INNOVATION | ENTREPRENEURSHIP | LEADERSHIP
ABOUT
The Widger Family Foundation, based in Greater Philadelphia, was established in 2019 by Charles and Barbara Widger. Expanding the Board to include family members and close affiliates, the Foundation is committed to creating value for people through philanthropy that reflects essential aspirations and experiences. Building on success in the field of investment management, the Foundation supports programs and organizations that embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
GRANTMAKING
The Foundation employs actionable strategies that embrace innovative and disruptive models which address gaps, build capacity, surpass conventional approaches, and hold promise for greater impact. Grantmaking focuses on opportunities that demonstrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in mental/behavioral health services, education, and economic revitalization. The Foundation seeks to leverage resources and create value to empower individuals and communities locally and beyond to fulfill their potential and purpose.
GRANTMAKING GUIDELINES
ISSUE AREAS
TYPES OF GRANTS
Mental/Behavioral Health
Supports organizations and initiatives at a local and national level that enhance the well-being of individuals facing mental and behavioral health challenges, increase operational capacity, and foster innovation within the field that builds on evidence-based practices.
Education
Supports organizations and initiatives that provide equitable access to opportunities for students in Greater Philadelphia that build educational pathways and lead to transformative outcomes.
Economic Revitalization
Supports strategic investments in community-centered initiatives that strengthen the economic health of Greater Philadelphia and engage residents and stakeholders to produce positive physical change and shared prosperity.
General Operating Support
General operating support gives organizations the flexibility to use grant funds at their discretion.
Program/Project
Support
Program/project support is targeted funding that supports a specific initiative outlined by the applicant.
Emerging Leader
Award
The invite-only Award honors an individual who has demonstrated impact in an above-issue area.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The Widger Family Foundation does not support the following:
- Individuals
- Private Foundations
- Endowments
- Organizations that influence legislation as a substantial part of their purpose
- Political organizations or campaigns
- Memberships, subscriptions, tickets for benefits, conferences, fundraising events, annual campaigns
- The Widger Family Foundation does not make grants to organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law
GRANTMAKING PROCESS
GRANT CYCLES​
The Foundation has two formal grant cycles per year. Only invited proposals received by the dates below will be accepted:​
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- March 15
- September 15
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​Grant decisions are made in April and October. The Foundation may make discretionary gifts on a rolling basis at the direction of the Board.
LETTER OF INQUIRY​
The Widger Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and limits its grants to organizations that we invite to apply. However, the Foundation does not discourage prospective organizations from sharing ideas. For the Widger Family Foundation to consider supporting a program that aligns with its mission, prospective organizations should provide a brief description of the project and contact information.