Gail Deimler Charitable Fund

The Gail Deimler Charitable Fund is administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting local initiatives and improving community well-being. The fund honors the legacy of Gail Deimler, a lifelong IBM employee and avid traveler who was known for her generosity and passion for reading. Over 3,000 of her books were donated posthumously, and the fund bearing her name continues her legacy by supporting vital services for those in need within Pennsylvania communities. This fund provides grant awards of up to $10,000 to support a broad range of initiatives aimed at addressing pressing human needs. Funding priorities include programs that serve individuals facing hardship, healthcare-related services, and hospice support. All proposed projects must directly benefit communities within Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Franklin, Lebanon, and Northern York Counties. Projects may vary in scope but must align closely with the fund’s mission and priorities, which emphasize care, access, and local impact. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or groups with a fiscal sponsor holding 501(c)(3) status. National or statewide umbrella organizations must demonstrate a clear local presence to qualify. Proposed projects must take place during the designated grant year, beginning September 1 and concluding on August 31 of the following year. Retroactive projects and proposals related to certain disallowed activities—such as direct lobbying, religious purposes, or unsustainable staffing additions—are ineligible for funding. Applications open annually on February 1 and must be submitted online by May 1. While there is no letter of intent or concept paper required for submission, applicants may request a draft review of their proposal up to two weeks before the deadline. All materials must be submitted electronically via the TFEC grants portal. Applicants will receive notification of their funding status by August 1, allowing successful grantees to begin their projects in the fall. The evaluation process is managed by the Gail Deimler Charitable Fund Advisory Committee, a dedicated panel that ensures all funds are distributed in alignment with the fund’s objectives. Proposals are scored based on criteria such as alignment with mission, clarity of need, feasibility of the implementation plan, budget clarity, measurable outcomes, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A total of 50 points is possible in the scoring rubric, and committee members may request clarifying information during the review period before making a final determination. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Investment Team at TFEC for assistance or with questions. Inquiries may be directed to Teresa Gonzalez at 717-236-5040 or via email at [email protected]. The Foundation's support infrastructure includes tutorials and application guidance to help applicants submit strong proposals. Through this fund, Gail Deimler’s legacy of service and generosity continues to impact lives and strengthen communities in South Central Pennsylvania.

Highlight DEI, ensure projects have clear outcomes and are not retroactive or dependent solely on grant funding