Our Work
With a focus on genuine partnership and sustained collaboration, Briar Hill offers a thoughtful approach to philanthropy.
Briar Hill Foundation fulfills its mission through collaborative programming, strategic grantmaking, and leadership development designed to amplify good work in Lancaster County.
Established as an Operating Foundation, Briar Hill Foundation supports Lancaster’s broader nonprofit ecosystem with hands-on programming and strategic grant distributions. Whether benefiting from collaborative programming or impact grants, our partners receive ongoing access to Briar Hill’s staff and board as they build organizational capacity and engage in intentional leadership development.
How We Work
Collaborative Programming
To support the broader nonprofit community in Lancaster, we provide financial and administrative support to programs that encourage peer learning, leadership development, data collection, and training. Our programming initiatives invest in nonprofit leadership, working with them to problem-solve and establish long-term impact strategies. It’s our belief that the innovation, care, and dedication of these leaders will change Lancaster for the better.
Impact Grants
Through our strategic grantmaking process, Briar Hill Foundation engages leaders and organizations dedicated to arts education, environmental conservation, and community well-being in Lancaster. We award a limited number of strategic grants each year, as selected by our Board of Directors, and prioritize organizations where our grants can be impactful to the mission of the partner organization.
“Our goals are simple: amplify the amazing work being done in our community and support the organizations striving to make real change in Lancaster.”
– Scott Fenimore, executive directorOur Work:
Encouraged student artists to create corporate art installations in collaboration with Fresh Artists and the School District of Lancaster.
Restored and enhanced the Climbers Run Nature Center in partnership with Lancaster County Conservancy.
Supported the Lancaster Homeless Coalition as they established a multi-purpose center in downtown Lancaster, bringing social service agencies, nonprofits, and other resources together in one facility.
Learn About Our Impact
Instead of relying on traditional success metrics, Briar Hill Foundation works side-by-side with grant partners to identify and iterate solutions to challenges facing Lancaster.