Altoona Curve Charities offers a grant program to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that work to enhance local youth programs in designated Pennsylvania counties and Allegany County, Maryland. These grants are designed to promote initiatives that foster exercise, health, activity, or education among young people. Organizations must present a clear federal tax-exempt letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status in order to be considered. The charity aims to support grassroots programs with demonstrable community impact, especially those that benefit children, including underserved and disabled youth.

The primary objective of Altoona Curve Charities' grantmaking is to invest in youth-focused initiatives that promote physical well-being and educational advancement. Grants may be issued in the form of financial assistance or through facility renovations carried out by the Altoona Curve staff and groundskeeper, depending on the applicant’s needs. Each applicant is required to submit a comprehensive proposal explaining the goals and community impact of their project, especially with regard to how it aligns with the mission of Altoona Curve Charities.

Funding requests can be up to $5,000. However, awards will not be issued for general operating costs, routine maintenance, salaries, personal scholarships, debt reduction, fundraising events, or the acquisition of land or parking areas. Awardees must allow a site visit and are required to submit a final report demonstrating project completion and the ability to maintain any physical renovations funded by the grant.

Eligible applicants must be federally recognized 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the following counties: Blair, Cambria, Centre, Bedford, Somerset, Huntingdon, Indiana, Clearfield, Fulton, Clarion, Jefferson, Elk, Westmoreland, Armstrong, and Allegany (MD). Organizations that discriminate based on protected characteristics, as well as individuals and private foundations, are not eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted in PDF format and should include the organization's mission, project description, intended use of funds, total budget, financial contributions, target demographics, timeline, and geographical impact. The grant application window for 2024 ran from October 7 to December 13, with all applicants receiving a decision within three months of the close date. Applications can be submitted online or emailed to the designated contact, but handwritten applications are not accepted.

While the grant cycle for 2024 is closed, the 2025 application period will open in October. Interested organizations are encouraged to begin preparing comprehensive proposals that adhere closely to the grant parameters and funding priorities set by Altoona Curve Charities.