Grantmaking
BBCF works with nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and community partners to support projects that strengthen our region. Our grant process is designed to make funding opportunities and expectations clearer while creating a more focused, efficient application experience.
Trusted. Proven. Local.
Supporting charitable giving across Northwestern Pennsylvania.
$13.8M
Grants Awarded Since 1975
200+
Funds supporting local causes
50+
Years serving our communities
How We Support Your Work
BBCF’s grant process is designed to make expectations clear, reduce unnecessary work, and create opportunities for meaningful conversation throughout the process.
- We make opportunities clear. Each grant opportunity begins with a Request for Proposals (RFP) outlining funding priorities, eligibility requirements, timelines, and expectations.
- You start with a brief Letter of Intent. Tell us about your organization, project, community need, and anticipated impact without completing a full proposal upfront.
- We invite the next step. Following review of Letters of Intent, selected applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal. Depending on the opportunity, an interview or site visit may also be part of the process.
- We stay connected. Our relationship doesn't end with a funding decision. BBCF values ongoing communication, project outcomes, learning, and community impact.
Whether you’re exploring a new idea or growing an existing program, our goal is to help you understand the process and take the next appropriate step.
Download the Grantmaking Reimagined Overview to learn more.
The Grant Process At a Glance
Submit Letter of Intent
LOI Opens: September 14
Submission Deadline: September 25
Full Proposals
Invitations Sent: October 12, 2026
Submission Deadline: October 30, 2026
Interviews & Site Visits
If applicable
October - November
Notifications & Disbursement
Notifications Sent: December 18, 2026
Grants Disbursed: Late December - Early January
Impact Reports
Due: September 30, 2027
Fall Grant Opportunities
BBCF offers a variety of funding opportunities. Some are open broadly across our service area, while others support specific causes, geographic regions, or charitable purposes.
Not sure where to begin? Start by reviewing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the opportunity that best aligns with your work. Each RFP outlines eligibility, funding priorities, timelines, and application requirements. When you’re ready, submit a Letter of Intent to begin the process.
Carl L. Trauterman, Jr. Charitable Fund
Supports programs and projects that provide aid and assistance to veterans residing in Venango County who have experienced economic distress, natural disaster, catastrophic loss, sudden loss of income, handicapped access, transportation, or emergency dental care.
Clarion County Community Impact Funds
Supports programs and projects that improve quality of life in Clarion County by addressing one or more of the following documented community needs:
- Food Insecurity
- Health & Well-Being
- Education & Economic
- Opportunities
- Housing Status
- Neighborhood & Built Environment
Forest County Community Impact Funds
Supports programs and projects that improve quality of life in Forest County by addressing one or more of the following documented community needs:
- Food Insecurity
- Health & Well-Being
- Education & Economic
- Opportunities
- Housing Status
- Neighborhood & Built Environment
Frank M. & Eleanor R. Miese Fund
Supports programs, project, services, and other efforts that benefit underprivileged, orphaned, dependent, neglected, delinquent, and disadvantaged children in Cooperstown, PA and surrounding communities.
Punxsutawney Area Community Impact Funds
Supports programs and projects that improve quality of life in Punxsutawney area (as defined by the Punxsutawney Area School District boundaries) by addressing one or more of the following documented community needs:
- Food Insecurity
- Health & Well-Being
- Education & Economic
- Opportunities
- Housing Status
- Neighborhood & Built Environment
RADLY Charitable Fund
Supports programs and projects related to the skilled trades, land stewardship and management, STEM education and applied technology, w and certifications, and/or small business and startup support.
Venango County Community Impact Funds
Supports programs and projects that improve quality of life in Venango County by addressing one or more of the following documented community needs:
- Food Insecurity
- Health & Well-Being
- Education & Economic
- Opportunities
- Housing Status
- Neighborhood & Built Environment
William & Elizabeth Charitable Fund for the Trades
Supports trades, applied technology, apprenticeships, and nursing career pathways in Venango County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can our organization submit more than one application during a grant cycle?
Yes. Organizations are welcome to submit multiple Letters of Intent for different projects or funding opportunities, provided each proposal aligns with the eligibility requirements and priorities outlined in the applicable Request for Proposals.
Will this new process make the grant application timeline longer?
While the process includes additional stages of review, it is designed to create a more efficient and intentional experience for applicants. By beginning with a Letter of Intent, only selected organizations are asked to complete a full proposal, allowing both applicants and BBCF to focus their time and resources where there is the strongest alignment with funding priorities.
What information will organizations need to provide in the Letter of Intent?
Each Letter of Intent will include basic organizational information, a description of the proposed project, the community need being addressed, and the anticipated impact of the project. Additional requirements will be outlined in each Request for Proposals.
How will BBCF determine which applicants participate in an interview or site visit?
Interviews and site visits may be requested for select applicants as part of BBCF’s review process. Decisions regarding interviews or site visits will be based on the specific grant opportunity, the information provided in the application materials, and the need for additional conversation or context regarding the proposed project.
Have Questions?
For more information about the grant process, call us at 814-677-8687 or contact us to get in touch.
Special Grant Opportunities Available!
Bridge Builders Community Foundation is proud to offer these special grant opportunities to our local community. Click each option to learn more and apply today.
Shelly Lynn Wice and Jessica Ann Hart Memorial Fund
This fund provides financial support to help offset costs such as registration fees, uniforms, equipment, travel, and other expenses associated with organized sports, summer camps, and competitions.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The athlete must be a girl residing in one of the following communities:
- Oil City, Franklin, Rocky Grove, Cooperstown, Cranberry, Titusville, or Cochranton.
- The request must be related to organized sports or a similar structured activity, such as a sports camp or competition.
- Priority is given to first-time applicants and those who have not received support from the fund in the past three years.
The fund typically covers up to 50% of eligible expenses, but this percentage may vary depending on available funds and the number of applicants.
All information submitted is kept confidential and is used solely for review purposes by the committee.
Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust
The Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust supports initiatives that reflect the shared values of Dr. Arthur William Phillips and his wife, May—with a focus on education, healthcare, community development, and the arts. While organizations from outside the region may apply, priority is given to those based in or serving Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Submission Period: Rolling
Award Timeline: Early Spring & Early Fall
This trust prioritizes community-driven impact in NWPA, uplifting local organizations and initiatives that strengthen the region.
Technical Career Investment Grant
This grant program is designed to support recent engineering graduates who choose to live and work in Venango County by offering assistance in paying down their student loans. The Technical Career Investment Grant aims to not only alleviate the financial burden on young engineers but also to attract and retain top talent within our region, fostering innovation and economic growth.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a college graduate with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering
- Live in Venango County
- Have a letter of support from their current employer
- Have been employed as an engineer in Venango County for no more than 5 years
- Have an outstanding student loan balance of $5,000 or more
Application Opens: February 9, 2026
Application Closes: April 3, 2026
Recipents will be notified by the end of June, 2026
Recipients may reapply if they still meet eligibility criteria, but cannot receive more than two awards. Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received an award.