The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

Discretionary Grants Questions & Answers

Q: What types of nonprofit organizations are eligible for discretionary grants?

A: In even numbered years, those with missions in Community Development, Healthcare and Human Services are eligible to apply. In odd numbered years, those with missions in Arts & Culture/Heritage (History), Education and Environment/Science are eligible to apply.

Q: How do you use an organization's mission to decide which area it fits into?

A: We use the organization's NTEE code. The NTEE codes are established by the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities. One NTEE code is assigned by the IRS upon initial approval of a nonprofit's status. This code can be changed by the organization, however, and many nonprofits choose to adjust their classification on their GuideStar profile to more adequately reflect their mission. To see examples of the more typical NTEE codes, please go to our Philanthropy Catalog at http://www.philanthropycataloglv.org/ and check out the list of categories on the right.

Q: Is there anything that the Foundation will not fund?

A: Yes. The Foundation does not make grants for annual campaigns, religious or sectarian purposes, operating or maintenance purposes, or scholarships.

Q: What size grants will be awarded?

A: The Foundation makes a minimum discretionary grant of $1,000, unless the project to be funded needs a lesser amount. Example: a piece of playground equipment costing $650. In general, discretionary grants from the Foundation range from $1,500 to $5,000.

Q: Are requests for larger amounts accepted?

A: Requests for grants of $10,000-$15,000 may be submitted, but applicants should understand that not many grants in that range will be made.

Q: What if we are a new organization and have not yet submitted a 990 form?

A: Call the Foundation's Finance Office for guidance on the data that can be submitted in lieu of information based on the 990 form.