Opportunity Grants Guide 2026-27

A G U I D E TO

High Foundation Opportunity Grants

contents

Message from the Chair of the Board

1

Message from the Executive Director

3

Guiding Principle & Mission

4

Values & The High Philosophy

5

Opportunity Grant Pillars

6

Core Requirements & 2026 Grantmaking Data

7

Frequently Asked Questions

8

Important Dates & How to Apply

9

A Bridge to Opportunity T

he High Family has long been

community, which includes creating

keenly aware of our community

family-sustaining jobs and doing

and its needs, recognizing that with all that we are given, whether

so in healthy work environments.

As we embark on each new

in assets, leadership influence, or

chapter, the future is full of

opportunities of other sorts, we

anticipation and excitement. We

are accountable to aid and serve

are dedicated to our mission and

others. With the formation of High

confident in the new vision and

Foundation in 1980, we established a

strategy for High Foundation. I am

structure by which we could invest

grateful for the efforts of Board and

in more transformative initiatives

Committee members, staff, and our

and programs that lead to thriving

consultants who have participated

communities and an improved

with us on this journey. We know

quality of life for everyone.

that along with High companies

My gift of ownership interest in

and our community partners, our

High companies to High Foundation

collective efforts will lead to a

represents the continuation of our

brighter future for everyone

legacy and our commitment to the

as we continue to engage, to

communities where the companies

collaborate, to lead, to inspire,

provide economic investment

and to commit to making a

and employment. Our company

positive difference that serves as

culture has endured as one that is

a Bridge to Opportunity for others.

forever mindful of our role in the

S. Dale High

Chair of the Board

High Foundation Opportunity Grants | 1

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What if we could do more?

“W

hat if we could do more?”

The words of our benefactor

S. Dale High have been stirring in

our hearts as we watch his vision come to life. Dale’s generous gift of transferring his ownership interest in High companies to High Foundation represents the continuation of Dale’s legacy and our collective commitment to the communities we serve.

With every step we take on this journey, we are not just planning for tomorrow—we are shaping the world that we leave behind.

In line with Donor Intent, we began the process of strategic thinking, research, and engagement with Board and Committee members and staff, with the following goals in mind: ❖ Clear definition and agreement about our core values and how we see our role in community ❖ Well-developed strategy that will help drive impactful change in key areas

❖ A plan to consistently be inclusive in our grants and programming ❖ Strengthened organizational capacity to achieve results and execute on our plan ❖ A communication plan that supports the new direction, both within High companies and with community partners and stakeholders

We have made impressive progress toward these goals with a strong and clear direction for the Foundation’s next chapter. I am particularly proud of the depth of engagement in the process by all our Board and Committee members; I feel that the vision for our direction and approach is truly shared, and we have a clear path forward.

As we complete this phase of visioning forward and strategic planning, we are confident that along with High companies and our community partners, our collective efforts will lead to a brighter future for all!

❖ A reporting structure that is clear and helps us measure and communicate our impact in compelling ways ❖ A method by which we invest more significantly in communities where High has a business presence outside of South Central Pennsylvania

Robin D. Stauffer Executive Director

High Foundation Opportunity Grants | 3

GUIDING PRINCIPLE

“We are on this earth for a purpose that is larger than our own self-interests, and we must strive to make the world a better place.” ­— S. Dale High

MISSION

With a heart of service and a spirit of collaboration, High Foundation builds bridges to opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities, striving for an equitable world of beauty, prosperity, and peace.

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VALUES

Stewardship

Boldness

❖ We honor what has been given to us and the contributions of High coworkers, and we commit to being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

❖ We have the courage to take risks, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. ❖ We seek out and support innovation to keep our ideas fresh and to find new solutions.

❖ We hold ourselves accountable to having an impact with the Foundation’s resources and to staying true to the Donor Intent and our guiding values.

❖ We are committed to transformative impact, by actively convening the resources and talent in our communities.

❖ We understand our ownership of High companies creates employment opportunities and positive community impact that is consistent with our mission.

❖ We are forward thinking and are patient when necessary. ❖ We are a catalyst for change.

Servant Leadership

Equity

Optimism

❖ We listen carefully.

❖ We seek to ensure that everyone in our communities has the opportunity to be successful, recognizing that everyone is starting from a different place.

❖ We are full of hope and expectation as we approach our work.

❖ We approach our work with humility. ❖ We develop trustworthy relationships.

❖ We believe that everyone deserves dignity and respect.

❖ We actively collaborate with community partners, coworkers, and peers.

❖ We include the people who are most affected by an issue in the dialogue about the solutions.

❖ We operate with a high level of integrity and transparency.

❖ We have a positive focus, and we presume good intent. ❖ We persevere, even in the face of challenges. ❖ We believe we can make a difference

THE HIGH PHILOSOPHY OF HIGH COMPANIES Every company dreams its dreams and sets its standards. These are ours...

BUILDING TRUSTWORTHY RELATIONSHIPS

BEING INNOVATIVE LEADERS

❖ Valuing our customers and meeting their needs

❖ Creating an environment for innovation since 1931

❖ Respecting the dignity of all coworkers and their families ❖ Energizing our teamwork with participative management

❖ Recognizing and rewarding the accomplishments of our coworkers ❖ Strengthening our partnership with suppliers ❖ Contributing to a world of beauty, prosperity, and peace

❖ “Right the first time”—high quality products and services ❖ Investing profits to secure our future

“We give good measure.”

High Foundation Opportunity Grants | 5

OPPORTUNITY GRANT PILLARS This portfolio is focused on increasing equitable opportunity for everyone. It takes a holistic approach to the health, inclusiveness, economic vibrancy, and well-being of Lancaster County and the communities where High companies operate. Working across three substantive pillars, which are outlined below, High Foundation will provide grants and capacity building support to organizations and community leaders.

ECONOMIC VIBRANCY

COMMUNITY VITALITY

INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING

a talented, diverse workforce; is

when people have pride in the place

as how people feel and how they

prosperous, resilient, innovative,

where they live, have safe places

function, both on a personal

and competitive; and has equitable

to live and play, are engaged in the

and a social level, and how they

opportunities and outcomes for

civic life of their neighborhoods

evaluate their lives as a whole.”

all.”— The Vibrant Economy Index

and towns, have access to diverse

— New Economics Foundation

Possible areas for High Foundation

cultural and artistic activities,

Possible areas for High Foundation

“A vibrant economy is one that has

funding in this pillar: ❖ Economic security and mobility ❖ Generational wealth-building ❖ Education ❖ Workforce development ❖ Supportive services ❖ Housing ❖ Re-entry after prison and support to justice-impacted families

Community vitality is evident

and feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to one another.

Possible areas for High Foundation funding in this pillar: ❖ Culture

funding in this pillar: ❖ Health (social determinants of health) ❖ Nutrition ❖ Physical activity

❖ Physical infrastructure & open space

❖ Mental health and social emotional well-being

❖ Arts

❖ Seniors

❖ Civic engagement

❖ Disabled accessibility

❖ Historic preservation

❖ Safety

❖ Environment

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“Well-being can be understood

CORE REQUIREMENTS

High Foundation contributes only to non-political, 501(c)3 Community Benefit Organizations.

High Foundation is most interested in capital projects, with a mission of aligning with Community Benefit Organizations to support positive change within areas of identified need. It will also consider requests for seed funding to explore and launch sustainable projects that address a demonstrated gap in the community landscape. Neither contributions nor loans are made to individuals or for-profit entities.

LOCATION The organization must be located in Lancaster City, Lancaster County, or another community in which High companies provide economic investment and employment. These communities include: ❖ Lancaster County, PA

❖ York, PA

❖ Charlotte, NC

❖ Allentown, PA

❖ Sarasota, FL

❖ Springboro, OH

❖ Harrisburg, PA

❖ Mt. Laurel, NJ

❖ Williamsport, PA

❖ Trenton/Ewing, NJ

MISSION Organizational mission must be aligned with High Foundation’s Opportunity Grant Pillars.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY High Foundation is committed to fostering environments where all individuals have equitable access to opportunity. We support partners whose programs promote fairness, inclusion, and broad community benefit.

IMPACT MEASUREMENT Our community partners are the heartbeat of what we do, and it is our desire to champion the work of our partners and create more awareness about the good work happening in our communities, while telling High Foundation’s story. If you receive funding from us, we ask that you provide information that will help demonstrate the impact High Foundation’s investments and initiatives have had on your organization in the following ways: ❖ Providing social media content ❖ Submitting a follow-up report by October 1 regarding the progress or completion of your project/program ❖ Scheduling a site visit or meeting when requested

FUNDING ELIGIBILITY We support nonprofit initiatives that align with our mission and funding priorities. Our funding generally does not extend to the following: ❖ Organizations outside of communities in which High companies operate ❖ Individuals

❖ Political organizations or campaigns ❖ Sports and academic teams or clubs ❖ Public Schools or Education Foundations

❖ For-profit entities

❖ Event Sponsorships

2026 GRANTMAKING DATA Average Grant Size:

$25k

178

Applications Received

130

Grants Awarded

28%

of Applications Fully Funded High Foundation Opportunity Grants | 7

OPPORTUNITY GRANTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DO YOU FUND OPERATIONAL REQUESTS? High Foundation is most interested in capital projects, with a mission of aligning with Community Benefit Organizations to support positive change within areas of identified need. It will also consider requests for seed funding to explore and launch sustainable projects that address a demonstrated gap in the community landscape.

Neither contributions nor loans are made to individuals or for-profit entities.

WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUESTED ON A GRANT APPLICATION? Organization Information ❖ Mission Statement ❖ Board Members and Key Staff

❖ Commitment to Equitable Access to Opportunity ❖ Audited Financial Statement

❖ 990 Form ❖ IRS Determination Letter

Project Information ❖ Project Name

❖ Need

❖ Breakdown of Funding

❖ Summary

❖ Impact

❖ Funding Schedule

❖ Goals

❖ Collaboration

❖ Amount of Request

❖ Metrics for Success

❖ Budget

MY ORGANIZATION’S PROJECT FITS IN WITH YOUR PRIORITIES. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NOT TO FUND? The allocation of funds is determined through a review process that takes into account various factors such as funds available for distribution, alignment with our Pillars of Investment, project impact, and the number of applications received in the current round. While we understand the needs and aspirations of many Community Benefit Organizations, it is not always possible to fully fund every request due to budgetary constraints and the nature of the grant process.

WHY WAS THE GRANT AMOUNT AWARDED TO OUR ORGANIZATION A FRACTION OF OUR REQUEST? See the response above. Additionally, High Foundation appreciates partnerships and collaboration with other funders, as this demonstrates a broader base of support for the project and increases its sustainability.

WHAT IF I HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH THE ONLINE APPLICATION? Please contact csnyder@high.net for assistance.

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IMPORTANT DATES Grant Application Window JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 1

Grant Review Process SEPTEMBER 2 - DECEMBER 31 Grant Award Notification, Grant Agreements Processed, and Checks Distributed JANUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 28 Grant agreements are required for all awards.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your grant application on the GRANTS page at highfoundation.org.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: Chris Snyder Grants Manager csnyder@high.net

High Foundation Opportunity Grants | 9

1861 William Penn Way Lancaster, PA 17605 highfoundation.org