Please note: The Strategic Project Grant program is available by invitation only. The information provided here is intended to help partners understand our approach, review past recipients, and learn more about our funding priorities. This opportunity is not currently accepting applications.

If you have been invited to apply, you will receive a separate application link directly from the Weiner Family Foundation.

Purpose

The Strategic Project Grant program supports distinct, one-time initiatives at major institutions that align with the Weiner Family Foundation’s mission. These grants are not for general operating support but are designed to fund unique, high-impact projects with clear community benefit.

Projects may include:

Program launches 

Medical or scientific research 

Capital or infrastructure needs tied to a specific project 

Public-facing initiatives that expand access, education, or inclusion 

Examples of past or comparable grants include:

A donation of a building to Covenant House to expand transitional housing 

Funding an ambulance through American Friends of Magen David Adom, delivered to Israel 

A three-year commitment to Jefferson Hospital for bladder cancer research 

Grant Guidelines

Eligibility

501(c)(3) status required 

Institutional operating budget must exceed $5 million 

Project must be specific and clearly defined 

Priority given to Philadelphia-area institutions or projects with strong regional impact 

Funding Scope

Project-based grants only—no general operating support 

Typically one-time awards; multi-year commitments by invitation only 

Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in areas such as: 

Children’s health and well-being 

Jewish causes 

Healthcare innovation 

Anti-human trafficking 

Animal care (via research or program impact) 

Educational or cultural outreach 

Grant Size & Duration

Funding level: To be determined based on project scope and impact.

Larger amounts considered for transformational opportunities 

Duration: 1 year, unless otherwise discussed 

Evaluation Criteria

Mission alignment 

Uniqueness or innovation of the project 

Potential for community or systemic impact 

Clarity of goals and measurement 

Reporting Requirements

One narrative and financial report due within 90 days of project completion 

Optional video update or site visit for high-profile or multi-year projects 

Submission Limit

One application per institution per 12-month period, unless otherwise invited

 What We’re Looking For in 2025

We are accepting proposals for both:

 Project-Based Grants — for initiatives with a clear mission, defined goals, and measurable outcomes.
 

 General Operating Support — for organizations whose overall mission closely aligns with the Foundation’s values and areas of focus.
 

Historically, most of our funding has supported project-based proposals, as we’ve found that clearly defined initiatives with long-term viability often benefit most from multi-year support. That said, we recognize the critical role of general operating support in helping organizations sustain and grow their work—and we are open to funding strong, mission-aligned proposals in that category as well.

This year, our primary focus is on building multi-year partnerships with organizations we know well and have supported in the past. We anticipate awarding 10–15 grants, typically up to $18,000 per year for three years. (Larger or smaller amounts may be considered when there’s a strong fit and shared enthusiasm.)

While our priority is multi-year support for returning grantees, we also welcome first-time applicants and will consider a limited number of one-time grants for exceptional proposals that align with our mission and funding priorities.

Grant Amounts

Grant Amounts & Duration
 We offer both one-year and multi-year grants. While we expect to fund approximately 10–15 multi-year grants, that number is flexible depending on the size and scope of the proposals. We also anticipate awarding a select number of one-year grants, including for new applicants or organizations seeking shorter-term support. Requested grant amounts should be a minimum of $5,000. Most grants will be around $18,000 per year, but larger or smaller amounts may be considered based on alignment with our mission, demonstrated need, and shared enthusiasm.
 

 No maximum cap on funding
 

 Budgets may include a reasonable percentage for overhead or indirect costs, as long as these are clearly explained
 

Eligibility

To apply, your organization must:

 Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit
 

 Be based in or serve the Greater Philadelphia region (preferred but not required)
 

 Apply for either a specific project or for general operating support, with a strong case for how the funding will further your mission and impact
 

Review Process

 All applications are reviewed by the Weiner Family Foundation Trustees
 

 We may request a site visit or virtual conversation at any point during the grant cycle to better understand your work and impact
 

Grant Reporting

 Grantees are required to submit one grant report per year, due in late summer
 

 Reporting will be completed through this Submittable portal
 

 You will receive an automated email notification when it is time to complete the report

Out-of-Cycle One-Time Grant Request

The Weiner Family Foundation occasionally considers one-time grant requests outside of our regular grant cycle. These grants are typically reserved for urgent, time-sensitive needs or extraordinary opportunities that align with the Foundation’s mission and values.

Eligible requests must demonstrate:

 A clear and compelling need
 

 Strong mission alignment
 

 Defined impact or outcomes
 

 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
 

Please note that out-of-cycle grants are exceptional and are not guaranteed. If accepted, reporting and follow-up requirements will be communicated individually and managed through this Submittable portal.