Written proposals from nonprofit organizations are accepted and reviewed by the Connelly Foundation throughout the year. With the exception of Foundation Initiatives, there are no deadlines.

The Foundation concentrates its philanthropy in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery in Pennsylvania and in the City of Camden, New Jersey.

A single copy of the proposal must include:

1. Executive summary of the project, its goals, financial requirements and present status. A specific grant amount must be requested.
2. Brief history of the organization, current operating budget, an annual report, two most recent audited financial statements along with two most recent IRS Forms 990, with all required schedules and attachments.
3. Detailed proposal including project objectives, budget, timetable for implementation and target population. For capital projects (construction, renovation, equipment), expenses must be documented as follows:
   • For new construction or renovation to existing space - a complete breakdown of all costs including professional fees and expenses, a visual rendering of the project, square footage, copies of preliminary or final bids, and financing arrangements (if applicable).
   • For acquisition of equipment - a copy of the most appropriate of three bids, costs of installation and financing arrangements (if applicable).
4. Anticipated outcomes and a plan for assessing them.
5. Committed and prospective financial support for this project (sources and amounts); also plans to fund the project on an ongoing basis.
6. Names and occupations of all directors or trustees, a listing of key staff and their qualifications, and resume’ of project officer.
7. Copy of the Federal Internal Revenue Service determination letter granting tax exemption status.

Applicants generally receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of a proposal within two weeks and a response within three months. Applicants may be contacted during the proposal review process to request a telephone conference, site visit or presentation. Visits to the Foundation office or approaches to staff during the proposal review process are discouraged. Organizations that have received a grant from the Connelly Foundation are required to submit a final report before being considered for a new grant. Final reports need to be submitted under separate cover.

There are determined parameters to the Foundation's financial support. As a general practice, it does not fund advocacy, annual appeals, charter schools, conferences, environmental projects, feasability or planning studies, general solicitations, historic preservation projects, national organizations, organizations focused on a single disease, public schools or research.

Proposals should be addressed to: