Annual Community Grant Guidelines

The Cranberry Foundation invites applications for its Annual Community Grants Program. Applications are reviewed by the Cranberry Foundation’s Community Impact Committee, with final approval by the Foundation Board of Directors. The grantmaking budget is established at the end of the prior fiscal year and is contingent upon fundraising outcomes.

Important Dates:

Applications open: January 2nd

Deadline: March 31st

Decisions announced: by July 1st

Project period: July 1st – June 30th

Grantees are recognized at the Foundation’s Four Pillars Reception.

Check back soon for the application form, which will be found here.

Guidelines
for Grant
Approval

Why Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

Be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) non-profit organization (e.g., 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6)) and operating for more than one year, OR
Be a civic organization located in Cranberry Township that has:
- Operated for more than 3 years
- An elected governing body & bylaws
- A consistent record of community service

Applicants must:

Be in good standing with all federal, state, and local regulations
Demonstrate that Cranberry Township is part of their core service footprint
Comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws

Note: General service to “Western PA” or “Butler County” alone is not sufficient.

Exceptions & Special Requests

The Foundation may consider off-cycle grants for:

Urgent or unforeseen community needs
Initiatives directly supporting Township priorities

What We Fund

Projects and events that directly benefit Cranberry Township residents
New or expanded programs with measurable community outcomes
Grants range $500–$5,000. The Foundation does not fund 100% of a project. Applicants must demonstrate additional support, either monetary or in-kind.

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

Organization mission and specify the community impact in Cranberry Township
Description of project/event, goals, and target population
Budget & funding plan (showing other committed/expected sources)
Evidence of a track record of impact in Cranberry Township
Plan for recognizing the Cranberry Foundation’s support

What We Do Not Fund

General operating expenses or salaries unrelated to the project
Partisan political activities, lobbying, or religious proselytizing
Completed projects, debt reduction, or retroactive expenses
Fundraising events, endowments, vehicles, real estate, alcohol, prizes/gift cards
Individuals, including scholarships or student projects

Reporting & Accountability

Final report due within 12 months of disbursement or 30 days after project completion (whichever is sooner).
Reports must include how funds were used, outcomes achieved, and Cranberry Foundation recognition materials (photos, press, social posts).
Late or missing reports may affect future eligibility.
Unused funds must be returned; project scope changes require prior approval.

Review & Selection

Applications will be reviewed by the Cranberry Foundation’s Community Impact Committee, with final approval by the Foundation Board.

Priority is given to proposals that:

Demonstrate measurable resident impact
Align with the Foundation pillars of growth, vitality, and sustainability
Show strong partnerships and financial feasibility

The Cranberry Foundation reserves the right to refuse or deny any application for grant funding.

Questions?

Contact Amy Smith
amy.smith@cranberrytownship.org
724-776-4806 x 1016

"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."

-Mother Teresa