The Leona Gruber Trust supports nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania that aim to provide significant benefits to humanity, with a focus on education, health, and human services. The Trust emphasizes support for hospitals, educational institutions, and organizations such as the YWCA, YMCA, and Boy Scouts of America, particularly those aligned with the Roman Catholic Church or addressing specific community needs. While there are no strict geographic limitations, the Trust primarily prioritizes organizations located in Lehigh County and Northampton County.
Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. Grants are typically awarded for programs benefiting youth, particularly at-risk children, health care initiatives targeting substance abuse, and community-focused efforts assisting low-income families, single parents, and the elderly. Although scholarships for individuals are not provided, the Trust may support institutional scholarship programs. The Trust does not generally fund political activities, fundraising events, or endowments and requires a clear demonstration of need for capital improvement funding.
The average grant size is $2,000, and approximately 15 grants are awarded annually. Applications are accepted year-round but must be submitted by January 31 to be considered at the annual March grant review meeting. Successful applicants are notified of decisions shortly after the meeting, and all submissions receive an automated email confirmation upon receipt.
Organizations receiving funding must submit a progress report within six months of receiving the grant, unless otherwise specified. This requirement ensures accountability and helps evaluate the impact of the funded initiatives.
Applications can be submitted online, and detailed guidelines are available for potential applicants. Those seeking funding for community programs, especially those serving vulnerable populations, are encouraged to align their proposals with the Trust’s stated priorities to maximize their chances of selection.
