According to the Nonprofit Quarterly, there are more than 8,000 registered charities in Philadelphia. Many of Philadelphia’s underserved residents rely on nonprofit organizations for many facets of everyday life and needs. In particular, grass-root organizations offer worthy programs in their respective communities, however, many of these charities lack the necessary funding to grow their programs.
City of Love Fund
‘City of Love Fund,’ is a grant-making program that provides funding to local Philadelphia area charities offering services in the foundation’s focus areas: youth education, sports and family enrichment.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly.” - 1 PETER 4:8
To help Philadelphia area charity organizations continue to serve those in need, the Ertz Family Foundation created the ‘City of Love Fund.’ The City of Love Fund’s objective is to help support the financial needs that smaller community-based organizations face. The focus is to first and foremost provide grant support to charities, programs and initiatives that serve the most vulnerable residents living in the following communities: Tioga-Nicetown, Hunting Park, Strawberry Mansion, Fairhill, Alleghany West, Harrowgate, Haddington-Carroll Park, Elmwood, Frankford, North Central and Kensington/Riverward. Priority is also given to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate excellence in community involvement, leadership, governance and fiscal practices. The City of Love Fund’s goal is to help make a more pronounced and measurable impact in the communities and families in which these organizations serve for a better and greater Philadelphia.
City of Love Fund grants are limited to organizations defined as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and those with an annual revenue less than $1M. The grants are funded by Zach and Julie Ertz, individual donors, and through corporate donations received by the Ertz Family Foundation. Grants are made on a quarterly basis and in three focus areas: youth sports, youth education, and family enrichment.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Application Tips:
- You must submit your application online.
- Grants range from $1,000 – $10,000 per project.
- Our grant committee reviews applications at the end of each quarter (March, June, September, December).
- The deadline to submit an application for 2024 funding is as follows:
| Deadline to Submit Application | Decision | Grant Letter Sent | Funding Rcv’d | |
| 1st Qrtr | February 29th | March 29th | By 30 days post decision | April 23rd |
| 2nd Qrtr | May 31st | June 28th | By 30 days post decision | July 19th |
| 3rd Qrtr | August 30th | September 27th | By 30 days post decision | October 15th |
| 4th Qrtr | November 29th | December 27th | By 30 days post decision | January 17th |
- Please complete a separate online application for each project or program; only one program per year will be considered for funding.
- Review your application several times before submitting. Applications with missing or incomplete information will not be considered nor will we contact your organization for additional information.
- City of Love Fund grants are available to Philadelphia area charity applicants only. All applications must be submitted online.
If you have any questions, please send an email and put “Grant info” in subject line and submit to: info@ertzfamilyfoundation.org.
Applying for a Grant
Ertz Family Foundation (EFF) City of Love (COL) grants are limited to organizations defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code with an annual foundation revenue not to exceed $1M. Foundation grants are funded by individual and corporate donations received by the foundation. Unfortunately, we do not fund events, travel for individuals, scholarship programs, or programs that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, creed, or gender. Grants are made in three focus areas: youth sports, youth education, and family enrichment.
Award Amounts
Because the COL grant supports a wide range of charitable programs, most grants are in the $1,000 to $10,000 range. Higher amounts may be awarded when a program is an exceptional fit with EFF’s giving priorities, or as a direct recommendation by EFF’s founders.
Grant Review Process
Grant applications are accepted online only. Organizations designated as 501(c)(3) public charities by the IRS are eligible. Awards are made primarily to organizations with projects or programs that are physically located in the Philadelphia area. Consideration is given to surrounding Philadelphia area cities, if funds are not exhausted.
Requests are considered quarterly by our grant committee comprised of EFF volunteers. Any grants larger than $10,000 must be recommended by the EFF Founder(s) and subsequently approved by the grant committee, which meets quarterly. The total review process may take from 2-4 months. Newly established nonprofit orgs that have not yet filed a 990 tax return or postcard should allow additional time for review.
COL does accept applications from public K-12 schools. Please note we do not fund school events, fundraisers, travel for individuals, or scholarship programs.
Due to the number of requests that far exceed our Foundation contribution budgets, regrettably, we must often decline support for otherwise worthy proposals. Such a response does not reflect on the value of the organization or its services.
Application Process
Before you apply for a grant, we recommend that you review the Grant Guidelines and Restrictions, as well as Frequently Asked Questions. If your organization meets the eligibility requirements, you can start the application process by clicking here.
You will be able to save and edit your application(s) prior to submittal. The total review process may take from 2-4 months.
Helpful Hints
All applicants are asked to upload:
- List of other sources of financial support (both committed and pending)
- Current board members and affiliations
- Most recent 990 tax return
- Latest IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) status
Grant Guidelines and Restrictions
City of Love Fund grant support is available to:
- Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations
- Organizations within the greater Philadelphia geographic areas (listed below)
- Organizations that focus on youth sports, youth education and family enrichment
City of Love Fund grant support is NOT available to:
- Individuals
- Religious programs of churches or other sectarian organizations
- Fraternal, political, advocacy or labor organizations
- Projects or organizations that are not located within the greater Philadelphia and surrounding geographic area
- Fund-raising events (dinners, lunches, etc.)
- Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- Organizations that limit membership and services based on race, religion, color, creed, sex, age or national origin
- Advertising for benefit or courtesy purposes
- Travel-related events, including student trips or tours
- Memorial campaigns
City of Love Fund does not typically fund university research projects or endow chairs. The primary interest of the City of Love Fund is to support programs and specific projects. Consequently, support of capital campaigns is limited and provided on an exceptional basis.
Geographic Areas
Philadelphia
- The counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Dauphin, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland
Preferred consideration is given to organizations that serve the following underserved communities:
- Tioga-Nicetown
- Hunting Park
- Strawberry Mansion
- Fairhill
- Alleghany West
- Harrowgate
- Haddington-Carroll Park
- Elmwood
- Frankford
- North Central
- Kensington/Riverward
Grant Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of organizations are eligible for funding?
All organizations recognized by the U.S. Treasury Department as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code are eligible. Private foundations and/or private schools are not eligible.
How much does the City of Love Fund grant each year?
Total contributions made per year depend on the amount raised annually and is subject to change from year to year.
When do you accept proposals?
City of Love Fund accepts applications on a quarterly basis. Applications are due by the first business day at the beginning of each quarter. Requests are not automatically renewed.
What makes a grant application competitive?
Competitive grant requests will demonstrate the following:
- Affordability and sustainability
- Demonstrated impact on the community
- A strong Board of Directors and Advisory Board
- Significant and measurable outcomes
- Alignment with the foundation’s three pillar areas: youth sports, youth education and family enrichment
What are the geographical limitations?
The City of Love Fund invests in organizations and programs that improve the quality of life in the greater Philadelphia area and counties that include: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Dauphin, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland
Preferred consideration is given to organizations that serve the following communities:
- Tioga-Nicetown
- Hunting Park
- Strawberry Mansion
- Fairhill
- Alleghany West
- Harrowgate
- Haddington-Carroll Park
- Elmwood
- Frankford
- North Central
- Kensington/Riverward
What is the range in size of Foundation grants?
Most grant awards will be in the $1,000 to $10,000 range due to the number of requests received. Higher amounts may be awarded when a program is an exceptional fit with Ertz Family Foundation’s giving priorities or upon recommendation by the foundation founder(s).
What are the City of Love Fund’s grant guidelines and restrictions?
Visit our Grant Guidelines and Restrictions for details.
How do I qualify for a grant from the City of Love Fund?
The City of Love Fund provides support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that support the following funding priorities: youth sports, youth education and family enrichment.
How can I improve my chances of receiving a grant from the City of Love Fund?
First and foremost, please review our Grant Guidelines and Restrictions. If you think your organization meets the eligibility requirements, complete an online application. Be sure to attach the proper requested documents. It’s also best to define how the funds will be used, the impact the grant will make and how you will measure the funding’s impact.
When will I be contacted about the status of my grant request? How do I know you received my proposal?
After you have completed and submitted your online application, you will receive an email notifying you that the application has been received. If your application has been approved for funding, you will receive an email from the Ertz Family Foundation detailing the next steps. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, we will only contact you if your application has been approved for funding.
How long does it take for a grant to be processed?
Funding requests are reviewed and approved by our volunteer grant committee on a quarterly basis. The review process may take from two to four months, depending upon the number of applications received. Once approved, you will be notified within thirty (30) days of the committee’s decision. Once all funding documents have been returned, you will receive funding within 2 weeks.
Do I have to report how funds were spent?
Yes. If your application is approved and upon receiving a grant acceptance letter, you will also be provided a grant report that you are to complete once the funds are exhausted or in six months, whichever comes first. This report is critical to complete and return as noted on the form if your organization plans to apply for funds in any subsequent funding years. We will not provide funding to any approved organization that does not complete the grant report.
How do I contact the City of Love Fund
If you have questions that cannot be answered in the FAQs, please send an email to: info@ertzfamilyfoundation.org.
What if I have issues uploading my application supporting documents?
Some files are too large to send if they contain numerous photos or videos. Please refrain from attaching large photo files or videos. If you want pictures and/or videos to be included with your application, please provide the url to the video or pictures you’d like for us to review.