Application Process

How to Apply for Foundation Grants

Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) provides clear, supportive, and accessible grantmaking to strengthen nonprofits and community partners across western Montgomery County, northern Chester County, and eastern Berks County. Our process ensures every applicant understands eligibility, expectations, and the steps needed to submit a competitive and complete proposal.

The Application Process Overview

We have designed a clear six-step process to guide you from eligibility through reporting. Each step provides structure and clarity to help you successfully navigate PRCF’s grantmaking process.

Step 1:
Confirm Eligibility & Alignment

Carefully review eligibility requirements to ensure your organization qualifies. Evaluate how your program fits within PRCF’s Results Framework, focusing on the two strategic pillars: Developing Youth Potential and Promoting Equitable Health & Wellness. Strong proposals clearly connect to one or more of PRCF’s targeted outcomes.

Step 2:
Check Grant Cycles and Key Dates

PRCF operates two competitive grant cycles each year — Spring and Fall — along with occasional off-cycle opportunities for urgent needs. Review the full grant calendar to ensure you’re prepared to meet deadlines and reporting requirements.

Step 3:
Sign-up for support

Optional technical assistance sessions are available prior to each cycle deadline. Applicants may schedule one-on-one consultations with a Grants Team Member to refine their draft proposals. Draft applications must be uploaded to the portal at least 48 hours before your scheduled session. Participation in technical assistance does not guarantee funding.

Step 4:
Prepare & Submit your application

Access the secure PRCF Grant Portal to begin your submission. Select the appropriate application form (full or abbreviated) based on your request size. Submit all materials electronically by the posted deadline. Multiple authorized users may access the portal under your organization’s account.

Step 5:
Foundation Review & Award Process

Submitted applications are carefully reviewed by PRCF staff, advisory committees, and ultimately approved by the Board of Directors. Award notifications are typically provided eight weeks after submission closes and include detailed grant agreements and reporting instructions.

Step 6:
Managing the Grant and Reporting

Successful applicants manage their funded projects in alignment with approved plans. Grantees submit interim and final reports, participate in shared impact surveys, and publicly recognize PRCF’s support. Ongoing evaluation ensures both accountability and shared learning to strengthen future community outcomes.

Step 1:

Confirm Eligibility and Alignment

PRCF welcomes organizations that share our mission of advancing health, education, and economic opportunity. Before applying, carefully review these initial requirements to ensure your eligibility and project fit.

If you are applying for the first time or submitting a new project idea, we strongly encourage you to complete the Grant Concept Form before beginning your full application. This optional form gives our staff an early opportunity to review your proposal, offer feedback on how it fits within PRCF’s funding priorities, and schedule a follow-up conversation to guide you through next steps.

Eligible Applicants:

  • Nonprofit organizations with current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in good standing with the IRS.
  • Public or private K-12 schools and school districts.
  • Municipalities or collaborative initiatives that serve residents within our 10-mile service area centered around Pottstown.

Project Alignment:

All proposals must align with PRCF’s Grantmaking Framework, which defines our priority outcomes under two strategic pillars:

  • Developing Youth Potential: Supporting early childhood development, student wellness, youth leadership, and readiness for lifelong success.
  • Promoting Equitable Health & Wellness: Addressing healthcare access, behavioral health, nutrition, fitness, recreation, and inclusive public spaces.


Proposals that clearly articulate how their project addresses one or more target outcomes within these pillars will be most competitive.

Step 2:

Grant Cycles and Key Dates

PRCF offers two standard competitive grant cycles each year to provide predictable and transparent funding opportunities for nonprofits and community partners. This consistent schedule allows applicants to plan proposals, gather necessary documentation, and prepare strong applications well in advance of submission deadlines, ensuring that projects align with PRCF’s strategic priorities and community impact goals.

Opens - Closes

March 1 – March 31 (5 PM)

Award Announcement

Early June (Grants begin July 1)

Reports Due

Interim: Jan 15, Final: July 1

Opens - Closes

September 1 – September 30 (5 PM)

Award Announcement

Early December (Grants begin Jan 1)

Reports Due

Interim: July 15, Final: Feb 1

PRCF may occasionally consider off-cycle requests to address urgent, unplanned community needs, such as disaster response or infrastructure failures. Contact our grants team to discuss possible eligibility for off-cycle funding.

Pottstown Community Voices Grant

This resident-led, equity-driven initiative empowers community members to direct resources where they are most needed. PCVGF provides grants of up to $15,000 for grassroots solutions. Funding decisions are informed by a resident advisory council. Announcements about upcoming PCVGF cycles are shared via our News & Publications and social media.

This grant fund aims to address:

  • Access to parks and recreation.
  • Mental health support.
  • Neighborhood safety.
  • Housing stability.
  • Employment opportunities.

2025 Information Session

An annual virtual grant information session is held every year on the third Wednesday of February. This session provides essential updates on funding priorities, eligibility, and application procedures. Historic recordings and slides are archived in our Tools & Resources library for ongoing reference.

Step 3:

Technical Assistance & Grant Writing

PRCF is committed to supporting applicants throughout the process. During a designated window before each application deadline, technical assistance sessions are available. These optional, one-on-one consultations with a Grants Team Member provide:

Guidance on how to strengthen your proposal.

Feedback on project alignment with PRCF’s Results Framework.

Suggestions for clarifying project design, outcomes, and evaluation plans.

Step 4:

Prepare and Submit Your Application

Access the Grant Portal

All PRCF grant applications must be submitted through our secure online portal.

Select the Correct Application Type

Applicants must select the appropriate form based on request size and project type:

  • Full Application: For requests over $10,000 (up to a standard maximum of $150,000). Larger requests above this threshold are considered by invitation only.
  • Abbreviated Application: For smaller requests of $10,000 or less.

PRCF currently uses distinct application forms for three primary grant types: Direct Service, Capacity Building, and Systems Reform. Carefully select the form that best matches your project type.

New Applicants

If you are exploring a new project idea or applying for the first time, we strongly encourage you to complete our Grant Concept Form before starting your full application. While not required, this short form gives our team an early look at your proposal and allows us to offer helpful feedback on how your project may align with PRCF’s funding priorities. After submission, a member of our staff will follow up to schedule a conversation and guide you through next steps.

Returning Applicants

Log in to continue or start new applications using your existing credentials.

Multiple User Access

Organizations may have multiple authorized users who can create individual login profiles linked to the same organizational account.

Submit Before Deadline

Applicants are responsible for ensuring timely submission. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

  • Completed applications must be submitted electronically via the Grant Portal by 5 PM on the closing date for each cycle.
  • Once submitted, you may download a PDF copy of your complete application for your records directly through the portal.

Step 5:

Review and Award Process

All submitted applications undergo a multi-phase review process to ensure equitable, transparent decision-making.

Applicants will be notified of award decisions approximately eight weeks after the close of each application cycle.

Award notifications include:

  • Official award letters.
  • Grant agreement outlining terms and conditions.
  • Reporting requirements and timelines.
  • Contact information for your assigned Program Officer.

Staff Review

Program Officers evaluate eligibility, alignment with strategic priorities, project design, and capacity.

Advisory Committee Review

Peer advisors contribute community context and review recommendations.

Board of Directors Approval

Final decisions are made by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation’s Board.

Step 6:

Managing the Grant and Reporting

Terms & Conditions

  • Grant funds must be used exactly as outlined in the approved application and agreement.
  • Any changes to program scope, budget, or timeline require prior written approval from your assigned Program Officer.

Recognition and Publicity:

PRCF requires all grantees to publicly acknowledge Foundation support. This visibility helps celebrate community partnerships and demonstrates grantee impact. Access logo files, language templates, and branding guidelines in our Brand Center.

Recognition requirements include
(where applicable):
  • Press releases and media coverage.
  • Social media posts tagging @PottstownFoundation
  • Organizational newsletters and websites.
  • Event signage, flyers, printed materials.

Reporting & Shared Impact Measurement

Reporting Requirements

PRCF emphasizes learning alongside grantees to improve outcomes across the region. Active evaluation ensures accountability while strengthening shared knowledge.

Shared Learning Philosophy:

PRCF’s reporting is not purely compliance-driven. Our shared impact model is designed to:

  • Identify emerging needs.
  • Celebrate measurable successes.
  • Adjust funding strategies as community needs evolve.
Interim Progress Report

Brief written update submitted via the Grant Portal midway through your grant period.

Final Report

Comprehensive written report submitted at the end of the grant period through the portal, outlining expenditures, outcomes, and lessons learned.

Shared Impact Surveys

Grantees participate in pre- and post-project surveys embedded in the application and report forms. These track community-wide progress toward long-term goals.

Start Your Application

Ready to begin? Click below to access the portal and start your application! If you have questions or need support at any point, please Contact Our Team. We are here to assist you throughout the process.
Closed

Welcome to Your Community Foundation

Please have patience with our website, it is still under construction from our transition to our new name. If you have any questions, please reach out to Samuel Mirarchi, Marketing & Communications Specialist at smirarchi@pottstownfoundation.org. Thank you