FAQ | Connelly Foundation

How to Apply

Does the Connelly Foundation ever fund outside its geographic area?

The Connelly Foundation's philanthropic interest is to partner with nonprofit organizations working in the City of Philadelphia; the surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery; and the City of Camden, New Jersey. In 2024, 96% of our funding was concentrated within this geographic area. Rarely, grants are made outside the Philadelphia region, primarily to organizations that had a direct relationship with founders John and Josephine Connelly.

What grant amount or range do you suggest we request?

The Connelly Foundation relies on the requesting organization to determine the resources needed and the amount to request. When considering a grant request, note that the Connelly Foundation’s average grant award in 2024 was $41,000, with many awards covering multi-year periods. The Connelly Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests of $100,000 or more.

Check out our Grants Database for more information.

Can we ask for a multi-year grant?

Yes.

Can we use the Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia Common Grant Application Form to submit a proposal?

The Connelly Foundation prefers prospective grantees to apply online using the portal. Most questions from the Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia Common Grant Application Form are included in the Connelly Foundation’s online application. Applicants can preview and print the questions and required documentation before completing their application.

Can we submit our grant application via email or another electronic format?

The Connelly Foundation does not accept applications via email unless pre-authorized by a program officer.

Whom should I contact to determine the status of my proposal?

The program officer associated with your request’s focus area will be happy to discuss the status of the proposal with you.

If our proposal is declined, how long should we wait before reapplying?

There is no set waiting period, but applicants should review and apply the feedback from the declination letter before submitting another request.

My child needs funding for a high school scholarship. Does the Connelly Foundation provide grants for this? How can I find out about foundations or other sources that do offer support for education grants?

The Connelly Foundation cannot provide grants directly to individuals and does not accept scholarship applications. For information on the Connelly Foundation’s scholarship programs, visit the Catholic Education, Scholarships section of our website, specifically the Josephine C. Connelly Achievement Awards Program and the Neumann Scholars Program or speak directly to your school principal. Scholarships are available to eligible students currently attending Archdiocese of Philadelphia elementary schools who plan to attend Archdiocesan high schools. The scholarships are either merit based or chosen by selection of an elementary school selection committee.