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.
The Center for Rural Ministry Rural Impact Fund provides micro-grants to Christian congregations serving rural and small-town communities. This initiative is designed to support churches acting as community hubs and anchor institutions in areas where civic infrastructure is limited.
The fund aims to strengthen congregational capacity for community outreach, enhance church-based programming that addresses critical local needs, and encourage collaboration between churches and other nonprofits.
Grants of $2,500 are available for congregation-led programming. Projects that are developed in formal partnership with a separate organization may qualify for an enhanced award of $4,000. All grants are one-time awards to be used over a two-year period. Churches that demonstrate strong impact and a plan for sustainability may be invited to apply for a renewal grant.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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.
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.
Application Open: January 27, 2025
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.
The Technical Career Investment Grant supports recent engineering graduates who choose to live and work in Venango County by helping them pay down student loans.
Application Open: February 3, 2025
Deadline: April 4, 2025
Eligibility:
This grant helps attract and retain top talent in our region while reducing financial barriers for young professionals.
Bridge Builders Community Foundations makes applying for grants simple.
Follow these five steps to get started!
Visit the Grants Application Page and log in or create a new account.
🔗 Apply Now
Click Apply to view available grant opportunities.
Review the details and select the grant that fits your project.
Answer all required questions. Your progress is saved automatically as you type.
Review your responses, then click Submit when you're ready.
You'll receive a confirmation message once your form is successfully submitted.
Click Continue to finish.
This grant application is for programs/projects that serve Venango County.
This grant application is for programs/projects that support initiatives, events, and other services or activities identified as community needs in Forest County.
This grant application is for programs/projects that benefit Knox as a priority or Clarion County as a whole.
This grant application is for programs/projects that promote and support the trades, applied technology, apprenticeships, or nursing careers in Venango County.
This grant application is for programs/projects that will benefit underprivileged, orphaned, dependent, neglected, delinquent, and/or disadvantaged children first in Cooperstown Borough as a priority, or Utica Borough, Jackson Township, and Canal Township, or within a (5) mile radius thereof.
This grant application is for program/projects that will assist 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.
This grant application is for programs, projects, initiatives, events, and other services or activities identified as community needs in Clarion County.
Established by Dr. Arthur William Phillips and his wife, May, the Trust mainly supports initiatives that reflect their shared values, with a focus on education, healthcare, community development, and the arts. While organizations from outside the region may apply, priority will be given to those based in or serving Northwestern Pennsylvania, particularly Emlenton and the Allegheny Clarion Valley.
The application will open January 27, 2025 and can be accessed here. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis, with awards made in early spring and early fall.
The Technical Career Investment Grant offers financial support to recent graduates holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution. To qualify, applicants must live and work in Venango County and have no more than 3 years of professional engineering experience. Eligible individuals can receive $5,000 or more to help reduce their student loan debt.
The application will open February 3, 2025 and can be accessed here.
Learn how past grants have strengthened communities in our region.
In November 2023, Christmas Island once again sparkled to life. Thanks to the grant, we expanded the display with 40 new pieces, enhanced perimeter lighting, and revitalized over 30 decorations in collaboration with Rocky Grove High School’s Art Department. The project didn’t stop there—we conducted repairs on several other pieces, updated wiring, spotlights, and extension cords to ensure the display’s safety. Beyond the lights, we extended our reach to support local children. Partnering with the local library, we orchestrated programs that included storytelling and collaborative projects, fostering togetherness among the young ones in our area. Additionally, in collaboration with a nearby church, we organized a heartwarming “Breakfast with Santa” event, providing a joyous Christmas experience for children and families who might not have had access to such festivities otherwise.
The $2,000 grant provided by Bridge Builders Community Foundations on March 7, 2023, sponsored the following three Venango County students to attend the program:
Araya Maxon – Franklin Area HS, Venango County
Spencer Riley – Rocky Grove JSHS, Venango County
Avery Shetler – Franklin Area HS, Venango County
Each student attended on a $695 sponsorship which paid for educational activities, program materials, food and lodging for a 6-day residential intensive business and economics education program. The grant also helped to expand the content and impact of the Speaker Series career exploration and workforce development program.
