Allentown – Lehigh County has amended its policy for awarding grants, changing certain requirements and financial thresholds to make it easier for smaller organizations to apply.
Among other changes, the updated policy eases requirements for the kind of documents organizations must produce to be considered for grants from the county’s Department of Community and Economic Development.
Under the original rules, tax-exempt organizations requesting more than $2,500 had to produce documentation of financial audits. Many smaller agencies can’t afford to have audits done.
The amended policy, unanimously approved by commissioners Wednesday, increases the audit threshold to $7,500. For grants under that amount, agencies must submit only the basic forms the IRS uses to gather information on tax-exempt organizations.
“This legislation modernizes the county’s grant policy by expanding access to funding, reducing unnecessary red tape for community organizations, and improving transparency throughout the process, said Samantha Pearson, Lehigh County’s Director of Community and Economic Development. “Most importantly, it ensures public investments are tied to measurable results and meaningful benefits for our residents.”
Even modest grants can make a big difference to small nonprofits. Giving a few thousand dollars to a large agency’s major project has minimal impact, but might pay the entire cost of a smaller grantee’s community event.
“My administration’s grants legislation strengthens and elevates the community development component of our county’s economic investment,” Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel said.
“Too often, we define economic development only as jobs created or businesses started, but developing social infrastructure and strengthening the fabric of our community is vital and inseparable to growing our economy,” he added. “Community and social connections create a strong sense of place that anchors both families and individuals and makes our main streets, cities and boroughs, places people want to live, and businesses want to be where people reside and make their lives. This legislation represents a historic new effort to invest in community organizations and create community to combat loneliness and isolation.”
The financial reporting changes ensure that organizations providing important services – often with shoestring budgets and volunteer labor – can benefit from grants while proving they are financially responsible.
“Lehigh County is responsible for ensuring our community partners live up to high standards when we consider allocating tax dollars to serve our community,” Commission Chair Geoff Brace said. “These modifications will allow the commissioners to be confident that the administration and our partners are following best practices and delivering effective and efficient services for our community. This isn’t headline-grabbing, sexy work, but it is important because we have an obligation to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
With the changes in place, nonprofit organizations and municipalities are invited to learn about the application process for two types of grants – 2027 Quality of Life and Tourism grants – at sessions sponsored by the Lehigh County Department of Community and Economic Development.
A virtual session will be held at noon June 3, followed by an in-person session at 4 p.m. June 4 at the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. 7th St., Allentown, 18101.
The sessions will cover the steps of the application process, including eligible uses and intents, reporting requirements, forms and scoring. Staff will be available to answer questions.
Quality of Life Grants are awarded for specific cultural, civic, and recreational programs, in addition to events, capital projects or operational support. Tourism Grants may be awarded to non-profit agencies, political subdivisions or municipal authorities to assist organizations that promote regional tourism and encourage visitors to plan overnight stays in local hotels.
It is not necessary to attend either session to apply for funding. The application period opens June 6 and closes July 8.
A video of the virtual session, as well as copy of a PowerPoint presentation, will be shared afterwards for anyone who cannot make either session.
For more information, or to get a link for the virtual session, email lccommdev@lehighcounty.org or call 610-782-3565.
Information provided to TVL by:
Daniel Sheehan
