BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The City of Bethlehem is accepting applications for its third round of Community Recovery Fund grants, with up to $500,000 available to support nonprofit and community organizations serving city residents.
Applications for the 2025 grant cycle opened March 15 and will close May 16 at 11:59 p.m. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 through the city’s Neighborly Software portal.
The grant program was established using pandemic recovery funding to address systemic issues exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It aims to support organizations providing services in 16 priority areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Child Care Support
- Climate Justice
- Community Center
- Economic Development
- Education and Literacy Programs
- Food Assistance
- High-Speed Internet
- Job Training
- Mental Health and Counseling Services
- Parks and Recreation
- Public Communication Tools
- Public Health
- Senior Services
- Utility Assistance
- Violence Prevention
“Through this Grant Program, the City of Bethlehem is making new investments in the community to improve and expand the ways we take care of each other through local public and social services,” said city officials in the grant guidelines.
Organizations must serve a population of at least 51% Bethlehem residents.
Preference will be given to applicants who haven’t received previous funding from the program or aren’t currently receiving other city funding and serve primarily low-to-moderate income households, BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, or people with disabilities.
Applicants must submit the required documentation, including tax exemption documentation, organizational bylaws, prior tax forms, and a current W9.
Application decisions are expected in October or November 2025, with grant agreements running for 24 months.
Interested organizations are encouraged to apply online.
For more information or questions contact Lori Gilio, Grants Administrator, at 610-997-7970 or lgilio@bethlehem-pa.gov.
