GENERAL FAQs

ELIGIBILITY

What are the eligibility criteria?

  • The Sarah Ralston Foundation seeks to fund organizations serving vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Organizations may be based outside of Philadelphia County.

How many years of operating experience must an organization have before applying?

  • A newly established organization (under 5 years old) is welcome to apply.

I’m a small nonprofit organization. Can I still apply?

  • Yes, you may, but please contact Heather Finnegan for better understanding about your financials and goals.

Can I apply if my organization is outside of Philadelphia County?

  • Yes, you may. As long as you serve older adults residing in Philadelphia County.

My organization focuses on serving older adults who reside in Philadelphia County. Can I apply for more than one grantmaking area?

  • Yes! If you fit the eligibility and criteria of more than one local grantmaking area, you may apply.

Do you give multi-year grants?

  • The Foundation gives multi-year grants within Innovative Project Support. It does not give multi-year grants within General Operating Support.

APPLYING & UPDATING PROFILE

I’m a new organization to the Foundation, and I’m interested in applying for a grant. How do I learn more about The Sarah Ralston Foundation and this grantmaking area?

I’m the new point person for a previously approved grant. How do I login to complete follow-ups/reporting or begin a new grant?

How do I access an application that I’ve already started?

  • Please use this link to login to Foundant, our grantmaking management system.

Does the Foundation review letters of inquiry (LOIs?)

  • No. We accept direct applications. Contact Allison Cooper if you have questions about the application.

I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply?

  • If you anticipate a delay in meeting an application deadline, please contact Heather Finnegan.

Does the Foundation give feedback if my application has been declined?

  • Yes, we will provide feedback about why your application was denied. Feel free to ask us any questions.

How often can I apply for a grant?

  • You are welcome to apply once a year for each local grantmaking area if you are eligible and there are no outstanding grants, including follow-up reports. You are welcome to apply for both General Operating Support and Innovative Project Support if you are eligible.

How often do grant recipients submit reports to the Foundation?

  • Generally, we ask for reports/updates to be submitted once a year following the completion of the year.

What does the Foundation do with the reports you submit?

  • We use the reports to inform the respective Committee and the larger Board about your work. We also like to make connections between partners based on the information in their reports. We like to share information about your efforts on our social media platforms and in other communications.

DURING THE GRANT TERM

Does the Foundation offer extensions on reports?

Can I change my proposal after I’ve received funding?

  • Please contact Heather Finnegan to discuss anticipated and/or necessary changes.

Ready to Apply?

Click HERE to start your application