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LOCK HAVEN -- The Clinton County Community Foundation works to be an inspiration to community nonprofits, charities, fire and ambulance companies and municipalities serving the county since its inception in 1968.
And it's all thanks to generous donors to the Foundation.
That culture of giving continues with the Foundation's round of grant applications for 2027 having just opened on Oct. 1.
The deadline to submit a 2027 grant application is by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026. Having distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, committed funds and scholarships this calendar year, the Foundation is looking for another robust, competitive grant program in 2027.
Now in its 58th year, the Clinton County Community Foundation has granted millions of dollars in competitive grants to nonprofits and municipalities over its history, supporting those in need and helping to enrich the lives of county residents.
Under its new theme, "Compassion in Motion," the Foundation's mission is to "... empower our communities by fostering a culture of generosity and by providing impactful support to address Clinton County's most pressing needs and promising opportunities."
From food banks to ambulance companies, from dental clinics to health clinics, from leadership training to serving the homeless, from shoe and clothing banks to building beds for kids in need, Foundation grants have supported organizations providing critical services and impacting thousands of county residents.
"We encourage our grant applicants to be bold ... to enhance their services when possible and to propose new ways to help those in need and to improve the quality of life for all of us here in Clinton County," said Bob Rolley, Foundation outreach coordinator.
"The Foundation strives to make a difference for our residents and local organizations! We encourage all eligible nonprofits and organizations to apply for grants to help in making a difference in our communities," added Mark Weaver, Foundation board president.
"We also encourage residents to support the Foundation through personal donations, gifts and bequests," he said. "Every contribution helps regardless of the amount. One can't underestimate the huge difference that can be made in the lives of others when we collectively give back to the community."
Eligible organizations must be located within Clinton County, Pa., or demonstrate their services benefit residents of Clinton County.
Applicants must be either a nonprofit organization with a 501(c) designation recognized by the IRS or a governmental unit/political subdivision.
"Our grant application is just two pages, preceded by our guidelines. Based on feedback as part of our Strategic Action Plan development, we added information about what type of grants the Foundation board typically funds and grant exclusions," Rolley explained.
Grant funds are not intended for administration or labor costs, for example.
Deadlines
Here are important dates and information requirements to remember:
-- All current year or 2026 grant recipients must submit an evaluative report to the CCCF by Dec. 1, 2026, outlining how and why the funds were spent, and providing key receipts. Failure to submit that report deems an applicant ineligible for future grants.
-- The 2027 grant applications sent via U.S. Postal mail (P.O. Box 652, Lock Haven, Pa., 17745) to CCCF must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1, 2026.
-- Applications that are hand-delivered must be received at the current Foundation office at 350 East Water St., Lock Haven, by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2026. The Foundation requires 13 paper copies of the grant application and supporting documents, but just one copy each of the applicant's IRS 990, IRS 501(c) designation letter and Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations (BOCO) certificate or exemption letter.
-- Decisions on all eligible applications are scheduled to be made by the Board of Directors by early February 2027 at the Foundation's annual meeting.
-- Approved grant recipients are required to sign a grant agreement letter and return it to the Foundation before they can receive their grant funds.
"The first step in applying is going to our web site at www.clintoncountyfoundation.org and downloading a grant guidelines-application form. Under the 'APPLY' link click on 'GRANTS' and find the downloadable file near the top of the page," Rolley explained. "The guidelines should answer any questions potential applicants have. There is an online FAQ section in the guidelines that addresses the process. Of course, applicants are welcome to send an email to cccf@clintoncountyfoundation.org, or call us at 570.220.1038 with any questions," Rolley said.
"We encourage applicants to print the application and fill it out by hand while adding supporting documents to accompany it. When submitting, please only use paper clips or metal clamps and not staples."
Before You Can Apply
"Importantly, 2026 grant recipients must submit an evaluative report on how they spent their funds and provide related information to be eligible for applying for grants in 2027. That evaluative report is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and that form can also be found on our website by clicking on the 'APPLY' link, then 'GRANTS' and scrolling to the bottom of that page," Rolley emphasized.
To support the Foundation through a donation to help and/or to honor a loved one, visit www.clintoncountyfoundation.org and click on the "GIVE" link and follow the prompts.
Or call 570.220.1038 to learn more about how to establish an endowment to honor a loved one and/or support specific causes. All donations are tax deductible.