[POISE Foundation](https://poisefoundation.org)

June 2026 (application deadline, projected)

Amount varies; typically operating support for small Black Led Organizations (BLOs) impacted by crises.

Operating support for small Black Led Organizations addressing urgent needs in the Black community during crises.

This fund is not currently open; it is poised to activate rapidly in response to future crises.

--- ## Description The Critical Community Needs Fund (CCNF) is an emergency grant program administered by the POISE Foundation. It is designed to provide operating support to small, Black Led Organizations (BLOs) that address urgent needs in the Black community, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund aims to help BLOs sustain critical services and maintain operations for vulnerable populations when resources are strained. While the fund is not currently accepting applications, it is maintained as a rapid-response resource to be activated in future emergencies affecting the Black community. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Funding amounts vary based on need and available resources. - Grants typically provide operating support to help eligible organizations continue essential community services during and after crises. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be small, Black Led Organizations (BLOs). - Organizations must serve the Black community, with a focus on urgent or critical needs arising from crises (e.g., public health emergencies like COVID-19). - Preference may be given to organizations operating in Allegheny and Beaver counties, Pennsylvania. - Applicants must demonstrate the impact of the crisis on their operations and the populations they serve. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Program Fit:** Visit the [POISE Foundation website](https://poisefoundation.org/critical-community-needs-fund/) to ensure your organization aligns with the fund's criteria. 2. **Online Portal Registration:** When the fund opens, create an account or log in to the [POISE online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=pfgrants). 3. **Eligibility Quiz:** Complete the eligibility quiz (federal tax ID required). 4. **Letter of Inquiry (LOI):** Submit a LOI by the posted deadline. If invited, attend an LOI interview (may be optional for returning applicants). 5. **Full Proposal:** If invited, submit a full application by the required deadline. 6. **Final Report:** If funded, submit a final report within one year or before the next grant request. *Refer to [application tutorials and resources](https://poisefoundation.org/how-to-apply) for detailed guidance.* --- ## Additional Information - The CCNF is not currently open but is maintained for rapid activation in future emergencies. - Reporting is required for all funded organizations before consideration for future grants. - Collaborator features in the grant portal allow multiple users to work on an application together. --- ## External Links - [Critical Community Needs Fund Program Page](https://poisefoundation.org/critical-community-needs-fund/) - [POISE Foundation Home](https://poisefoundation.org) - [How to Apply – POISE Foundation](http://poise-foundation.squarespace.com/how-to-apply) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=pfgrants) - [Application Tutorials & Resources](https://poisefoundation.org/how-to-apply) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Email | [info@poisefdn.org](mailto:info@poisefdn.org) | | Grants Inquiries | [grants@poisefdn.org](mailto:grants@poisefdn.org) | | Phone | 412-281-4967 | | Address | Two Gateway Center, Suite 1700, 603 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222| | Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://poisefoundation.org/contact-us/) |

Critical Community Needs Fund

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