serving one of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable populations, Broad Street Love faced uncertainty when the state’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) froze funds. With a $25,000 SRF grant, the organization was able to maintain consistent meal service, bridging the gap as it awaited reinstated public support.

These emergency grants, issued within weeks of application, reflect SRF’s growing commitment to flexible, trust-based philanthropy. As Executive Director Heather Finnegan explained, “The Emergency Grant Program allows us to respond in real time to the challenges our partners face — whether it’s a sudden funding cut, a failed HVAC system, or a staffing crisis. Our goal is to ensure continuity of care for older adults, no matter the circumstances.”

The SCSEP funding delays that triggered some of these crises, as detailed in SRF’s earlier story “When Federal Inaction Disrupts Senior Workforce Programs, Our Seniors Pay the Price,” underscore the ripple effect of national decisions on local communities. For organizations on the ground, SRF’s rapid response provided not just funding — but stability, partnership, and hope.

For more information, visit www.sarahralstonfoundation.org

Responding to Crisis — How SRF’s Emergency Grant Program Helped Partners Stay Afloat Claire Lynch

Responding to Crisis — How SRF’s Emergency Grant Program Helped Partners Stay Afloat

Keeping Doors Open and Kitchens Running

Protecting Jobs and Dignity After Federal Inaction

Sustaining Meal Service for Hundreds

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Responding to Crisis — How SRF’s Emergency Grant Program Helped Partners Stay Afloat

Claire Lynch