Community Foundation’s 2026 competitive grant program opens for applications Oct. 1

LOCK HAVEN – The Clinton County Community Foundation has been an inspiration to many community nonprofits, charities, fire and ambulance companies and municipalities serving the county since its inception in 1968.

And it’s all thanks to donors to the Foundation.

That culture of giving is about to continue with the Foundation’s round of grant applications for 2026 opening this coming Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The deadline to submit a 2026 grant application is by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Having approved nearly $600,000 in grants, committed funds and scholarships this calendar year, the Foundation is looking for another robust, competitive grant program in 2026.

“The Foundation strives to make a difference for our residents and local organizations! We encourage all eligible nonprofits and organizations to apply for grants to help in making a difference in our communities,” said Mark Weaver, Foundation board president.

“We also encourage residents to support the Foundation through personal donations, gifts and bequests,” he added. “Every contribution helps regardless of the amount. One can’t underestimate the huge difference that can be made in the lives of others when we collectively give back to the community.”

Eligible organizations must be located within Clinton County, Pa., or demonstrate their services benefit residents in Clinton County. Applicants must be either a nonprofit organization with a 501(c) designation recognized by the IRS or a governmental unit/political subdivision.

“Our grant application is just two pages, preceded by our guidelines. Based on feedback as part of our Strategic Action Plan development, this year we added information about what type of grants the Foundation board typically funds and grant exclusions,” said Bob Rolley, Foundation outreach coordinator.

Grant funds are not intended for administration or labor costs, for example.

Deadlines

Here are important dates and information requirements to remember:

• All current year or 2025 grant recipients must submit an evaluative report to the CCCF by Dec. 1, 2025, outlining how and why the funds were spent, and providing key receipts. Failure to submit that report deems an applicant ineligible for future grants.
• 2026 grant applications sent via U.S. Postal mail (P.O. Box 652, Lock Haven, Pa., 17745) to CCCF must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1, 2025.
• Applications that are hand-delivered must be received at the Foundation office at 350 East Water St., Lock Haven, by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
• The Foundation requires 12 paper copies of the grant application and supporting documents, but just one copy each of the applicant’s IRS 990, IRS 501(c) designation letter and Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations (BOCO) certificate or exemption letter.
• Decisions on all eligible applications are scheduled to be made by the Board of Directors in late January 2026 at the Foundation’s annual meeting.
• Approved grant recipients are required to sign a grant agreement letter and return it to the Foundation before they can receive their grant funds.

“The first step in applying is going to the Foundation web site at www.clintoncountyfoundation.org and downloading a grant guidelines-application form. Click on the “APPLY” link and find the downloadable file,” Rolley explained. “The guidelines should answer any questions potential applicants have. There is an online FAQ section in the guidelines that addresses the process.”

“Of course, applicants are welcome to send an email to cccf@clintoncountyfoundation.org, or call us at 570.220.1038 with any questions.”

Before You Can Apply

“Importantly, 2025 grant recipients must submit an evaluative report on how they spent their funds and provide related information to be eligible for applying for grants in 2025. That evaluative report is due by Dec. 1, 2025, and that form can also be found online at www.clintoncountyfoundation.org by clicking on the “APPLY” link and scrolling to the bottom of that page,” Rolley emphasized.

To support the Foundation through a donation, visit www.clintoncountyfoundation.org and click on the “GIVE” link and follow the prompts.

Or call 570.220.1038 to learn more about how to establish an endowment to honor a loved one and/or support specific causes. All donations are tax deductible.