Grantmaking public charity · EIN 01-0564355
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Harrisburg, PA
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is a public charity that makes grants based in Harrisburg, PA. On its Form 990 (Schedule I) for tax year 2025, it reported $9.18M in grants paid across 708 grants, with $161M in total assets. Its largest grants went to Sankara Eye Foundation USA, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Messiah University.
How to request funding
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check The Foundation for Enhancing Communities's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests.
How it makes and monitors grants (Schedule I, Part IV)
Nonprofit organizations receiving grant funds must sign a grant contract before the funds are disbursed. the grantee signs an acknowledgement letter when the funds are received. the grantee must also complete a six month and one year evaluation after the grant is paid. scholarship funds are monitored through evaluation of students tuition bills, before disbursements are made. scholarship monies are only paid if the student owes at least the amount of the award. scholarship money is not paid if there is a credit on the account or a zero balance. scholarship money is released payable to both the student and the college, and mailed directly to the college. the only instance that the scholarship money is released directly to the student is for book reimbursement, after book receipts are received and reviewed. receipts are generated and accompany each check. the bursar's office (tuition payments) or the student (book payments) are asked to return a form, indentifying the receipt of and appropriate use of the funds.
Grants as reported on its Form 990 for tax year 2025; the application guidance above is general for this type of funder. Requirements change; confirm with the organization before applying.
Mission
Inspiring giving by partnering with donors to achieve their charitable goals, and strengthening our local communities by investing in them now and for future generations.valuesinclusion - we believe that all voices are vital for our region's future. we promote equity and embrace the diversity of individuals, ideas and expressions. stewardship - we are prudent and grateful stewards of the assets, time and talent entrusted to us. endurance - we value creating permanent legacies that support lasting community change. integrity - we will accept nothing but the highest standards of honesty, mutual
As stated on its Form 990.
Largest grants, tax year 2025
Historical data · not a prediction| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sankara Eye Foundation USA | Milpitas, CA | Health | $1,238,450 |
| Guiding Eyes for the Blind | Yorktown Heights, NY | Human Service | $750,000 |
| Messiah University | Mechanicsburg, PA | Educational | $232,174 |
| United Way of the Capital Region | Enola, PA | Community Development | $153,788 |
| Perry County Council of the Arts | Newport, PA | Arts, Humanities | $126,972 |
| Parish Presbyterian Church | Franklin, TN | Religion | $100,000 |
| Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation | King of Prussia, PA | Health | $100,000 |
| Bethesda Mission of Harrisburg | Harrisburg, PA | Human Service | $96,289 |
| St Thomas Lutheran Church | Saint Thomas, PA | Religion | $88,871 |
| Central Pennsylvania Food Bank | Harrisburg, PA | Human Service | $87,400 |
| St Thomas Cemetery Association | St Thomas, PA | Community Development | $83,144 |
| Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library | Waynesboro, PA | Educational | $80,178 |
| Dickinson College (scholarship) | Carlisle, PA | Educational | $79,537 |
| Summit Health Foundation | Chambersburg, PA | Health | $73,270 |
| Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts | Harrisburg, PA | Educational | $71,739 |
| Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | Harrisburg, PA | Educational | $59,195 |
| Blue Mountain Escape Inc | Mechanicsburg, PA | Human Service | $59,070 |
| YWCA Greater Harrisburg | Harrisburg, PA | Community Development | $54,128 |
| Harrisburg Symphony Association | Harrisburg, PA | Arts, Humanities | $52,516 |
| Upmc Pinnacle Foundation | Harrisburg, PA | Health | $52,003 |
| YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County | Carlisle, PA | Human Service | $51,913 |
| Congregation Ner Tamid | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA | Religion | $51,275 |
| Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick | Harrisburg, PA | Religion | $50,000 |
| Friends of the West Shore Theatre Inc | New Cumberland, PA | Arts, Humanities | $50,000 |
| Gettysburg College | Gettysburg, PA | Educational | $46,665 |
The 25 largest of 708 grants listed on the return. 423 grants to individuals ($93.8K) are counted but not named. Names and purposes as reported to the IRS.
Where its grants went
- Pennsylvania$5.14M · 243 grants
- California$1.3M · 3 grants
- New York$780K · 4 grants
- Tennessee$116K · 3 grants
- Maryland$98.2K · 7 grants
- District of Columbia$67.6K · 5 grants
- Virginia$38.3K · 3 grants
- Texas$35.3K · 4 grants
- Florida$32K · 3 grants
- Massachusetts$31.6K · 3 grants
- Ohio$30K · 1 grant
- Washington$25K · 1 grant
Quick answers
Does The Foundation for Enhancing Communities accept grant applications?
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check The Foundation for Enhancing Communities's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests. Form 990 does not report an application process, so confirm with the organization.
How much does The Foundation for Enhancing Communities give each year?
For tax year 2025, it reported $9,182,986 in grants paid (708 grants). Giving can change from year to year.
What organizations has The Foundation for Enhancing Communities funded?
Its largest grants in tax year 2025 went to Sankara Eye Foundation USA (CA), $1.24M, Guiding Eyes for the Blind (NY), $750K, Messiah University (PA), $232K, United Way of the Capital Region (PA), $154K and Perry County Council of the Arts (PA), $127K.