WSFS CARES Foundation – Grant Application Program (2026)

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Charitable Grants Supporting Community Investment, Housing, Education, and Economic Empowerment

The WSFS CARES Foundation and WSFS Bank accept grant applications on an ongoing basis to support nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities across the Mid-Atlantic. WSFS prioritizes organizations that advance inclusion, diversity, and long-term community well-being through measurable, replicable programs.

Organization: WSFS CARES Foundation (WSFS Bank)
Support Type: Charitable grants and sponsorships
Geographic Focus: WSFS Bank service areas, including Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey

About the Funder

The WSFS CARES Foundation is the philanthropic arm of WSFS Bank, reflecting the bank’s deep commitment to investing in the communities it serves. Through charitable giving and strategic community partnerships, WSFS supports organizations addressing critical needs such as housing security, education, workforce readiness, and services for vulnerable populations.

What This Program Supports

WSFS CARES Foundation focuses its philanthropic investments on initiatives that align with its transformational community vision, including:

Community Investment & Revitalization
Programs that strengthen neighborhoods, support inclusive economic growth, and foster community resilience.

Affordable Housing & Housing Stability
Initiatives that expand access to safe, affordable housing and address housing insecurity.

Education & Leadership Development
Programs that improve educational outcomes, build leadership capacity, and support workforce and career readiness.

Economic Empowerment & Services for Those in Need
Organizations providing essential services that improve financial stability, access to opportunity, and overall quality of life.

Grant Evaluation Criteria

Grant proposals are evaluated based on:

The targeted population served
Evidence of community need
Success of prior programs or clear plans to address past challenges
Ability to replicate or scale the program
Clearly defined benchmarks and measurable outcomes
Demonstrated potential for systemic or long-term change

Eligible Support Types

Programmatic grants
Project-based funding
Community sponsorships aligned with WSFS priorities

Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must be able to provide:

Description of organizational mission
Program or project description
Program/project budget
Most recent operating budget
Most recent annual financial report
Biographical information for board of directors/trustees
IRS determination letter and 501(c)(3) certification (or equivalent)

Organizations are encouraged to apply at least 4–6 weeks before funding is needed to allow adequate review time.

Ineligible Requests

The WSFS CARES Foundation does not fund:

Individuals
Organizations outside WSFS service areas or focus areas
Private foundations or private charities
Debt reduction or endowments
Direct religious programs
Political causes, candidates, or campaigns

Funded organizations must also certify that their programs do not discriminate against any protected class under applicable law.

Funding Amounts

Grant awards range from as little as $100 to multi-year grants in the thousands of dollars.
Requests over $25,000 are reviewed quarterly by the WSFS CARES Foundation Board.

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
📅 Recommended Lead Time: Apply 4–6 weeks before funds are needed
📅 Review Process: Ongoing review; requests over $25,000 reviewed quarterly by the Foundation Board

Application / Request Process

Grant and sponsorship applications are submitted through WSFS’s multi-page online application. Please note:

Applications cannot be saved and resumed later
Attachments cannot be edited after submission
Required documents should be prepared in advance (e.g., 501(c)(3), W-9, budgets, outcomes, sustainability plan)

For updates or additional documentation after submission, applicants must email CommunityStrategy@wsfsbank.com.

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.wsfsbank.com/about/community/the-wsfs-cares-foundation/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is well suited for organizations that:

Serve communities within WSFS Bank’s regional footprint
Focus on housing, education, economic empowerment, or essential community services
Can demonstrate measurable impact and readiness to scale or replicate programs
Are seeking a relationship with a locally rooted financial institution committed to long-term community transformation

Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Rolling (quarterly board review for requests over $25,000)
Typical Lead Time: 4–6 weeks
Best Suited For: Community-based nonprofits operating in WSFS Bank service areas