Our Mission

The Caroline Alexander Buck foundation is an independent private foundation that was funded more than 50 years ago by Caroline A. Churchman in memory of her mother.  Since its creation in 1960, the Foundation has been devoted to its mission of expanding services and opportunities available to children in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. 

The Foundation focuses on programs that provide educational opportunities and support to children from preschool through high school.  In addition, the Foundation focuses on programs that provide necessary social services support to children and their families.  By supporting these programs, the Foundation seeks to encourage children to become productive and engaged members of their communities.

Tax-exempt organizations providing direct services to children and their families that align with the Foundation’s mission may apply for a core grant or a transformational grant.  Core grants are typically awarded for general operating expenses and specific projects with annual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.  Transformational grants are awarded to developing organizations and established organizations engaged in capacity building.  While capacity building takes many forms, it generally involves moving the organization to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity in order to advance the organization’s mission more effectively and efficiently.  Transformational grants are generally awarded as two-year grants with annual grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.