Best Armstrong County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Justin Brooks Fisher Foundation Grant supports conservation and sustainability initiatives, primarily in Boulder, Colorado. The Foundation funds projects focused on environmental education, innovative strategies to combat climate change, and wildfire resiliency. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and primarily operate in Boulder or Pittsburgh. The Foundation does not support individual requests or conference sponsorships, emphasizing its commitment to impactful community projects.

The Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on community development, health, education, and the arts. Established in 1968, the Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for underserved populations, including at-risk youth and homeless individuals. It prioritizes direct services that promote economic and social welfare, while accepting applications from tax-exempt organizations. The grant cycle may take two to three months, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to thorough review.

The Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation Grant offers year-round funding for initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture and nutrition education, particularly in New York City and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Emphasizing support for human trafficking survivors, youth development, and social justice, the Foundation seeks projects that align with these priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with some multi-year grants available. Notably, proposals outside the specified areas are by invitation only.

The William Talbott Hillman Foundation Grant supports innovative arts programming in Pittsburgh and NYC, focusing on young people and BIPOC communities. With a year-round application process, the Foundation prioritizes photography as a fine arts medium and civic engagement initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt to apply. The Foundation also emphasizes safety nets for artists and art education in under-resourced communities.

The Colcom Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing local environmental and community projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. It supports initiatives in advocacy, land conservation, and community development to improve quality of life and promote ecological sustainability. Eligible projects may include arts and culture, health services, and environmental education, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to regional heritage and stewardship. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations to engage in meaningful work that addresses pressing community and environmental needs.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams to support diverse native bird and aquatic species. Funded by major organizations including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, this initiative focuses on improving forest management and stream health to enhance wildlife populations. Strategies include engaging landowners through education and financial assistance, targeting species like the golden-winged warbler and brook trout to ensure ecological balance and habitat connectivity.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Community Food Solutions Grant offered by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania aims to combat food insecurity by providing funding to grassroots organizations that understand the unique needs of their communities. With nearly a century of experience, United Way connects various sectors to enhance community support and engagement. This initiative not only aids in addressing immediate food access issues but also fosters collaboration among local organizations to create sustainable change.

About Us

United Way is the glue, connecting all sectors of the community who share our goal of making southwestern Pennsylvania a thriving place. We solve problems by convening experts, including affected communities, to ask how communities we all love and belong to can thrive. We catalyze giving. With nearly 100 years of expertise in community needs, companies and individuals give to United Way because they know that their investments go farther when they do. We are a hub of volunteering and engagement, providing meaningful opportunities year-round with our partner agencies to demonstrate the difference that’s made by giving back. Our 211 contact center connects people in need to vital human services in times of crisis. We organize collaborations and special projects to provide unparalleled opportunity for everyone to understand what’s holding our community back and how we can create change together.

IMPACT Award for Volunteer Service

Tell us about an outstanding volunteer whose dedication, compassion and commitment have made a meaningful difference in your organization and community.

The IMPACT Award honors extraordinary volunteers whose service has created a lasting positive impact on the lives of others. By completing and submitting the IMPACT Award nomination, your agency becomes eligible to receive a $15,000 or $5,000 grant from United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania in honor of your volunteer.

Award History

Originally established in 1992 as the Senator John Heinz Award, this recognition was created by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Tocqueville Society to honor a local volunteer whose service reflected Senator John Heinz III’s commitment to strengthening communities and supporting local individuals and families.

Renamed the IMPACT Award in 2024, the award continues its long tradition of celebrating volunteers who exemplify the spirit of service and create meaningful change in our region. The award highlights the vital role volunteers play in advancing nonprofit missions and strengthening communities.

Award Criteria

This award honors an individual who exemplifies volunteerism and whose commitment to bringing hope, promise and opportunity into the lives of others has left a lasting positive impact on a person, group or community at large.

The RISE HIGH Growth Grant, offered by Neighborhood Allies, supports organizations in the Pittsburgh area to enhance equity and inclusion. The program prioritizes partnerships with Black and Brown-led organizations and provides financial resources and technical assistance. With a total funding of $15,000 per grant, there are up to 19 grants available in this cycle. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations, with a focus on those aligned with the goals of the 3 Year Roadmap.

The FISA Foundation Grant supports initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities, particularly women and girls. Priorities include enhancing access to healthcare, addressing biases in the system, and preventing violence against vulnerable populations. The foundation emphasizes projects with clear outcomes and realistic evaluation plans, focusing on marginalized groups, especially those facing systemic barriers. Eligible organizations must operate within southwestern Pennsylvania and benefit women, girls, or people with disabilities.

The Highmark Foundation provides high-impact grants aimed at enhancing community health in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It supports evidence-based programs that address critical health issues, including chronic diseases, family health, and access to care. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate sustainable solutions and collaboration with community partners. By funding diverse health-related projects, it aims to improve the well-being of underserved populations, ensuring that vital health interventions reach those in need.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Pennsylvania

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The DSF Charitable Foundation offers health grants to support projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. Grant requests are reviewed three times a year, with initial inquiries recommended to be sent via email by the organization's executive director. The Foundation does not fund individuals or endowments and requires proof of tax-exempt status. Organizations must provide detailed project descriptions along with financial information for consideration, ensuring clarity on the funding purpose.

The DSF Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on health, human services, and education, primarily in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Foundation reviews applications three times a year and accepts inquiries anytime. Notably, organizations must wait two years after a grant period or declined request before reapplying. Eligible projects must benefit the Pittsburgh area, while requests for individual support or endowments are not considered.

Beyond the Classroom (BTC) Grant

Out of School Time (OST) programming is vital for the well-being and development of children in our region, providing safety, academic support, and social connections while addressing critical community needs. Despite the importance of OST programs, many face significant challenges, including funding gaps, staffing shortages, transportation barriers, and limited access to resources. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure access to equitable opportunities for students and families.

Beyond the Classroom (BTC) features a rolling application process, with regular review and award cycles to ensure timely support. Rapid Response grants allow OST providers to act quickly and effectively, enhancing their ability to serve families and adapt to changing circumstances.

The purpose of Beyond the Classroom grant funding is to alleviate unexpected needs. It is not intended to enhance or expand current programming. Examples may include facility emergencies, such as equipment failure due to age or usage, a sudden increase in demand for services due to a natural disaster, community trauma, or local emergency, or other unanticipated organizational need.

Out of School Time (OST) program (before or after school or summer program) qualifies for BTC funding.

The DSF Charitable Foundation offers an Education Grant aimed at supporting projects in education within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Grants are considered three times a year, with inquiries accepted at any time. Organizations must provide a letter of inquiry along with supporting documents, including proof of 501(c)(3) status. Notably, there are restrictions on applying for funding within two years of a declined request or the end of a previous grant period.

The Buhl Foundation Grant Program supports initiatives in Southwestern Pennsylvania that enhance community vitality and foster economic development. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, health, and employment, particularly those benefiting Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhoods. By focusing on resident-led initiatives, the foundation aims to empower local communities and ensure sustainable growth. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, with funding preferences for projects that revitalize neighborhoods and improve access to vital resources.

The Grable Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in the Pittsburgh area by supporting early learning, public education, out-of-school programs, and community resources. By investing in innovative educational initiatives and family-friendly activities, the foundation strives to create an environment where children can thrive, explore, and reach their full potential. Their work fosters collaboration among educators, families, and community organizations to ensure every child has access to high-quality learning experiences and support.

The Kindergarten Transition Grant Program, managed by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, aims to ensure a smooth transition for children entering kindergarten. This initiative fosters collaboration among educators, parents, and community members to provide essential support and resources. Activities such as parent orientations, summer camps, and classroom visits help ease the transition, promoting early literacy and timely registration. The program underscores the importance of quality early childhood education, ensuring children start school with confidence and readiness.

The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is launching its Multi-Year Grants program, with applications opening in January 2026 for funding starting in July 2026. This initiative aims to support nonprofit organizations addressing critical community needs across five counties. Key investment priorities include meeting basic needs, promoting financial stability, and enhancing educational success for youth. Interested applicants can attend information sessions from October to November 2025 to learn more about the grant process.

The Eberly Foundation Grant focuses on supporting local students in their educational pursuits beyond high school. With a commitment to undergraduate education, the foundation provides scholarships, programmatic support, and funding for various educational initiatives at specified colleges and universities. Additionally, it plays a vital role in fostering economic development and health services in Southwestern Pennsylvania, aiming to benefit the residents of Uniontown and Fayette County.

The Hamer Foundation

Our Mission:

The mission of The Hamer Foundation is to provide support to nonprofit organizations within a 100-mile radius of State College PA in the following areas: 

• Environmental Support – 50% of donations 
• Community Support – 35% of donations 
• Educational Support – 15% of donations 

The Laurel Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). Between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, it distributed $1,510,000 to 55 organizations across various fields, including Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, and Public Benefit. The Foundation emphasizes long-term benefits, fiscal responsibility, and measurable outcomes, while not funding individuals or programs outside its specified geographic area.

The Opportunity Fund Grants support small to midsize arts organizations and initiatives promoting social and economic justice, primarily benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh community. Funding areas include performing and visual arts, with a focus on projects led by Black and LGBTQ+ individuals. Grants are available for organizations with 501(c)(3) status or governmental entities. The fund emphasizes flexibility in its focus to adapt to community needs, ensuring diverse projects receive support.

The Pitcairn-Crabbe Foundation Grant focuses on supporting religious work, Christian education, community welfare, and the overall improvement of humanity's condition, particularly in Pennsylvania. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes, address significant challenges, and show potential for leveraging additional support. Applicants must submit an online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to outline their organization and funding needs. Grants are typically limited to agencies within a 100-mile radius of Pittsburgh.

The Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students from Southwestern Pennsylvania pursuing a 4-year liberal arts degree. This scholarship honors Ace's legacy and aims to assist those with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5 who demonstrate ambition for a helping profession. Preference is given to non-traditional students, encouraging a diverse range of applicants to achieve their academic goals while contributing positively to their communities.