Moving Mountains Grant 2025

We kindly ask that each applicant ensure all required information and supporting documents are included with their submission. Please take a moment to carefully review the checklist to help ensure your application is complete. The Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust (LHSCT) may be unable to consider proposals that are missing required materials. 

Click here for a downloadable application.  https://form.jotform.com/252305820308045 

Click here for a downloadable Budget Spreadsheet Template  

Budget template 

 

Moving Mountains Small Business Grant FAQs 

What is the Moving Mountains Grant? 

The Moving Mountains Grant is a $10,000 award for small businesses owned and operated in Philadelphia. Its purpose is to help stabilize and strengthen day-to-day business operations, especially focusing on core needs that increase capacity, reduce risk, or help sustain or increase revenue.  

 

Who is eligible? 

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

  • Demonstrate annual operating revenue not exceeding $250,000. 
  • Have maintained continuous operations for a minimum of three (3) years. 
  • Operate and maintain business ownership within the City of Philadelphia. 

* Priority is given to businesses located in North Philadelphia 

  • ZIP codes 19121, 19122, 19123, 19125, 19130, 19132, 19133 

 

How much is the grant for?  

  • $10,000 

When is the application deadline? 

  • The application must be submitted by Friday, November 14, 2025. 

 

What kind of costs / projects are eligible? 

Your proposed project should address one (or more) of these challenges: 

  • Gaps in working capital (payroll, inventory, vendor terms) 
  • Professional services (accounting, bookkeeping, marketing) 
  • Compliance or licensing (permits, inspections, fees) 
  • Upgrading systems previously done manually (e.g. payroll, inventory, POS, accounting software) 
  • Rising fixed costs (rent, insurance, utilities) 
  • Digital access / skills gaps 
  • Or other core operating challenges or risks.  

You will need to present a clear project description, budget request (up to $10,000), and a narrative explaining how the costs support your business goals. 

 

Where can I find the project budget template? 

 

What documents will I need to submit? 

You must upload the following: 

  1. Project Description: Provide a detailed project description including project activities, geographic area or target population or customer base and expected project results. 
  2. Project Budget: Template provided on SullivanTrust.org 
  3. 2024 Tax Return + 2023 Tax Return: Verification of recent revenue.  
  4. Commercial Activity License (City of Philadelphia): Proof that you are licensed locally.  
  5. Federal EIN Confirmation Letter — Verifying your business‐tax identity.  

What demographic or business background information is asked? 

  • We collect basic demographic and business background information such as age range, gender, race/ethnicity, business industry, years in operation, and business size. 
  • This data is collected for research / learning, not for determining eligibility. 

Can an online or remote business apply? 

  • Yes. Even if your business operates online or remotely, you must still provide a valid Philadelphia mailing address associated with your business. 

 

How many times can a business apply for the grant?  

  • An organization may apply once each calendar year; however, chances of receiving subsequent funding are not guaranteed. Applications are accepted twice a year. Any application submitted after the deadline cannot be considered. All applications must be submitted electronically by the deadline date. Organizations will be notified six (6) weeks after receipt of their proposal. 

 

Can For-Profit Businesses Apply? 

  • No. The Moving Mountains Grant is exclusively available to non-profit organizations. However, the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust recognizes that many for-profit businesses also play an important role in advancing community impact. Our Pathways to Impact Grant is an excellent opportunity for small businesses seeking operational support, capacity building, or assistance in overcoming barriers to growth and sustainability. 

 

What happens after I complete my application? 

  • The application will be reviewed based on eligibility, clarity of project, justification of budget, and alignment with program goals (e.g. stability, risk reduction, increasing capacity). 
  • You will receive notice of award/nonaward after the review period. (Exact timelines may depend on the number of applications.)