FIRST STEP: Submit a "Letter of Intent" which defines the project and the grant amount requested.The letter should be no more than two pages in length. Provide twelve (12) copies of the "Letter of Intent" for grants $25,000 and over, and six (6) copies for grants under $25,000. See website for current timelines: www.pottstownfoundation.org .

The "Letter of Intent" should:

• Identify and describe the nonprofit organization who will oversee this project
• Explain how this project ties in with the Foundation's mission of enhancing the health and wellness of area residents
• Outline of the project scope - number of people and area served
• Estimate cost of project
• Provide timeline for project and identify project manager

SECOND STEP: upon receipt of a "Move Ahead" letter, submit the "Grant Application Cover Sheet" and "Grant Proposal Form" (available on our website at www.pottstownfoundation.org ). Provide twelve (12) copies for grants $25,000 and over, and six (6) copies for grants under $25,000. In addition to the required number of application copies, please include 1 copy only of supporting documents as listed below:

• List of board of directors with business affiliations
• Percentage of board members who contribute to your organization
• Statement from the IRS confirming the organization’s 501(c)3 or other tax-exempt status
• Organization budget for the current year
• Last audited financial statements or copy of most recently filed 990 tax form, if agency does not have audit performed

If an application falls within funding priorities, staff may request additional information regarding an organization, or proposed project or program. A site visit or interview may also be scheduled..

Please note that an invitation to submit an application does not signify or guarantee an award. It informs you that PAHWF is interested in the concept, however more information is necessary for further consideration.

THIRD STEP : Applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision within two weeks of the meeting at which action is taken. Once a request has been approved for funding, the applicant will be notified in writing via a “Grant Agreement Letter”. This will specify the conditions of the grant award, the grant term, any special requirements for payment, and the evaluation information needed from the grantee to measure the success of the program. This letter is to be signed by the Chairman of the Board and the Executive Director and returned to the Foundation before grant funds are dispersed.

FOURTH STEP : Grantees are required to submit an “Interim Report” at six months and a “Final Report” at twelve months for the length of their grant, whether it is a single-year or multi-year project. The Progress Report is a tool for the Foundation to monitor the effectiveness of the grants funded and as a method for the grantee to measure the program’s progress, allowing any needed changes to be made to accomplish the purpose for which the grant was intended.

The downloadable forms are on the “Due Dates & Forms” page of this website. They include the Outcome Achievement Report, used for both the Interim and Final reports. The Program Budget form, the Demographic Report form, and the Geographic Report form, are all to be used for the Final Report.

Grants $25,000 and over are to provide twelve (12) copies to the Foundation, and grants under $25,000 are to provide six (6) copies. For due dates and forms, visit the website under the “Grants & Giving” tab.

Please refer to the “Grant Terms and Conditions” for detailed guidelines related to the use of grant funds and reporting requirements.

Each proposal submitted to PAHWF will be evaluated for its ability to:

• Improve health care access for children and families of Pottstown area zip codes (18074, 19435, 19442, 19457, 19464, 19465, 19468, 19470, 19472, 19473, 19475, 19492, 19504, 19505, 19512, 19518, 19525, 19545 and 19548)
• Meet PAHWF health care guidelines
• Promote cooperation with other organizations and integrate, rather than duplicate, existing resources
• Include project beneficiaries in program design and implementation
• Demonstrate long-term benefits and ensure future financial independence
• Promote the leveraging of funds with other organizations
• Establish criteria for effectively evaluating strategies, timetables, and measurable objectives

Grant Terms & Conditions
Grant Terms and Conditions" explains the guidelines related to use of grant funds, organizational changes, grant disbursement, grant period, etc. To view a copy of the "Terms and Conditions" regarding all grant awards, please click here.

Grant Publicity Guidelines and Requirements Policy A "Publicity Guidelines and Requirements Policy" has been established to ensure a consistency in recognition for projects and programs in publications, news releases, ads, etc. For a copy of the complete policy, please click here.