The Bucks County Foundation (BCF) offers competitive grants, scholarships, and special initiatives aimed at addressing community needs throughout Bucks County, Pennsylvania. These grants are available to nonprofit organizations through a well-defined application process that reflects the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for Bucks County residents. Additionally, BCF manages donor-advised and designated funds, which are directed toward specific purposes outlined by donors and are not open to external grant applications.
BCF's grantmaking priorities focus on several key areas. The Foundation seeks to support projects that identify and creatively address pressing community concerns, particularly those affecting underserved and disadvantaged populations. It encourages proposals that offer innovative solutions and foster collaboration among different community organizations to address unmet needs. Importantly, BCF upholds a non-discrimination policy, meaning it does not provide discretionary grants to organizations that discriminate based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or economic status. However, organizations serving specific populations to combat historic discrimination are still eligible.
Since 2004, BCF has awarded over $2.7 million in grants to more than 110 nonprofit organizations. The Foundation has notably funded a range of programs, including arts, social services, wildlife rehabilitation, health clinics, and legal aid. Some of the top-funded organizations include NOVA, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Bucks County Opportunity Council, and Habitat for Humanity.
BCF offers two primary grant opportunities for nonprofits serving Bucks County: the "Grants for Bucks County" and the "La-Mel Garden Fund." The Grants for Bucks County are awarded biannually, with deadlines on January 15 and July 15. These grants are open to all tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve Bucks County. Organizations with budgets under $500,000 may apply for either operational or program grants, while those with budgets over $500,000 may only apply for program-specific funding. Grants are limited to single-year awards, though successful applicants can reapply annually.
The La-Mel Garden Fund is an annual grant available to nonprofits serving the Perkasie and Sellersville areas of Bucks County, with an application deadline of October 15. The application process for both grant programs follows specific guidelines, including the need for tax-exempt status and serving Bucks County residents. Site visits may be part of the evaluation process, and organizations are only eligible to apply once every 12 months, regardless of the outcome of their application.
BCF does not fund individuals, private foundations, debt reduction, political activities, religious promotion, or research. Organizations interested in applying for a grant can consult with the Foundation by contacting them at 215-997-8566 for guidance on their submissions. The structured grantmaking process and BCF’s commitment to community improvement make these opportunities highly valuable for organizations dedicated to enhancing the welfare of Bucks County residents.
