APPLY FOR A CFUSC GRANT
Do you have an idea that could make Upper St. Clair an even better place to live?
The Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair (CFUSC) provides grants to support projects, programs, and initiatives that benefit our community. We welcome applications from residents, schools, nonprofits, and community groups with ideas that align with our mission.
CFUSC’s Vision
Investing in residents and their ideas to continually strengthen our community.
CFUSC’s Mission
To enrich our community by supporting activities and programs, building partnerships, and awarding grants that make a meaningful difference in Upper St. Clair.
Since its founding, CFUSC has awarded more than $1,000,000 to support ideas that enhance the lives of Upper St. Clair residents. Many of these ideas began with community members who saw an opportunity to make a difference.
OUR FOCUS AREAS
Grant requests must align with one of our four focus areas:
Arts
Programs and projects that bring the arts to our community. This includes visual arts, music, theater, cultural programs, and creative opportunities for residents of all ages.
Health
Efforts that promote physical and mental well-being. This may include wellness programs, health education, prevention efforts, or initiatives that improve quality of life.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Programs that support learning and interest in STEM, especially for students. This includes educational programs, equipment, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Community and Civic Initiatives
Projects that strengthen our community and bring people together. This may include improvements to community spaces, community events, or programs that enhance civic pride and engagement.
If you’re unsure whether your idea fits within one of these areas, we encourage you to contact us.
Funding Requests and Award Sizes
Most requests are between $500 - $2,500, but the Foundation encourages applicants to request the amount that best fits their project. As a result, requests may be either lower or higher than this range. If you have questions about your request amount, please contact us.
GRANT TIMELINE & PROCESS
CFUSC reviews grant requests throughout the year.
Here’s what you can expect:
Applications are reviewed monthly by the Director of Grants and the Executive Committee. We may contact you if we have questions or need additional information.
Some applicants may be invited to briefly present their request at a Board of Trustees meeting, held on the second Tuesday of each month. Not all grantees are requested to do this.
The Board makes final funding decisions.
If approved, you will be notified via e-mail and grant funds are typically provided within 30 days.
From application to funding, the process typically takes about two months.
What the Application Covers
The application will ask you to describe your project and its impact, including:
What you plan to do
Who will benefit
How it will help our community
When it will take place
The project budget and amount requested
You may also include up to two supplemental files to help explain your project. These may include photos, videos, website links, drawings, or other materials that provide helpful context.
You do not need to be a professional grant writer. The application is designed to help you share your idea clearly.
For additional tips for writing a grant, please see our Tips for First Time Grant Applicants.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about grant requests or the application process are welcome. Please contact:
Adam Sheldon
Board Treasurer and Director of Grants
Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair
asheldon@cfusc.org
We encourage prospective applicants to reach out with questions or to discuss their idea before applying.
APPLY BELOW
Grant applications can be submitted using the form below.
We look forward to learning about your idea.
Our goal is to support good ideas that strengthen Upper St. Clair. A clear, thoughtful application helps us understand how your project can make a difference.