The Leo Niessen, Jr. Charitable Trust provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted by January 15 to be considered at the annual grant meeting held in March. This funding opportunity is primarily focused on organizations located in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, although there are no formal geographic restrictions.

Grants support a wide range of program areas, including arts, culture, humanities, education, environmental causes, health, human services, public and societal benefit, and religion. The trust does not typically consider requests for endowment funding. Applicants must submit their proposals through the online grant application form and will receive an automated email confirmation upon submission.

Successful applicants are required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving funds, unless otherwise specified when the grant is awarded. This ensures accountability and demonstrates how the funds are being utilized to achieve the intended impact.

Organizations applying should align their proposals with the trust’s mission and focus areas, providing clear objectives and outcomes to enhance their chance of success. This funding opportunity offers support to projects making a meaningful impact within the trust's areas of interest, particularly in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.