Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund Grants

The Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund is a competitive grant program administered by the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF). The ECCF is a private, regional philanthropic institution based in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania. Its mission is to strengthen the surrounding communities by facilitating donor-supported development, stewardship, and grantmaking. This particular fund was established by the Johnsonburg Community Cable TV Company with a clear directive: to support nonprofit agencies and initiatives that serve the Johnsonburg Area, as defined by the boundaries of the local school district. The intent behind the fund's creation was to ensure the continued benefit of the Johnsonburg community even after the cessation of the cable company’s operations. The purpose of the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations whose proposals demonstrate a clear benefit to residents within the Johnsonburg Area. Applications must reflect projects or purposes that directly impact the well-being or development of this defined region. The fund prioritizes community-driven programs, emphasizing initiatives that demonstrate local impact and alignment with regional needs. The Foundation has appointed a seven-member Advisory Board to represent diverse constituencies from the Johnsonburg Area. This Advisory Board is responsible for reviewing applications and making grant recommendations to the ECCF Board of Directors, which holds final decision-making authority. This grant is open to nonprofit organizations operating in or serving the Johnsonburg Area. The scope of funding is determined by the availability of resources within the endowment fund, and while exact award ceilings and floors are not disclosed in the public guidance, past recipients suggest that funding typically covers project-specific costs, including tangible goods and programming needs. All applicants are required to contact the Foundation via phone or email before initiating the application process. This pre-application step allows ECCF staff to help prospective applicants determine eligibility and alignment with available funds. The application consists of both an electronic and paper component, both of which must be completed and submitted by the published deadline. Specific submission guidelines, including required forms and instructions, are available via a downloadable application link that is compatible with Adobe Reader. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process well in advance of the deadline to ensure adequate time for preparation and review. No information on the estimated time required to complete the application is provided, but the multi-step process implies the need for careful planning. The annual deadline for submission is June 30. There are no pre-application letter of intent deadlines or known Q&A periods indicated in the materials provided. While no explicit statement is made regarding recurring cycles, the fixed annual deadline and established fund management imply that this is a recurring opportunity. Based on a review date of July 15, 2025, and the stated June 30 annual deadline, the next expected cycle would reopen in June 2026. It is reasonable to schedule the internal review of recurrence or next opportunity by May 1, 2026. For assistance or to begin the application process, interested parties should contact the Elk County Community Foundation. The Foundation can be reached by phone at (814) 834-2125 or via email at eccf@elkcountyfoundation.org. The ECCF office is located at 32 South Saint Marys Street, Suite 4, PO Box 934, Saint Marys, PA 15857. All applicants must connect with Foundation staff before submitting their application.