Welcome to GrantTalk, where inspiring stories of philanthropy and community-driven grantmaking come to life! Hosted by Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch.com, this episode features a captivating conversation with Ryanne Jennings, the President and CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ryanne’s passion for her community and the foundation’s mission shines through as she shares how WCCF pools resources into a variety of funds: scholarship funds, donor-advised funds, and field-of-interest funds. These funding opportunities support local nonprofits and address pressing community challenges like education, workforce development, substance use disorder, transportation, and housing.
Wayne County Community Foundation‘s Legacy of Giving
The Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) stands as a shining example of hope and resourcefulness. Founded in 1991, its origins are rooted in history—literally. Ryanne shares how the foundation received its initial funding from a 200-year-old bequest by none other than Ben Franklin. That endowment blossomed into a vibrant local force, pooling community resources through donor-advised funds, scholarship funds, and field-of-interest funds. Today, WCCF manages over $15 million in assets across 160+ funds, distributing over $1 million annually to support nonprofits and community initiatives.
Flexible Giving for a Stronger Community
Libby and Ryanne dive into how the Wayne County Community Foundation makes philanthropy accessible and impactful. Whether it’s a small donation or a named fund, every contribution supports critical needs like education, workforce development, transportation, housing, and substance use disorder programs. Ryanne highlights the foundation’s bi-annual grant cycles, allowing nonprofits to apply for more substantial support while encouraging long-term sustainability and collaborative partnerships.
Faith-Based and Emergency Support
The foundation also plays a unique role in supporting faith-based organizations—not for religious activities, but for community hubs like AA meetings, luncheons, and infrastructure improvements. A standout initiative is the Interfaith Ministerium Fund, fostering collective grantmaking among multiple faith organizations. Additionally, WCCF maintains an emergency grant fund for nonprofits in urgent need, ensuring that unexpected challenges don’t derail vital community services.
A Thoughtful Vetting Process
One of the keys to WCCF’s success is its rigorous and compassionate vetting process. Grant applicants engage in a pre-submission phone call with the grants manager to ensure their request aligns with the foundation’s funding capabilities and mission. This proactive approach saves time, encourages realistic grant requests, and often opens doors to collaborative funding opportunities with other private foundations.
More Than Just a Grant
Libby and Ryanne emphasize that a grant rejection isn’t the end of the story. Often, budget constraints, not the quality of the proposal, are the reason for a denial. WCCF works to find alternative funding sources, helping projects come to life through donor-advised funds or partnerships with other local and regional funders.
Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) Funding Opportunities
- Wayne County Community Foundation Grant: Provides funding for community projects, including education, health, human services, arts, and the environment.
- Community Impact Fund: Designed to address the most pressing needs of Wayne County through strategic grantmaking.
- Donor-Advised Funds: Allows donors to recommend grants to nonprofits they care about, offering flexibility and long-term philanthropic engagement.
- Field of Interest Funds: Focuses on specific areas like youth development, senior services, or environmental conservation.
- Scholarship Funds: Supports local students pursuing higher education, helping ease the financial burden of college tuition.
- Agency Endowment Funds: Provides a steady income stream to local nonprofits, ensuring sustainability and growth.
- Special Project Grants: Offers funding for unique, innovative projects that create a positive impact in the community.
Stay Connected with GrantTalk
This episode of GrantTalk is a masterclass in community philanthropy. Pooling resources, fostering collaboration, and staying connected is the key for organizations like the Wayne County Community Foundation. They prove that every dollar counts—and every effort makes a difference.
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