Independence Foundation Announces New “Resiliency Fund” to Boost Charitable, Nonprofit Sector
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia-based Independence Foundation announced new grants today through The Resiliency Fund, a $1 million, multi-year investment designed to strengthen the region’s nonprofit sector. Aimed to “meet the moment,” the grants provide tools and funding to bolster nonprofit capacity at a time when many are facing great upheaval, including a loss of government funding.
These grants are supplemental to Independence Foundation’s regular grantmaking program.
“Nonprofits throughout the region are providing critical public services at a time of increased need,” said Reggie Shuford, president & CEO of Independence Foundation. “These investments will provide structural, collaborative support across the nonprofit sector. In that way, they’re different from our regular funding that primarily supports organizations’ general operations. Our goal is to assist nonprofits with the tools they need to continue to function and provide services at a high level.”
The grants will be multi-year donations and will include support for strengthening organizations’ capacity, providing legal support and policy coordination, and bolstering nonprofits contemplating mergers and other joint ventures.
One of the recipients of the funding is the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), which provides support to nonprofits through training, best practices, consultation, and discount programs.
“Since January 2025, nonprofits have been seeking trusted legal resources and other information they need to navigate the challenges of providing services to those most vulnerable in this current volatile moment,” said Anne L. Gingerich, executive director of PANO. “PANO and our partners are so grateful for Independence Foundation’s support, which is allowing us to provide up-to-date federal, state, and local policy alerts, a legal clearinghouse, and an online navigation hub housing trusted educational opportunities, tools, templates, and more.”
Other recipients are Nonprofit Repositioning Fund and the Coordinated Capacity Strengthening Initiative.
“We don’t exist in a vacuum or in isolation. We are well aware of how the current political climate is impacting our neighbors in need,” Shuford said. “Independence Foundation strives to collaborate with fellow foundations, our nonprofit partners, and, most importantly, the communities impacted by the great work they do day in and day out. We are committed to doing what we can to support our neighbors most in need during this challenging time.”
The foundation is also collaborating on several joint efforts, including the Immigrant and Refugee Emergency Relief Fund, the Pennsylvania Fund for Immigrant Rights and Equity, and the newly announced Regional Food Fund, a $6 million initiative responding to food insecurity and federal funding cuts across Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition, Independence Foundation is a sponsor of Philly Gives, a campaign intended to inspire generosity and collective giving by connecting donors, companies, and foundations to local nonprofits making a direct impact across the greater Philadelphia region.