GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

General operating support funds a nonprofit organization’s mission rather than specific projects or programs. It provides the working capital needed to sustain day-to-day operations. 
The General Operating Support Committee considers requests for general operating support grants typically between $5,000 and $50,000 annually for organizations serving vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County.  

THE WHY

The Sarah Ralston Foundation invests in grantees’ missions rather than specific programs. General operating support allows partners to use the funds as they see fit to reach their goals. 

Aging organizations know their stakeholders best, know their communities best, and know their needs the most. We respect that knowledge and seek to provide the flexible support that they need to pursue their missions. 

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Deadline April 1
Decision Notification May 31

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Eligibility

  • Organizations and programs that align with the Foundation’s mission to support and enhance the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. 
  • Organizations that are based outside of Philadelphia County but provide services in Philadelphia County. In this case, grants would be restricted to the organization’s Philadelphia County-based program/s. 
  • Organizations and programs that reflect the guiding principles of the Foundation. 
  • Organizations, including newly established organizations, of the following types: 501(c)3 public charities, fiscally sponsored organizations or programs, supporting organizations, other 501(c) organizations (within legal limits). 
  • Organizations where older adults can go to receive services and socialization (examples: Senior Centers, Adult Day), organizations that provide in-home services (examples: Home Maintenance Programs, Food Programs, but excluding those services paid for by insurance), and organizations that provide programs that support those older adults living in the community (examples: Information & Resources, Transportation, Food Programs, Companionship Services, and Virtual Programs). 
  • The Foundation provides general operating support to organizations with less than a $3 million operating budget.   
  • If an organization requests general operating support, its primary focus must be serving older adults residing in Philadelphia County.

Criteria

  • The strengths and accomplishments of the applicant organization 
  • The relationship between the programming of the applicant organization and the needs of the community(ies) served 
  • The applicant organization’s history and stability, as well as its long-term impact on the community 
  • How a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access is reflected in the applicant organization 
  • The value and feasibility of the applicant organization’s programs 
  • The contribution of the applicant organization to the overall aging community

Restrictions

  • Programs of applicant organizations must serve older adults residing in Philadelphia County. 
  • The Foundation does not give operating grants to programs and organizations that provide services to older adults who live in institutional settings e.g., a nursing facility or an assisted-living facility. 
  • The Foundation does not give grants to individuals, for-profit entities, or government entities. 
  • The Foundation provides general operating support to organizations with less than a $3 million operating budget.  
  • The Foundation does not fund outside of the following funding priorities: Access to affordable, equitable and high-quality care; Behavioral and mental health issues; Caregiver support (family and significant others); Care coordination; Housing (including older adult homelessness); and Social isolation issues 
  • The Foundation will not purchase tickets, tables, ads, or sponsorships. 
  • The Foundation will not directly contribute to endowments outside of a capital campaign or expenses related to new construction of a building.

FAQs

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

  • Please contact Lynette Killen.

I’m the new point person for The Sarah Ralston Foundation General Operating Support grant. How do I login to complete follow-ups/reporting or begin a new grant application?

Can I apply my general operating support to a specific program?

  • Yes, it is up to. you how you want to use it! Just present your organization in its entirety in your application.

If my organization has programs that serve adults but it is not my primary purpose, can we apply for General Operating Support?

  • No, your organization’s primary focus must be on serving older adults to apply for General Operating Support.

What size of organizations does The Sarah Ralston Foundation fund in General Operating Support?

  • Organizations must have under a $3 million operating budget to apply for general operating support.