Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund Grant

The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund is administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), a regional philanthropic organization located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Established in 1984 to honor the legacy of Martin M. Sacks, a local accountant and handball enthusiast known for his dedication to community service, the fund supports nonprofit programs that serve disadvantaged and underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on youth. TFEC oversees the administration and distribution of grants from this memorial fund, reinforcing its broader mission to promote impactful and sustainable community support throughout south central Pennsylvania. This grant opportunity provides funding of up to $1,000 for eligible nonprofit organizations classified under IRS code 501(c)(3). Eligible applicants must be operating within the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry in Pennsylvania. The fund prioritizes services within or closely surrounding the city of Harrisburg. Funding is directed toward youth and family-oriented programs that address the needs of at-risk children and underserved populations. The committee seeks proposals that are innovative, collaborative, and outcome-driven. Preference is given to programs that demonstrate a measurable impact and avoid duplicating existing services. Examples of eligible programming include services for homeless women and their children, therapeutic counseling, domestic violence and abuse support services, group support activities for families or individuals, physical or behavioral health services, after-school or recreational programming, and services for children or youth with special needs. Proposals must align with the mission of the applicant organization while also meeting the fund’s expectations for originality, collaboration, and empowerment of disadvantaged groups. The application portal opens on June 1, 2025, and all submissions must be completed online by September 1, 2025. Projects funded through this cycle must occur between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Retroactive funding for projects started prior to the funding year is not permitted. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by December 1, 2025. Draft reviews are offered and encouraged; these must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the final deadline. Interested applicants can request draft reviews and ask questions throughout the application period by contacting the Community Investment Team via email or phone. The review process follows a 50-point scoring rubric, evaluating mission alignment (20 points), collaboration and clarity of roles (5 points), financial planning and diversification (5 points), measurable success (10 points), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (10 points). Proposals that score highest in alignment with these areas are more likely to be awarded. Applications should describe anticipated project activities, target audiences, specific goals, intended outcomes, and how the project will serve a diverse community. For more information or assistance, applicants may contact Yamit Friedman or Teresa Gonzalez at TFEC by calling 717-236-5040 or emailing grants@tfec.org. TFEC’s headquarters is located at 200 N. 3rd Street, 8th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Additional application tutorials and resources are available on the TFEC website. Proposals must comply with funding restrictions: capital campaigns, advertising, new staff without sustainability plans, retroactive funding, religious programming, and proposals from umbrella organizations without a local presence will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to request a draft review up to 2 weeks prior to the deadline by contacting the Community Investment Team at grants@tfec.org or 717-236-5040.