Merchants Fund Small Business Grants

Posted by on August 13, 2010

The next grant deadline for The Merchants Fund is Wednesday, September 15, 2010 (postmarked).  Please forward this email to your clients, colleagues, business owners, community partners, etc.   If you would like to join the list serv, send an email with the subject line “join the list serv” and include your contact information.

CHANGES: For those of you who have sponsored applications in the past you will note that we have modified the application process.  The application has been revised to include summary financial information but taxes, licenses and other supporting documentation are not required until the application has been screened and a request to complete the application is issued by the staff.  Not all applicants will be asked to complete the application for review by the Program Committee.

Please note that you must email or call to have a preliminary discussion about your project and application. The staff can help you focus your request on projects which are more likely to be funded.  Applications which have not been screened are the most likely to be turned down.

TMF has four core grant making areas for businesses that have been legally established for at least three years in Philadelphia:

Business Stabilization grants up to $10,000 to help small businesses remain stable, viable and grow in the face of economic challenges and opportunities.

http://www.merchantsfund.org/grant-areas-business-stabilization.html

Business Loan matches up to $20,000 to match accredited government programs or bank loans.

http://www.merchantsfund.org/grant-areas-business-loan.html

Emergency grants between $1,000 and $20,000 to offset unavoidable harm caused by nature or man.  The staff must determine if your case fits the criteria for an emergency grant.  The downturn in the economic climate is not considered a valid reason for an emergency application. The application is no longer on the web site and can only be obtained from TMF by request.  Unsolicited and unqualified applications lead to this change in systems.

Please visit our web site http://www.merchantsfund.org/ for printable applications and detailed guidelines or contact us directly at info@merchantsfund.org   or  call 215-399-1339.  There are also brief descriptions of past grants on the web site to inspire and guide your efforts.