Core Grants Committee

Our Core Grants Committee, formerly known as Grants Allocation Committee (GAC), comprised of female, male, and gender expansive community members of all ages and backgrounds, grants money to local organizations that improve the lives of women and girls while learning about philanthropy and nonprofits in Chester County. The Core Grants Committee ensures that The Fund addresses the needs of Chester County through its inclusive and community-driven process. To date, this community-led committee has directed over $4.2 million to 93 non-profit organizations. If you wish to receive more information or be considered for our upcoming committee please fill out this Volunteer Interest Form.

The group provides an excellent point of entry for volunteers wishing to gain an in-depth understanding of philanthropy and of needs within the county, and those who are willing to commit effort and time to The Fund’s grantmaking. For The Fund’s community-led grantmaking program, decisions are made by a group of diverse individuals connected to Chester County. Since most of its participants are new to the work of The Fund, they receive training for evaluating proposals and participating in interviews and on site visits. After thoughtful consideration, the informed group then makes final funding decisions through the process of consensus. Granting decisions differ every year. However, the recurring critical needs addressed include poverty and opportunity, health and reproductive care, job training, pre-natal health and infant care, domestic violence, and childcare, among others. See the complete list of The Fund grantees here. To participate on the Core Grants Committee, members must attend six two-hour evening meetings and at least two agency site visits between January and April.  In-person participation is preferred, but hybrid online access is available for most committee activities.

The Core Grants Committee experience has been described by previous members as “life changing” and participants will leave with a deep understanding of how philanthropy works that will influence their own volunteering goals, philanthropic gift giving, and public service.  We hope that Core Grants Committee members stay involved with The Fund through our Core Grants Committee alumni group and through other volunteer opportunities, longer-term committee service, and possible board service.