Centre Foundation's Field-of-Interest (FOI) Grants program is an annual opportunity designed to support charitable efforts aligned with the specific causes, populations, or geographic areas outlined in its donor-established funds. In 2025, the Foundation will distribute over $183,000 in grant funding to support programs and projects across Centre County and select neighboring areas. Funding focuses include education, arts, health and human services, youth development, behavioral health, food insecurity, housing, animal welfare, early childhood, patriotic observances, and more.
This program is open to IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, and government agencies. Unincorporated groups may also apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor. All proposals must comply with Centre Foundation’s Nondiscrimination Policy. Projects may be new or ongoing and include direct services, program expansion, or capacity-building initiatives. Grant funding must be spent by December 31, 2026, and final reports are due by January 31, 2027.
Applicants may apply for any portion of the funding available from 22 individual Field-of-Interest funds. Each fund supports a defined purpose and geographic region, and applicants may combine multiple funds in a single request if their project aligns with the focus of each. The application requires applicants to clearly describe project objectives, geographic and population reach, success metrics, budget, income sources, and sustainability. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $25,000, with an average award of $4,000.
The 2025 FOI grant application opens August 5 and closes at 11:59 PM on September 25. All applications must be submitted through Centre Foundation’s Foundant online portal. New users must create an account to access and complete the application. Applicants requesting more than $5,000 must also include responses related to organizational capacity and sustainability, and upload either a Form 990 or an operating budget.
Applications are reviewed by Centre Foundation staff and the Grants Committee. Funding decisions will be announced by November 21, 2025, and grant checks distributed in December 2025. Questions may be directed to Krista Williams, Grants and Scholarship Coordinator, at krista@centrefoundation.org or (814) 237-6229.
Select only FOI funds that directly match your project. Multiple funds may be combined. Request a staff review before September 11 if possible.
