Best Grants for Churches in Pennsylvania

Churches, Christian organizations, and community groups in Pennsylvania can seek funding for religious work, Christian education, community improvement, and relief of distress. With a mission to improve spiritual and material conditions, Pitcairn Crabbe Foundation provides support primarily to agencies and institutions within a 100-mile radius of Pittsburgh, following an initial online LOI process.

Christian churches and faith-based organizations in Pennsylvania’s Berks County can receive up to US $10,000 for youth activities, senior services, hunger relief, and ministry or outreach projects. Berks County Community Foundation prioritizes religious organizations, including United Church of Christ congregations and Reading City Church, especially those located in or near Reading and within one mile of St. John’s building.

The Jandy Ammons Foundation provides Pennsylvania Christian organizations and 501(c)(3) public charities with capital funding for shovel-ready projects such as church mission facilities, park or community spaces, educational environments, and artistic or conservation installations. Eligible applicants must seek support for specific standalone projects, not programs, operations, staffing, or scholarships.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania launching innovative programs addressing poverty, violence, and inequality can receive Emerging Leader support, including US $15,000 over two years for program and leader development. With a mission to invest in emerging Christian leaders, We Raise Foundation provides funding plus conferences and coaching for leaders ages 20–35 serving under-resourced communities.

Local churches with Christian ministries focused on stewardship, technology, or leadership development can receive up to US $500 for specific projects, including AV upgrades and leader training. Grants from the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church may benefit churches in Pennsylvania that are part of or collaborating with this conference’s ministries.

Pennsylvania Christian 501(c)(3) organizations serving first responders, military, police, firefighters, disaster relief, prisons, healthcare facilities, children, or at-risk populations can access book resources through the 1687 Foundation Book Ministry. Churches and related ministries that fit these categories may be eligible for donated Christian books to support their outreach and care programs.

Churches and Christian 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania can seek funding for religious, charitable, and educational programs that promote the Christian faith. The Bolick Foundation supports Christianity-focused work across the U.S., including program-related activities and limited capital improvements for organizations aligned with Christian beliefs and holding a valid EIN.

501(c)(3) charities working on Christian initiatives, education access, community development, or international development, including church-related programs in Pennsylvania, can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support measurable, well-planned projects. Grants from Bertin Family Foundation prioritize strong governance, financial transparency, and alignment with the foundation’s values, with applications submitted via its Foundant portal each year.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania that provide charitable, benevolent, or religious aid may apply for the Robert J. Keown Trust’s US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants to support needy Christians. Organizations serving elderly Christian women or Christians who are infirm or without visible means of support may be especially competitive.

Churches, Sunday Schools, youth organizations, and other 501(c)(3) character-building agencies in Pennsylvania using audio-visual tools for Christian education can seek funding for religion and character-building programs. Grants from Ida W Browning Audio Visual Trust help Harrisburg-based ministries purchase or enhance audio and visual technology, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $15,000.

Christian congregations in Pennsylvania serving rural or small-town communities can receive US $2,500 - US $4,000 to expand community outreach and church-based programming. Bridge Builders Community Foundations funds congregation-led projects that strengthen churches as community hubs and encourage collaboration with other nonprofits, with awards used over a two-year period.

Beatrice High School graduating seniors active in a Christian church can receive US $500 for undergraduate tuition, room and board, or books through this scholarship. Offered by Beatrice Educational Foundation, this award supports students with financial need who have at least a 3.0 GPA and are preparing for higher education.

High school seniors in select Northern Pennsylvania counties pursuing post-secondary education can apply for the Twin Tiers Youth for Christ Scholarship, awarding US $2,000 toward college or job-training costs. Administered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, eligible students must secure a recommendation from a pastor of a Christian church.

University or college faculty researching Christian spiritual formation with next-generation adults can apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 from American Bible Society to test Scripture engagement interventions, including in Pennsylvania. Projects should increase Bible engagement, track changes using ABS’s Scripture Engagement Scale, and produce scalable, reportable findings for broader Christian communities.

Pennsylvania Christian students seeking support for 2- or 4-year post-secondary education can access funding through the Ted & Marian Stout Scholarship, an endowed program emphasizing Christian values and strong scholastic standing. Administered by Decatur County Community Foundation, this award is for members of First Baptist Church of Greensburg with clear educational and life goals.

Churches and Christian ministries carrying out gospel-centered humanitarian work can apply for funding that supports spreading Christianity and demonstrating Christ’s love in action. Bellevue Heights Church Foundation awards grants for projects in the U.S. and abroad; Pennsylvania congregations with qualifying outreach or mission programs may be eligible.

Christian 501(c)(3) media and journalism organizations in Pennsylvania and across North America can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 to advance Adventist-focused reporting and storytelling projects. Versacare supports initiatives like investigative pieces, major stories, training, technology, travel, and awards that strengthen ethical, innovative Adventist communication and media work.

Pennsylvania Christian churches and students may be eligible if they have a permanent residence in Carroll County, Ohio and are active participants in a Carroll County church. The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund from Stark Community Foundation supports enrollment at accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools, with awards of more than US $500.

Aurora-area high school graduates pursuing college studies in law, teaching, Christian ministry, or agriculture can receive scholarship support to further their education. The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides awards around US $1,000, typically as non-renewable one-year or renewable multi-year scholarships, which may benefit future church and ministry leaders in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

R.C. and Betsy Williamson Scholarship

The R.C. and Betsy Williamson Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 by Brad Williamson, their son, to honor his father and mother. R.C. Williamson was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky. He married Betsy Berry of Staunton, VA in 1949 and they moved to Richmond in 1950. R.C. spent his working career with the Natural Gas Company of VA, Inc. (MR ABLE PROPANE) until his death in January of 2008. R.C. passionately believed in the value of education and was himself the recipient of post-secondary scholarships.

The purpose of the scholarship fund is to support post-secondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduates of public or private high schools in the Central Virginia area. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate Christian values, financial need, commitment to their community and academic achievement.

This scholarship is available for up to a total of four years, provided you:

• Have maintained good academic standing.
• Continue to be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, community college or trade school in the continental United States.

Estmated Award Amount

• $3,500 year 1, renew $1,000

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Bruce and Lynn Lindsey Skills Scholarship

Adults or graduating seniors from Lehman Catholic High School, Sidney Christian Academy, and Sidney High School who are enrolling in an accredited adult educational program or trade school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Demonstrated interest and passion for a specific career path, demonstrated work experience, demonstrated community or school service, and recommendations. Preference given to applicants seeking a career in HVAC, plumbing or electrical.

Awards

• Two $2,000 scholarships

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Schmiesing Homeschool Scholarship

Selection based, in order of priority:

• Demonstrated church participation, employment history, recommendations, academic ability, and financial need.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

William C. and Anna Rose Chamberlain Memorial

The fund was established in 1926 "for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," to be used to educate those interested in the ministry; or as a missionary; or ordained professional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); or for some definite religious work in connection with the church. Priority is given to members or former members of Gender Road Christian Church (formerly known as Southeast Christian Church).

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kenneth P. Rutter (Rotary) Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth P. Rutter Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to award a scholarship to a traditional or non-traditional applicant residing in Westmoreland County, who has achieved a high school diploma or equivalent including a GED or Home School certificate. Preference will be given to students who seek to enter the Christian Ministry, and/or who have exhibited a strong interest in Community Service and Humanitarian Service.

• Average Award: $2,500
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

RoseLoe-Dix Endowed Scholarship Fund

Attending four-year university, two-year college or trade school in the upcoming semester, majoring in Business, Sciences, Computers, Christian Religion, Literature, Pre-med, Medical Field, or Engineering.

Awards

• (2) $12,000.00

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lillian Boonstra, who established the Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Lillian was born and raised in Muskegon. She married Mike Boonstra, who, along with his brother Charles, owned the Boonstra Brothers Coal Co. on Western Ave for many years. Mike was one of the originators of radio station WMUS, a well-known country music radio station. Mike died a tragic death in 1981. He and Lillian were childless but always had candy for the neighborhood children. They were affectionately known as the candy lady and man. Not only was the Community Foundation a beneficiary of Lillian’s generosity, but also her church and others. The Boonstra Fund will be used to assist students attending any college, university or technical degree program, in addition to those pursuing careers in Christian vocation and service.