Best Armstrong County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

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 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 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 Zane McMillen Memorial Scholarship

Zane Michael McMillen tragically lost his life in an automobile accident at the age of 19. The Zane McMillen Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 in order to memorialized Zane's life.

Zane was a 2012 graduate of Kittanning High School. His future plan was to serve his country in the military. Zane was very active and enjoyed a lot of activities that included hunting, guns and target shooting, going to the gym, riding dirt bikes, watching movies, wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts, the great outdoors, and playing video games. He loved hanging out with his friends and quoting lines from his favorite movies. Everyone who had the pleasure to know Zane would agree that he was always smiling and making people laugh. Zane often changed his mind about his career before settling on his goal of joining the military, but always, he was focused on public service so he could give back to the community that made him who he was.

Applicant must:

• Be previous graduate of Armstrong School District
• Be accepted to or enrolled in post-secondary education (an accredited college, university or other post-secondary institution)
• Be pursuing a career in any field involved with public service

Danette ‘Liffy’ Cockroft Memorial Fund

Danette “Liffy” Cockroft was a gifted artist who lived a dynamic life that was shortened by illness. Throughout that life she made a lasting impression upon everyone she met. It was the wish of Liffy’s family and friends to perpetuate her memory through this fund. The Danette “Liffy” Cockroft Memorial Fund was established to help aspiring artists and musicians discover and explore new, exciting educational opportunities in music and art.

Applicant must:

• attend school within the Armstrong School District or Lenape Technical School
• display interest and proficiency in the fine and/or performing arts
• show hardship (medical or financial)
• be accepted for admission to an accredited college, university or technical school
• All applicants must complete the online scholarship application, including his/her response to the following essay question.

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.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

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.

2026 Medication-Assisted Substance Use Treatment Grant Program 

Overview:

This is a noncompetitive funding announcement open to the 61 counties in Pennsylvania with a county jail. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications for funding under the 2026 Medication-Assisted Substance Use Treatment Grant Program. The primary purpose of this funding is to support counties seeking to increase opportunities to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), in combination with comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, to eligible offenders who meet the clinical criteria for an opioid use disorder or an alcohol use disorder, as determined by a physician, while incarcerated and upon release from a county jail. For purposes of this funding announcement, the term "Medication-Assisted Treatment" means the use of United States Food and Drug Administration-approved medications (buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone/Vivitrol), together with nonmedication treatment, as clinically indicated, to treat substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders. Administration of these medications along with comprehensive substance use disorder treatment will allow newly released participants to focus on immediate reentry needs.

Funded counties will adhere to program activities and requirements as discussed in this funding announcement and work collaboratively with local and state partners to ensure effective program operations and successful project outcomes.

Successful projects will allow county jails to better equip reentrants as they transition to the community.

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 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.

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 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 Falk Facilities and Technology Improvement Fund, supported by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, provides grants for capital improvements to partner agencies already receiving Community Impact grants. Eligible applicants include those in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties, with funding available for renovations, repairs, vehicle purchases, and technology upgrades. This initiative aims to enhance community services and strengthen local organizations.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

The STEM + Families Science Festival, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is designed for elementary schools, providing $1,500 in funding to 40 selected PTAs. This initiative encourages hands-on STEM experiences for students and their families, fostering engagement and exploration in science. To qualify, PTAs must conduct in-person events within a 55-mile radius of designated regions. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting families through fun and educational STEM activities.

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 Allegheny Foundation Grant supports initiatives in Southwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on historic preservation, civic development, and education. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The Foundation does not fund individuals or organizations reliant on government subsidies. Requests can be submitted at any time, and grants are considered quarterly. Proposals for event sponsorships, endowments, or government agencies typically face rejection. This grant offers a valuable opportunity for community-focused nonprofits.

The Pittsburgh and Western PA Trusts, managed through PNC Bank, support diverse projects that enhance community well-being. They prioritize initiatives that provide direct services, address community needs, and benefit underserved populations. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to measurable outcomes and financial accountability. Funding is not available for general operating costs or for-profit entities. Interested applicants are encouraged to inquire via email for further details.