The Giving Circle is Centre Foundation’s membership-based group of community-minded individuals who pool their resources to support dynamic programs and projects in Centre County. The group gathers and votes at an annual reception to determine which of three finalist organizations will receive a $10,000+ grant.

Since its inception in 2006, Giving Circle members have distributed $243,000 in grants to support programs throughout Centre County. See what happened in 2023.

Eligibility

Applicants must be an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations unless otherwise exempt. Funding must be used to support programs or projects in Centre County that comply with Centre Foundation’s Nondiscrimination Policy.

• New or ongoing programs and projects that positively impact Centre County are eligible. 
• Grants typically range from $2,500 – $15,000.
• Organizations can receive a Giving Circle grant once every three years. (Giving Circle finalists must skip two years before re-applying.)

Process and Timeline

Grant applications open on June 9 and close on August 22. All applications will be reviewed by members of the Giving Circle. Three applicants will be selected to advance to the final round on or before September 27.

If selected as a grant finalist, one or two representatives from the applicant organization must attend the Giving Circle reception on October 15. During this exciting live event, finalists present five-minute pitches to the full membership. Based on these pitches, and before the night is over, members vote to determine grant awards. While all finalists will receive grants, only the top finalist will be awarded a $10,000+ grant

Finalists must provide an interim project update to the Giving Circle in Summer 2025.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through Foundant, Centre Foundation’s online application portal. If this is your organization’s first application with Centre Foundation, you will need to create an account. To apply, you’ll login to the portal with your email and password.   

If you have any questions, please contact Krista Williams, Grants and Scholarship Coordinator, at (814) 237-6229 or krista@centrefoundation.org