WE STAND FOR SERVICE^®

The WSFS CARES Foundation

The mission of the WSFS CARES Foundation is to support qualified nonprofit service organizations within our regional footprint that are invested in improving communities, fostering a spirit of inclusion and diversity and whose focus aligns with the WSFS CARES Foundation’s transformational vision.

WSFS Associate volunteering at Cathedral Kitchen.

WSFS CARES Foundation at a Glance

The WSFS CARES Foundation brings WSFS’ Mission of We Stand for Service^® to life across the Communities we serve.

$3.4 million

Grants and donations to over 500 organizations located across Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in 2025.

38,000+ volunteer hours

WSFS Associates volunteered more than 38,000 hours in 2025, including community service and providing financial literacy lessons.

1000 hours of financial education

WSFS Financial Literacy Champions taught over 400 classes on financial education in 2025.

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Supporting the community

Serving ten counties in three states throughout the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware regions.

WSFS CARES Foundation’s Areas of Focus

Grants are awarded for initiatives that are innovative, creative, sustainable and replicable. We support nonprofit organizations that focus on:

Community Investment

Events, initiatives and activities that enhance the quality of life in our communities and that promote cultural diversity, involve civic leadership and provide citizen education.

Affordable Housing

Providing shelter to those experiencing homelessness, affordable housing solutions and first-time homebuyer assistance to help address the housing needs of low-to-moderate income individuals.

Revitalization and Business Economic Empowerment

Promote a quality standard of living and economic wellbeing of the Communities we serve through partnerships with community organizations.

Education and Leadership Development

Educational programs to provide opportunities for mentoring, workforce development, internship programs and financial literacy.

Services for Those in Need

We support food banks, educational and counseling programs to help promote healthy lifestyles and offer services to people with disabilities and special needs.

Apply for a Grant

Strategic funding provided to non-profits to support defined programs, general operations, or specific community outcomes, with the primary goal being social impact.

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Apply for a Sponsorship

Contributions given to an event or program in exchange for promotional benefits, brand recognition, and marketing exposure.

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Grant Guidelines

The following criteria will be used to evaluate the grant proposal:

The targeted population the program will impact
The success of previously implemented programs or failures that will be remedied through the application of this grant
Evidence of need
Viability of program replication
Evidence of previously achieved benchmarks against which outcomes can be measured
Demonstrated ability to implement systemic change

Application Process

Grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed and approved throughout the course of the year. The following information is required:

Description of your organization’s mission
Program/project description
Program/project budget
Most recent operating budget
Most recent annual financial report
Biographical information for board of directors/trustees
IRS letter and 501(c)(3) certification

Grant Limitations

The WSFS CARES Foundation supports qualified nonprofit organizations that are invested in improving communities, fostering a spirit of inclusion and diversity, and whose focus aligns with our transformational vision. We will not provide funding to the following types of organizations, programs or activities:

Individuals
Organizations outside of our regional footprint or areas of focus
Private charities or foundations
Debt reduction
Direct religious programs
Endowments
Political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns
Organizations must represent that their programs and activities for which they seek funding do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, disability or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Approval

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Grant requests over $25,000 will be recommended to the WSFS CARES Foundation Board quarterly for review.

FAQs

Please fill out our grant application form or our sponsorship application form. You will need to provide information on your organization’s history, the purpose of your request, your requested donation and your organization’s board of trustees.

We make donations from as little as $100 up to multi-year grants in the thousands of dollars that support and positively impact our neighbors.

Applications for funding are accepted on an ongoing basis. Grant requests over $25,000 will be recommended to the WSFS CARES Foundation Board, which meets once during each quarter.

Making an impact in the Communities we serve is our primary goal. Therefore we focus our philanthropic efforts on community investments, affordable housing, revitalization and business economic empowerment, education and leadership development and services for those in need.

Please contact the WSFS Community Team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 302.571.7090.

You can access the latest copy of Form 990 by clicking here. You can access the IRS exemption letter by clicking here.

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Questions?

We’re here to help. Please contact the WSFS Community Team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 302.571.7090.