Do you have an idea that could transform your community for the better? You could receive $100,000 to help make it a reality!

In celebration of our 45^th anniversary, the Centre Inspires Grant is being relaunched by Centre Foundation to support innovative projects that make a significant local impact. The request for proposals is based on one simple question: What project could you implement that would meet a local need and encourage the people of Centre County to be more engaged in their community? Centre Foundation will award up to $100,000 in grant funding to support one successful proposal.

Eligibility

• This opportunity is open to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and governmental units/agencies. Unincorporated groups may apply through a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that acts as a fiscal sponsor.
• Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization must be registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations unless otherwise exempt.
• Collaborative partnerships between other nonprofit organizations, businesses, churches, government entities, etc. are encouraged.
• Funding must be used to support programs/projects that comply with Centre Foundation’s Nondiscrimination Policy.

Project Guidelines

• The proposed project must be a new project or a significant expansion of an existing project for the applicant organization. Applications to provide operational support or continuation of existing projects will not be considered.
• Projects must take place in Centre County and encourage residents to be more engaged in their community.
• Consideration will be given to highly visible projects that serve a wide audience.
• The project must show tangible or quantifiable results within one year of receiving funding.

1. 1. A progress report will be due within 6 months of initial funding.
   2. Project must be fully completed within 18 months of initial funding.
   3. A final report will be due within 1 month of project completion.

Proposal Instructions

Submission: A Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted through Centre Foundation’s online application portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/TYIgyN

• Deadline: Letters of Intent must be submitted by Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Watch our Recorded Information Session & Read the FAQ Review: Completed Letters of Intent that are in compliance with the aforementioned qualifications and received by the deadline will be reviewed by Centre Foundation’s Grants Committee. Announcement: Applicants selected to proceed will be notified on Monday, July 20, 2026. Further instructions regarding the submission of a full application will be given at that time. For questions, information or assistance, please contact Centre Foundation at 814-237-6229 or email Nathaniel Rasmussen, Community Impact Director, at nathaniel@centrefoundation.org.

Important Dates

Dates are subject to change. When possible, notice of date changes will be provided.

• Monday, June 8, 2026 – Centre Inspires Round One (LOI) online application form opens.
• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – Centre Foundation will be holding an online grant webinar to learn more about Centre Inspires and our other competitive grants. Register Here
• Thursday, July 9, 2026– LOIs are due.
• Thursday, July 16, 2026 – Grants Committee meets to review LOIs.
• Monday, July 20, 2026 – Applicants selected to proceed are notified and invited to submit a full application.
• Tuesday, September 1, 2026– Round Two full applications are due.
• Thursday, October 8, 2026 – Applicants present to Grants Committee.
• Monday, October 12, 2026 – Finalists are notified.
• Thursday October 22, 2026, 5:00-7:00 pm – Finalists present to Centre Foundation’s Board in person at Old Gregg School in Spring Mills.
• Tuesday, December 8, 2026 – Centre Inspires grant recipient will be announced at Centre Foundation’s Annual Holiday Party. At least one representative from your organization must be present.