
Funding Areas
H. Chase Lenfest Philanthropy provides general operating and project accelerator support focusing on our core areas:
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Healthy & Safe Communities
Programs that improve the well-being of Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood residents through safe public spaces and opportunities for recreation, healing, and education.
Environmental & Neighborhood Revitalization
Programs that enhance the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood’s physical environment by reducing trash and dumping, revitalizing commercial corridors, and empowering residents to improve their homes and blocks.
Equitable Growth & Youth Empowerment
Programs that focus on the equitable economic development of the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood, civically engage residents, and invest in learning and enrichment opportunities for youth.​​
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Funding Types
HCL Philanthropy provides the following types of grants:
General Operating Support provides flexible, unrestricted funding that enables nonprofit organizations in the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood to fulfill their missions, maintain daily operations, and respond to emerging needs. General Operating Support grants typically range between $5,000 and $50,000, depending on the organization's size and the depth and breadth of its programs in the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood.
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Project Accelerator Support funds specific initiatives, defined projects, and the expansion of programs with long-term and ongoing intention that align with organizational priorities. This targeted funding enables organizations to launch new programs, enhance existing services, or scale successful models for collective impact in the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood. Project Accelerator Support grants typically range between $25,000 and $250,000, depending on the developmental stage of the project and the project’s alignment with the priorities of the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood for collective impact.
Funding Criteria
Preference will be given to organizations who meet the following criteria:
Geographic Alignment
Organizations that provide most services in the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood in North Philadelphia.
​Mission Alignment
Organizations whose work and services align with HCL Philanthropy’s mission and three funding areas: Healthy & Safe Communities, Environmental & Neighborhood Revitalization, and Equitable Growth & Youth Empowerment.
​Expansion of Services and Partnerships
Organizations that seek to bring their services or programs into the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood or partner with an organization currently serving the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood in North Philadelphia.
Additional consideration will be given based on:
Leadership Strength
Organizations with a solid and entrepreneurial leadership team with a track record of success across programmatic and operational areas. The HCL Philanthropy believes the leadership of an organization can have a profound impact on success.
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Financial Health & Sustainability
Organizations with a history of stable or healthy financial position, skilled fiscal management, diverse sources of revenue, and a deliberate path to long-term sustainability.
Grant Cycles
HCL Philanthropy has two formal grant cycles per year and only accepts proposals received via the Grant Management System by the Application Due Date. Once proposals are received, they are reviewed, and in-person or virtual interviews and site visits may be conducted. Grantmaking decisions are communicated by the Decision Notification Date.​​
Spring Cycle
Application Due Date: May 15
Decision Notification Date: July 15
Fall Cycle
Application Due Date: October 15
Decision Notification Date: December 15
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Organizations applying for funding must be 501(c)3 public charities, fiscally sponsored organizations or programs, supporting organizations, and other 501(c) organizations (within legal limits). Organizations designated as Registered Community Organizations (RCO) or religiously affiliated and committed to serving the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood in North Philadelphia are welcome to apply.
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HCL Philanthropy does not support the following:
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Individuals
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Private Foundations
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Endowments
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Organizations that influence legislation as a substantial part of their purpose
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Political organizations or campaigns
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Memberships, subscriptions, tickets for benefits, conferences, fundraising events, annual campaigns
H. Chase Lenfest Philanthropy does not make grants to organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
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Evaluation Metrics
Grantee organizations must submit a narrative and financial report following the grant term via HCL Philanthropy’s Grant Management System. Specific information* regarding reporting requirements is outlined in grant award letters. These may include:
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Demographic information
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Outputs
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Outcomes
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Financial information
*In certain instances, HCL Philanthropy works with organizations to co-design an evaluation process so that all parties may benefit from the data gathered and knowledge produced.