Looking for a way to make a difference in your small town? The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies is excited to share a new match challenge funding opportunity. This year, municipalities in Cambria and Indiana counties can apply for an opportunity to win one of two $25,000 awards that will be used to start an endowment fund for their town. From the applications, two municipalities will be selected, and CFA will match their fundraising dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000—all to be added to their own endowment. The Small Town Challenge encourages local communities to invest in their own long-term perpetuity.
HOW IT WORKS
Applications are solicited and evaluated for two $25,000 awards. Decisions are made at the discretion of the Community Foundation. The award must be used to create an endowed fund at CFA, or be added to the endowment of an existing fund. Endowment funds operate by pooling donations to create a sustainable source of income for a community. The principal amount is invested, and a portion of the returns generated are used to support various initiatives.
Communities have two years to match the $25,000 challenge with new funds for the endowment. Grantmaking out of the fund can start one year after the match is met, with distributions aligning with CFA’s 4.5% spending policy.
The maximum challenge award for each small town’s fund is $25,000. If a community raises at least $10,000 but less than $25,000, CFA will match dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.
ELIGIBILITY
- The first round is open to municipalities is Cambria and Indiana counties.
- The winning municipalities must agree to establish a CFA endowment fund, and name a fund representative with strong likelihood of long-term responsibility for grantmaking and additional fundraising.
- Applicants may already have an existing CFA endowment, but the matching funding must be new funding.
- Each Small Town Challenge fund must include at least one official employee, elected official, or designated representative from the municipality itself as a fund representative.
APPLY
Think your small town can raise $25,000 for an endowment to support its own future grantmaking? Applications for the first round will be open from April 1 – May 30 on our grants page.
Contact Program Officer Emily Wood with any questions.
