Grants

Grants

Welcome to the Community Foundation of Monroe County’s Grants Program. We are excited to announce the opening of our first grant opportunities for applications.

Our mission drives everything we do: encouraging and facilitating philanthropic collaboration and growth to improve the quality of life of Monroe County residents.

Through our diverse grant programs, we support initiatives across animal welfare, arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment and historic preservation, and health and human services. Each grant represents our commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant Monroe County where everyone can thrive.

Whether you are a nonprofit seeking funding or a community member interested in our impact, we invite you to explore our current and upcoming grant opportunities and see how together, we are transforming our community. 

Please note that application cycles and criteria vary for each grant opportunity we offer. We encourage potential applicants to carefully review the specific requirements and deadlines for each grant of interest.

The Community Foundation of Monroe County is affiliated with the nationally certified Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) for back-office administrative and investment services.  We also use their Grant Portal, so when you apply, it will be through the SACF’s Grant Portal. 

Questions about applying for a grant? Please contact Samantha Holbert at Director@cfmcpa.org or call 570-213-9083.

Applicants:  We use the SACF Grant Portal for our grant-making program, so visit the Grant Portal at www.safdn.org/grants

  1. Create a new account on the page that says “Welcome to the SACF’s Grant Portal”.  (If you have already created an account on the Scholarship Portal, you must still create a new account on the Grant Portal)
  2. On the “Apply” page of the portal, look for the grant to which you wish to apply.

Myra Kyle Fund for the Arts Grant

The Myra Kyle Fund for the Arts will award grants to support community arts projects and programs organized by individuals, arts organizations, businesses, and nonprofits in Monroe County.  Grant Awards will not exceed $5,000 each with $15,000 available this year.  Submissions will be accepted through the Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant portal (use the button at the top of the page) September 1 – 30th each year. 

The following criteria MUST be met for a program/project to be considered for a Grant Award:

  1. Projects/programs must benefit the Monroe County community in a public manner;
  1. Any applicant must be an organization or business that has legal standing. If an individual artist wishes to apply he/she must have a fiscal sponsor who makes the application.  
  2. Applicant must submit a plan for the project or program that includes intended purpose, audience, budget, and promotion;

If the program was held before, the applicant must describe the previous program’s outcome.

  1. Applicants must indicate their qualifications and need for support.

The following preferences provide direction on how the applicant pool can be narrowed during the selection process:

  1. Projects/programs serve underserved populations of Monroe County, either in the artist or audience;
  2. The project or program has created a partnership with another entity;
  3. The requested grant will be used to match another commitment of funds.

Grant Selection Process

A dedicated committee designated by the Community Foundation will select grant recipients in accordance with the charitable purpose of the Fund, ensuring that arts initiatives throughout Monroe County continue to receive vital support.  Photo at Shawnee Playhouse 2024

Pocono Mountain Free Art and Craft Workshops Grant

The Poconos Free Art Workshops Fund will award grants to support at least two (2) free arts workshops annually in Monroe County, with preference given to workshops held within the Pocono Mountain School District area.  Grant Awards will not exceed $1,000 each with $2,000 available this year.  Submissions will be accepted through the Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant portal (use the button at the top of the page) September 1 – 30th each year. 

The following criteria MUST be met for a program/project to be considered for a Grant Award:

veggie face

  1. Workshops must benefit the Monroe County community in a public manner;
  2. Workshops must be free to attend;
  3. Grant Awards must be used to support cost of the Workshop and may cover items such as supplies, snacks, location expenses, etc., and compensation to support Workshops with a maximum of $50/hour for Workshop instructor fee (although this hourly fee may be modified in the future based on inflation);
  4. Applicants must submit a plan for the Workshop including intended purpose, audience, budget, and promotion.
  5. Applicants must indicate their qualifications and need for support in their applications.
  6. Any applicant must be an organization or business that has legal standing. If an individual artist wishes to apply he/she must have a fiscal sponsor who makes the application. 

The following criteria provide direction on how the applicant pool can be narrowed during the selection process. These criteria do NOT exclude potential applicants outright, but demonstrate intent for preferred candidates:

  1. Workshops held within the Pocono Mountain School District area.
  2. Workshops serve underserved populations of Monroe County, either in the artist or audience.

Grant Selection Process

A dedicated committee designated by the Community Foundation will select grant recipients in accordance with the charitable purpose of the Fund, ensuring that arts initiatives throughout Monroe County continue to receive vital support.  Photo by Go Collaborative “Snowmen of Stroudsburg”

ESSA Bank and Trust Legacy Fund

essa checkThe ESSA Bank and Trust Legacy Fund helps Monroe County nonprofits invest in equipment, facilities, and infrastructure that strengthen your organization for years to come.

Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, with approximately $160,000 distributed annually across two funding cycles.

Spring Cycle — education, green spaces, recreation, and the arts

  • Applications open: March 1 – April 15 | Awards announced: Late May | Funds distributed: June

Fall Cycle — health and human services and housing

  • Applications open: July 1 – August 15 | Awards announced: October | Funds distributed: November/December

To be considered, your application must:

  • Include a project plan (purpose, audience, budget, and promotion)
  • Describe outcomes from any previous iteration of the program
  • Confirm your 501(c)(3) status and explain your need for support

 

Strong applications will show:

  • Significant reach among Monroe County residents
  • Lasting impact beyond the grant period (capital and equipment preferred; operational costs and salaries are not eligible)
  • Potential to leverage additional matching funding
  • Organizational stability and a plan if the full fundraising goal isn’t met

Questions? Contact Samantha at director@cfmcpa.org or 570-213-9083.

Ready to apply? Use the grant portal at the top of this page to create a profile and apply.

ESSA Bank and Trust Critical Needs Fund

essa presenting checkWhen a crisis hits or an urgent need arises, waiting months for a traditional grant cycle isn’t an option. That’s what this fund is for.

The ESSA Bank and Trust Foundation has established this fund at CFMC to help Monroe County nonprofits respond quickly when it matters most — whether that’s an emergency, a service gap, or a time-sensitive opportunity to better serve your community.

Grants range from $1,000 to $7,500, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with decisions typically within 2-3 weeks.

This fund is a good fit if your need is:

  • Time-sensitive and can’t wait for a regular funding cycle
  • Responding to an emergency or crisis situation
  • Filling a significant gap in services
  • A timely opportunity to build capacity for vulnerable populations


How to apply:
This fund requires a brief pre-application conversation before you submit. Reach out to Samantha at director@cfmcpa.org or 570-213-9083 to describe your situation.  If your need meets the qualifications, we’ll provide you with the application QR code to get started.