Bridge Builders Community Foundations is committed to helping our communities thrive. Through strategic planning and the generosity of our donors, we strive to make best use of the funds entrusted to us through our grantmaking process.

Special Grant Opportunities Available!

Technical Career Investment Grant

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:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering
  • Live and work as an engineer in Venango County
  • Employed for no more than 3 years in the county
  • Must provide a letter of support from current employer


This grant helps attract and retain top talent in our region while reducing financial barriers for young professionals.

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, especially Emlenton and the Allegheny Clarion Valley.

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.

 

How to Apply for a Grant

Bridge Builders Community Foundations makes applying for grants simple.
Follow these five steps to get started!

1

Get Started

Visit the Grants Application Page and log in or create a new account.
🔗 Apply Now

2

Find Opportunities

Click Apply to view available grant opportunities.

Review the details and select the grant that fits your project.

3

Complete Your Application

Answer all required questions. Your progress is saved automatically as you type.

4

Submit Your Form

Review your responses, then click Submit when you're ready.

5

Confirmation

You'll receive a confirmation message once your form is successfully submitted.

Click Continue to finish.

Grant Timeline

Bridge Builders Community Foundations uses an online portal for grant applications. Applications are accepted from the end of September through the beginning of October every year.

 

Come Back When Applications Open!

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BBCF Grant Opportunities

Venango Area Community Foundation Discretionary Grants

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 program/projects that benefit the Punxsutawney area.

This grant application is for programs, projects, initiatives, events, and other services or activities identified as community needs in Clarion County.

Other Grant Opportunities

Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust

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.

 

Grant Impact