Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

501(c)(3) nonprofits facing urgent, unbudgeted needs in Lackawanna County can apply for up to US $5,000 in quickly deployed Critical Needs Grants to prevent interruptions to essential programs. Scranton Area Foundation supports emergencies such as health incidents, disasters, equipment failures, or sudden revenue shortfalls, and Pennsylvania arts and culture organizations may be eligible if they serve county residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania seeking capital funding for arts and culture facilities or improvements may be eligible for support, with priority to Bucks County and especially Bristol Borough. Grants from Grundy Foundation help Pennsylvania arts and culture groups undertake major “bricks and mortar” projects that broadly benefit local residents.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with a physical address in Upper Bucks County’s Palisades, Quakertown, or Pennridge School Districts can apply for Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Upper Bucks Community Fund, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for arts, science, technology, and rural life programs. Pennsylvania arts nonprofits in these districts may be especially well-suited.

Nonprofit organizations, local government units, and fiscally sponsored groups in north central Pennsylvania can seek support for civic, economic development, recreational, and youth initiatives benefiting residents of Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties. With a mission to improve quality of life, First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania provides competitive grants up to US $25,000.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Pennsylvania can apply for approximately US $15,000 to support community enrichment, arts programs, festivals, and related initiatives. Grants from EQT Foundation help eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in EQT’s operating counties, such as Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland, Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, and Tioga, enhance local quality of life.

Nonprofit organizations, government units, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania can apply for Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ Creative Catalyst Grants, offering US $5,000 - US $10,000 for special arts projects and events with statewide impact. Funding supports new initiatives that strengthen cultural, educational, or economic vitality and incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and music education organizations in Pennsylvania near Philadelphia can seek $5,000 - $25,000 for general operating support or resilience needs. With a mission to promote music education and philanthropy, Presser Foundation provides Special Projects funding for newly established and small music groups working across diverse musical traditions and styles.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties can seek $100,000 to strengthen core arts and culture work, including programs, staff, or infrastructure. Focused on arts, education, environment, family, and health and wellness, Impact100 Philadelphia favors smaller, financially stable groups serving underserved populations with clear, high-impact needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania seeking support for arts and culture, education, community, recreation, health, or human services projects can apply for funding of more than US $1,000. With a mission to invest in community-serving projects, George And Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation supports capital needs, well-established programs, and select startups in Cameron County and nearby areas.

Pennsylvania arts and culture nonprofits focused on education, visual arts, writing, literature, and related fields can seek funding for programs and projects. Focused on these areas, Hillman Family Foundations invites 501(c)(3) public charities in Pittsburgh and New York City to apply for grants ranging from US $1,000 - US $7,500,000 on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania offering education, human services, or healthcare programs that address poverty may be eligible for funding to support programs or operations. With a mission to impact lives and create sustainable change, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants that can include art education components benefiting vulnerable individuals and families.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities, or groups using a fiscal sponsor, can seek funding for environmental justice, clean water, air quality, greenspace access, and related stewardship projects. Pittsburgh Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $75,000 Environmental Action grants, prioritizing Allegheny County and organizations rooted in communities disproportionately impacted by poverty and environmental inequities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Allegheny County residents with arts, culture, or community-focused programs in Pennsylvania can apply for Pittsburgh Foundation’s project or general operating grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $150,000. Funding supports work in areas like basic needs, equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility.

Pennsylvania arts and culture nonprofits in Wayne County can access funding through Wayne County Community Foundation to support local programs and projects. Grants twice yearly can back initiatives in arts, literacy, culture, education, environment, health, human services, and community development that improve community well-being and strengthen organizational capacity.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Pennsylvania seeking support for tangible items can apply for grants up to US $10,000. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help organizations in areas like performing arts, humanities, media, museums, and historical preservation, with preference for Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania but eligibility extending across the state.

Nonprofit organizations, government units, and tribal governments in Pennsylvania can seek funding for folk and traditional arts projects such as performances, workshops, exhibitions, and documentation. With a mission to nurture diverse artistic expression, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides US $1,000 - US $5,000, requiring a 1:1 non-federal match and a publicly accessible component.

The Washington County Community Foundation offers Internship Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Washington County. These grants support nonprofit organizations by providing monetary stipends for student interns engaged in services while enrolled in accredited post-secondary education. With a commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation ensures effective charitable giving, promoting community improvement across various focus areas, including education, health, and arts.

Nonprofit museums and arts organizations supporting visual fine artists from Greater Philadelphia can seek funding for art purchases, commissions, solo exhibitions, or artist-led projects in Pennsylvania and nearby New Jersey counties. Grants from the Philadelphia Foundation’s Edna W. Andrade Fund range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 for 501(c)(3) groups with a strong exhibition history.

READY Communities grant program

The READY Communities Funding Collaborative is a new public-philanthropic pilot grantmaking program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA), coordinated by Grantmakers In Aging (GIA), and supported by Pennsylvania’s philanthropic organizations. 

The Collaborative will align state and philanthropic funding to support Pennsylvania’s communities in becoming accessible, inclusive, vibrant places for older adults, people with dementia, and neighbors of all ages.  

The Funding Collaborative will advance Aging Our Way, PA—the Commonwealth’s 10-year Multisector Plan on Aging (MPA). This plan serves as a roadmap for the state to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have the supports they need to age with dignity and independence.  

Grant applicants may propose small-scale, neighborhood-level projects or larger efforts with a regional reach. All projects must align with at least one of the Aging Our Way, PA priority areas listed below:

• Unlocking Access
• Aging in Community
• Gateways to Independence
• Caregiver Supports
• Education and Navigation 

The intention of this pilot grant program is to fund new and innovative programs, support the expansion of existing programs to serve new populations, and/or enhance the delivery of existing programs in new ways. Projects should demonstrate potential for scalability, shared learning, and cross-community benefit.

Examples of Projects That Can Be Funded:

• Hosting a memory café or social connection program
• Developing an intergenerational creative arts program
• Launching a new culturally appropriate community program for addressing end-of-life needs
• Developing or expanding a village, hub, or navigation model
• Scaling a community dementia awareness initiative
• Growing a coalition or multisector partnership to apply for the Age-Friendly Communities designation or improve age-friendly programs and design

Organizations can request $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000. 

Arts and culture nonprofits in Pennsylvania can apply for Universal Leaf Foundation grants to support community-building programs, cultural engagement, and stewardship of public resources. With a mission to strengthen communities, Universal Corporation provides 501(c)(3) organizations in its priority U.S. locations with up to US $5,000 for arts, education, well-being, and environmental initiatives.

The Art Works Grant Program, initiated by the Philadelphia Foundation and Forman Arts Initiative, aims to empower Philadelphia artists and cultural organizations, particularly those serving BIPOC communities. With a budget of $3 million, the program offers annual grants of $25,000 for artists and between $75,000 and $150,000 for community organizations. Grantees also benefit from professional development workshops and consulting services to enhance their operational and artistic capabilities.

Nonprofit organizations supporting children in Pennsylvania with arts, education, or community programs can apply for Detwiler Family Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000. With a mission to enrich the lives of children facing difficult challenges, the foundation funds project and matching grants, including arts and cultural programs benefiting children experiencing trauma.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities in Lycoming County can seek project funding for arts and culture, education, health, human services, youth, environment, and economic development. Focused on community impact, First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania invites Pennsylvania arts and culture nonprofits to propose innovative, collaborative programs that benefit Lycoming County residents, with awards ranging from US $250,000 - US $500,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania offering curriculum-based photography, architecture, or written arts programs for youth ages 11–18 can receive funding for direct and indirect program costs. The Philadelphia Foundation’s Forman Family Fund awards up to US $40,000 for in-school or out-of-school-time arts education across five Pennsylvania counties.

Nonprofit or government arts presenters in Pennsylvania that regularly engage touring artists can access funding through the Jazz Touring Network, with awards up to US $3,000 to support jazz presentations. Grants from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation help organizations, including those newer to presenting jazz, join a regional network, strengthen programming, and participate in block-booked jazz tours.

Nonprofit organizations in northwestern Pennsylvania offering established, year-round arts, cultural, educational, health, environmental, or community programs can apply for the Harry Winslow Foundation’s grants, averaging Approximately US $4,069, to expand direct services. Programs must demonstrate measurable impact, serve community needs, and benefit broad or underserved populations, which may include arts-focused nonprofits in Pennsylvania.