Making Our Support
Go Further
Grant Criteria
We want each grant to accomplish as much as possible. When evaluating an opportunity, we consider whether our support can be leveraged to attract additional funding, expand successful work, build partnerships, or create benefits beyond the initial grant. This principle is reflected throughout the criteria we use to evaluate funding opportunities.
We approach each grant as an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference. While every organization and request is unique, we look for several qualities when considering where our support can have the greatest impact.
What we Look For
Meaningful, Measurable Impact
We look for opportunities where our support can create tangible benefits for people. Organizations should have clear goals, measurable outcomes, and the ability to demonstrate meaningful results within a foreseeable future.
Strong Leadership & Accountability
We look for organizations that are well-managed, financially responsible, and accountable to the people and communities they serve. We look for leadership that understands its goals, its needs, and how Foundation resources will be used.
Geographic Focus
Our grantmaking is primarily focused on organizations and initiatives serving the five-county Philadelphia region and the State of Israel.
Collaboration
We value organizations that are willing to work with others when partnerships, shared resources, or expertise can produce better results.
Alignment & Sustainability
We consider what happens after our funding ends. When appropriate, we look for a realistic plan to continue successful work and build the resources needed to sustain it. Requests should align with the Foundation's values, priorities, and approach to philanthropy.
Innovation
We are interested in creative solutions to problems, whether that means developing something new or finding a better way to do something.
Our Grant Priorities
Education
Private schools through high school, particularly those where additional resources can make a meaningful difference.
Faith-Based Programs
Programs and initiatives requiring philanthropic support to further their mission and impact.
Technology
Projects advancing or utilizing technology to improve quality of life.
Medical Research
Research focused particularly on serious and life-threatening illnesses.
Israel
Initiatives designed to create meaningful and lasting impact within Israel and beyond.
Individuals with Physical, Developmental & Neurological Challenges
Research, technology, programs, facilities, and other initiatives that support children or adults with physical, developmental, or neurological challenges.
First Responders
Resources for police, fire, ambulance, and other first responders that are not adequately provided through government funding.
Scholarships for Children of Heroes
While scholarships are generally not a funding priority, the Foundation will consider scholarships for children of individuals who have put the safety and well-being of others ahead of their own. Applications for hero scholarships must be made on behalf of the hero by another member of the community, such as a school principal, clergy member, or supervisor.
Application Criteria
Is Your Organization a Good Fit?
Before applying, we encourage prospective grantees to review our values and grant criteria and consider whether their work and funding request align with the Foundation's priorities.
The Foundation has an open grant process for new prospective grantees and organizations seeking annual support of $10,000 or less. The process begins with a Letter of Interest (LOI). This allows us to learn about your organization and proposed request before asking you to complete a full application. This process is as follows:
Submit a Letter of Interest
Board Review
Our Board meets quarterly. All LOIs received since the previous meeting are reviewed, and organizations we would like to consider further are invited to submit a full application.
Submit an application
Invited organizations will receive a link to complete the Foundation's full grant application.
Funding Decision
Applications received since the previous Board meeting are reviewed at the next quarterly meeting, and funding decisions are made then. Completed applications are reviewed at the Foundation's quarterly Board meetings, and funding decisions are made at that time.
What we Typically Do Not Fund
Organizations that are not recognized as 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.
Organizations or individuals located outside the United States, except in limited circumstances.
Organizations that depend on government funding or prior government support for more than 50% of their total budget.
Programs addressing socioeconomic challenges without a meaningful long-term solution or sustainable impact.
Direct assistance to individuals or families based on personal circumstances.
Grants to other foundations.
Scholarships, except for scholarships benefiting the children of heroes as described above.
Organizations or programs that do not align with the Foundation’s philanthropic purpose, priorities, or grantmaking criteria.
Established programs that have not demonstrated meaningful impact in furtherance of their mission.
Budget deficits or general deficit reduction.
Endowments or Projects whose anticipated impact is so deferred that the benefits are unlikely to be realized during the lifetimes of the family members living at the time the grant is made.
Fundraising events, including galas, fun runs, challenges, and similar events.
Foundation-Initiated Grants
Some grants reflect longstanding relationships, larger strategic commitments, and opportunities identified directly by the Foundation.
These grants are made by invitation and are not part of the open application process.
Grant FAQ's
Who is eligible to submit a Letter of Interest?
Organizations must be recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and be in good standing. Our grantmaking is primarily focused on organizations and initiatives serving the five-county Philadelphia region and the State of Israel.
How much funding can I request?
The open grant process is intended for new prospective grantees and organizations seeking annual support of up to $10,000. Larger or strategic grants are generally initiated by the Foundation and made by invitation. Grant amounts vary based on the organization, request, and available Foundation resources.
What doesn't the Foundation fund?
We generally do not fund fundraising events or event sponsorships, including galas, 5Ks, and similar activities.
Can I apply for more than $10,000?
Grants above $10,000 are generally made through the Foundation's invitation-only grantmaking process and are not available through the open Letter of Interest process.
If my organization has received a grant before, can we apply again?
Yes. Organizations seeking annual support of $10,000 or less may use the open Letter of Interest process unless otherwise directed by the Foundation.
Does submitting a letter of interest or an application guarantee funding?
No. Submission of a LOI does not guarantee an invitation to apply, and an invitation to apply does not guarantee funding.
When will we hear about a decision?
The Board meets quarterly. LOIs received since the previous meeting are reviewed at the next meeting. Organizations selected to continue are then invited to submit a full application.
Applications are reviewed the same way: those received since the previous Board meeting are considered at the next quarterly meeting, when funding decisions are made.
Can we contact the Foundation before applying?
Yes. Please contact us here with any questions about the grant process.
Our mission
The Steve & Ilene Berger Family Foundation exists to improve people’s lives and carry forward our family’s commitment to giving back. We seek opportunities where our resources can produce tangible results and where the thoughtful use of our support can extend its benefit beyond the initial grant.
