GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

General operating support funds a nonprofit organization’s mission rather than specific projects or programs.
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 receive support through adult day programs, behavioral & mental health services, care coordination services, caregiver support services, digital literacy services, food security services, homelessness support services, home maintenance services, housing services, information & resource services, legal services, senior center programs, transportation services, or other services that allow older adults to thrive in their home & community.
  • The Foundation provides general operating support to organizations with less than a $5 million operating budget.   
  • If an organization requests general operating support, its primary focus must be serving older adults residing in Philadelphia County.

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 does not provide general operating support to organizations with an operating budget greater than $5 million.
  • The Foundation does not fund insurance-paid services.
  • 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?

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 $5 million operating budget to apply for general operating support.