Foundation Micro-Grants

The Foundation Micro-Grant Application will Open September 14, 2026

Awards will be announced by December 11, 2026.

The Lebanon Valley Chamber Foundation is offering Micro-Grants to small businesses and non-profits. Grants will be awarded – up to $3,000 per organization – to be utilized in four categories including professional development, paid internships, business improvements and technology upgrades. Depending upon applications, up to $30,000 in total funding may be awarded by the end of 2026.

Purpose:

By targeting grant categories such as professional development, paid internships, business improvements, and IT upgrades, these grants address specific needs that can significantly enhance operational effectiveness and growth potential. Professional development grants equip staff with essential skills, fostering innovation and productivity. Paid internships create opportunities for young people and disadvantaged individuals, paving the way for future employment and economic advancement. Business improvement grants enable small enterprises to enhance their facilities and services, while IT upgrade grants ensure these entities can compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Collectively, these grants stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and promote inclusivity, ultimately leading to a more resilient and prosperous local economy.

The Micro-Grant Program is generously funded through a grant from the HerZimBa Foundation.

The HerZimBa Foundation was founded to be a transformational force in the Lebanon Valley through significant grants to charitable organizations. The Foundation was established by three former Senior Managers of PRL, Inc. after the sale of the companies. It was established to honor and pay tribute to all the co-workers of PRL, Inc. prior to 2021, which also included PRL, Industries, LTC-Lebanon, LTC-Cornwall and Regal Cast.

Go to ONLINE APPLICATION

Download PDF Application

Download PDF of FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Applicants can be for-profit or non-profit (501c3).
Applicants must operate in Lebanon County and have 25 or fewer employees. Full-time equivalent = two part-time employees equal one full-time.
The grant funds are available for all businesses in Lebanon County that meet the eligibility criteria regardless of their membership status with any organization.

Focus Areas

Professional Development — professional development, leadership training, certifications, education, etc.
Paid Internships — Salary expense for students from local/regional high schools or colleges or unemployed individuals looking to reengage in the workforce. Does not include staff benefits other than wages.
Business Improvements — interior/external improvements like paint, awnings, signage, displays, etc.
Technology Upgrades — upgrading hardware, software, connectivity, point-of-sale programs, etc.

Timeline

Applications will be accepted from 8 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026, through 4 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Notification of awards will occur on December 11, 2026.
Distribution of Funds -January 4, 2027 (following submission, review, and approval of Grant Spending Plan).

Applications

All applicants are encouraged to apply online at lvchamber.org/foundationgrantapplication to facilitate processing. Paper applications will be available with drop-off instructions and can be printed from the website or picked up at the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce during business hours. Please note that the online application cannot be saved before completion. Once you begin the application, you must finish and submit it or risk losing your answers.
No applications can be adjusted once submitted.
Applicants must complete and submit a grant proposal that includes all components listed on the application including program/project description, timeline, and budget.
If selected, the awardee will be required to complete and submit the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Grant Spending Plan before the release of the funds. Additionally, the awardee will be required to submit a Grant Impact Report to the Foundation post-award by June 30, 2027.

Funding Detail

Businesses may apply for up to $3,000 for the 2026 grant program. An organization may submit multiple grant applications for each category if desired. The total combined grant award per organization is limited to $3,000.
Depending upon applications, up to $30,000 in total funding may be awarded by the end of 2026.
Non-eligible expenses:
- Administrative purposes.
- Staffing Expenses (other than development or interns as noted above).
- Daily operations.

Application Scoring

Applications will be reviewed by designated representatives of the Lebanon Valley Chamber Foundation Board of Directors.

Proposals will be evaluated on:

Regional economic impact – 20%
Impact of grant to business – 20%
Financial stability or growth – 20%
Longevity of business – 15%
Clarity and rationale of request – 15%
Minority, woman or veteran-owned or operated – 10%

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

All questions with a red asterisk must be answered. Incomplete applications may not be processed.

Supporting Documents:

To provide a history of business/organizational success applicants are required to provide three years of the company’s end-of-year balance sheet (assets and liabilities) and end-of-year financial statement (profit and loss). It can be calendar year or fiscal year. Basic account categories only. There is no need for transaction statements. If you have been in business for less than 3 years, please submit for the years you have operated.

Questions about any portion of the application or grant process can be directed to Karen Groh, President & CEO of the Lebanon Valley Chamber Foundation – kgroh@lvchamber.org or 717-273-3727.