Emergency Action Grants

Foundations Community Partnership (FCP), a private philanthropic organization, offers Emergency Action Grants to support nonprofits facing sudden and severe disruptions to service delivery caused by unexpected funding cuts or catastrophic events. Based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, FCP focuses on the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults, and families within this geographic area. These grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis and serve as a safety net to maintain the continuity of essential services during crises. Emergency Action Grants provide up to $10,000 to nonprofits experiencing unanticipated reductions in public funding or non-reimbursable catastrophic incidents. Examples of past awards include support for emergency shelters impacted by state budget cuts, child-care programs affected by federal reductions, and organizations forced to relocate due to natural disasters. Grants have been used to cover service gaps that insurance or other funds could not, but requests stemming from routine business issues or those that could be covered by reserve funds are typically denied. This underscores FCP’s focus on true emergencies that impair direct delivery of services. FCP requires a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to be submitted online via its FOUNDANT platform before a full application can be accessed. After the LOI, FCP may request a pre-grant meeting. Due diligence includes verification of nonprofit status via GuideStar, review of financial audits and statements, and, if necessary, a site visit. This process aligns with standards set by the Council on Foundations and emphasizes the funder's commitment to transparency and accountability. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations classified under 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) and must demonstrate service to Bucks County residents. Political, religious, and stand-alone research initiatives are not eligible, nor are individuals or organizations without the proper nonprofit classification. First-time applicants are invited to an initial meeting before proceeding with their application and are eligible for only one grant per type per 12-month period. Successful applicants are expected to submit a final report after 12 months, detailing the use and outcomes of the funds. There are no restrictions on how funds are allocated—whether for capital, programmatic, or personnel use—as long as the impact on direct service delivery is evident and well-documented in the application and final report. All applicants must highlight their project’s relevance to community mental health needs and include measurable goals and outcomes. For support during the application process, including creating a FOUNDANT account, applicants may contact FCP via [email protected] or (267) 247-5584. A PDF of the grant requirements is also available online. Emergency Action Grants are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year, enabling rapid response to emergent needs.

Ensure request relates to direct service disruption not due to routine business issues or reserve-backed gaps.