Best Chester County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust Grant supports educational initiatives in Philadelphia and surrounding counties, focusing on children and youth. The Trust prioritizes programs that improve literacy and provide equitable educational opportunities. Grants, capped at $25,000, are available for first-time applicants and require 501(c)(3) status verification. Organizations must demonstrate effective use of funds, including audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 submission. The Trust seeks to enhance lives through community-driven educational projects.

The Rosenlund Family Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on supporting under-served children and youth in Philadelphia's disadvantaged neighborhoods. It provides general operating support to small and medium-sized organizations with budgets under $2 million. The foundation prioritizes long-term arts and environmental education programming that fosters creativity and environmental stewardship, aiming to equip youth with necessary skills for success in today's workforce. Proposals are accepted annually from January 15 to the end of February.

Mission and Areas of Interest

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation is a charitable foundation established by Brook J. Lenfest in 2000. It is dedicated to making people aware of positive life choices and providing support and opportunities for those motivated to pursue them. Its grants focus mainly on education, job training and mentoring programs.

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation only accepts letters of inquiry or grant proposals from qualified tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation will consider requests for operating support, specific program or project support and for capital support. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Jaws Youth Playbook

Jaws Youth Playbook (JYP) - formerly Jaws Youth Fund - is the foundation of Former Eagles QB and NFL Analyst, Ron Jaworski and his wife, Liz Jaworski. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit has been working hard to improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Greater Philadelphia Region for 40+ years! We invest in our youth and their future through the building of playgrounds and ballfields, providing much needed sports equipment, supporting Summer Meals programs and healthy nutrition in underserved communities AND MORE!

Grants

Together as a Community, we can spread joy & change the lives of at-risk youth throughout our shared spirit of giving. Children do not have the choice of their zip code. We take great pride in providing underprivileged youth in the Greater Philadelphia area with access to much needed safe places to play, access to healthy food and programs to keep them on the right track. We strive to make our community healthier & happier for all.

What is the Grant?

A one-time grant between $500 – $25,000 for PROJECT-BASED resources (such as playgrounds, ball-fields, and community gardens) that enrich at-risk youths’ lives, giving them access to safe places to play and thrive!

The Alliance for Health Equity

The Alliance for Health Equity pursues its mission through grantmaking, providing scholarships, building partnerships and being catalytic to spark new initiatives where they are needed the most. Our ultimate goal is to improve the health, social, emotional, economic conditions among children, teens, and families in the Coatesville Area School District.

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund is a signature funding initiative of The Alliance for Health Equity (AHE) that supports community-based organizations working to address key social determinants of health in Greater Coatesville. Seed-And-Scale is designed to help organizations launch new ideas, strengthen existing programs, and scale solutions rooted in community need and lived experience.

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund supports both emerging initiatives and established models that reduce systemic barriers, expand access to essential resources, and strengthen pathways to long-term community impact. 

Focus on Social Determinents of Health (SDoH)

• Healthcare Access and Quality: Access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare services including physical, behavioral, and preventive care that support wellness across the lifespan. 
• Education Access and Quality: Access to high-quality learning environments, academic support, and enrichment opportunities which enable children and youth to thrive. 
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Safe, stable physical environments including housing and food access that support healthy living and community stability. 
• Social and Community Context: Strong relationships, supportive networks, and community engagement that foster belonging, resilience, and collective well-being. 
• Economic Stability: Strong relationships, supportive networks, and community engagement that foster belonging, resilience, and collective well-being. 

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The LGBTQ+ Emerging Needs Grant by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund aims to support organizations that address the evolving needs of the Greater Philadelphia LGBTQ+ community. With a focus on areas such as legal rights, arts, education, and health services, grants of up to $5,000 are available, encouraging applications from diverse and grassroots organizations. Since 1993, the fund has prioritized impactful initiatives that foster community growth and inclusion.

The Art and Change Grant offers up to $2,500 to women, trans, and gender nonconforming artists in Greater Philadelphia for projects that foster social change. This grant emphasizes collaborative processes with a Change Partner, promoting community engagement through various artistic mediums. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a commitment to social justice. The initiative seeks to empower artists to create impactful work that challenges societal norms and inspires transformation.

Chester County Community Foundation

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

We are entrusted with 430+ family, individual, community group & nonprofit legacy funds. We are a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  

Direct Service Programs/General Operations Grant

• Grants focus on Chester County causes & issues; but are not limited to Chester County.
• Charitable nonprofits working in all fields of interest are considered, such as: Arts, Culture, Heritage; Education, Libraries; Environment, Animals; Health; Human Services; Social Justice, Civic Engagement
• General operating grants are encouraged - Clear, succinct, compelling descriptions are appreciated: mission, aims, results & impact. 
• Nonprofits with higher GuideStar ratings receive stronger consideration.  
• Proposals can be submitted anytime all year.
• Grant decisions are made intermittently all year, as Fund Advisors desire.

The Barra Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant provides essential early-stage funding for social impact organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. This program supports innovative projects that address pressing community challenges and fosters transformative change. Grants are aimed at organizations that primarily serve under-resourced communities and promote bold, novel approaches. By empowering nonprofits to test new ideas, the Catalyst Fund helps build a more equitable and vibrant society.

Cytokinetics is dedicated to supporting local communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region by providing access to essential services that address food and housing insecurity. Their funding initiatives aim to foster stability and resilience among at-risk populations, emphasizing charitable donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with their corporate giving priorities. This support helps build strong connections between Cytokinetics and the communities they serve.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Cytokinetics is dedicated to enhancing diversity in STEM education for underrepresented students in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region. Their funding supports innovative educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math. By empowering the next generation of science leaders, Cytokinetics aims to create pathways to college and future success in the STEM fields.

The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants, offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the EPA, aim to enhance water quality and restore vital habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Funding is available through two programs: SWG Implementation grants for direct on-the-ground actions, and SWG Planning and Technical Assistance grants to support community-based efforts. Projects must align with specific program priorities to qualify for funding.

The Pincus Fund for Hunger Relief, established in 1983, aims to alleviate hunger in the Philadelphia area. It provides bi-annual grants of $1,000 to local organizations within a 50-mile radius, focusing on food pantries, meal programs, and urban farms. The fund supports initiatives that enhance food access, including storage and transportation needs. Applications are accepted in March/April and November, with a commitment to strengthening existing community programs.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

The Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County residents enrolled as sophomores, juniors, or seniors at any Penn State University campus. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, submit a 350-500 word essay, and provide two letters of recommendation while also working part-time. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 500 students, helping them pursue their educational goals.

About

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

As you are aware, there is ongoing uncertainty around federal and state funding that significantly impacts nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting a strong and resilient sector, and we encourage all organizations to be proactive in their planning.

We strongly encourage every nonprofit to engage in scenario planning, examine cash flow projections and assess funding risks. We have seen nonprofits explore a variety of pathways forward, such as adapting program design, reducing or merging operations and significantly diversifying revenue streams .

Capacity Building: Coping with Cutbacks Grant

These grants are specifically designed to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofits serving Chester County.

• Funding may support efforts in contingency planning, strategic restructuring, partnerships and collaborations, marketing and communications, resource development, technology improvements, and more.
• Volunteer grant panels and CCCF staff review proposals.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Phoenixville Health Care Foundation offers Mini-Grants for Information Technology, providing up to $5,000 for eligible health and human services nonprofits in the greater Phoenixville region. Grants support computer hardware, software upgrades, and training associated with equipment. Interested applicants should consult with staff before applying, as grants are reviewed monthly and funds are available until exhausted. This initiative aims to enhance technological capabilities for local nonprofits serving the community.

The Phoenixville Health Care Foundation (PCHF) offers an Annual Grant Cycle aimed at enhancing health and human services in the Greater Phoenixville region. This initiative focuses on equitable access to quality services, mental health and substance abuse support, housing security, and capacity-building for nonprofits. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations operating within designated townships in Chester and Montgomery Counties. PCHF seeks to foster community well-being through strategic investments and collaborative efforts.

The Natalie A.W. Leaf Scholarship, established in 1990, supports Chester County residents pursuing education in traditional arts, crafts, and trades. Funded by Miss Natalie A.W. Leaf's estate, this unique scholarship aims to preserve historical craftsmanship. Awardees can receive $2,500, renewable with a 3.0 GPA, to study at various institutions or workshops. Miss Leaf, an art teacher, was dedicated to skilled craftsmanship and empowering others through hands-on learning and restoration efforts.

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation's System Reform Award promotes community impact through collaborative efforts addressing systemic inequities. This grant supports initiatives that drive policy change and foster sustainable outcomes in education, health, and economic opportunities across Western Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Nonprofits and public entities are eligible, focusing on innovative solutions to eliminate barriers and enhance community advocacy. Applications vary based on funding needs, ensuring tailored support for impactful projects.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides funding for basic medical research focusing on heart disease, cancer, and AIDS. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the Greater Philadelphia area and Camden, NJ. Each grant typically ranges from $100,000 to $125,000 for a one-year term. The Trust aims to support unique and promising research projects that can lead to larger awards, ensuring a direct impact on health outcomes.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Lawrence Saunders Fund Grant, established in memory of Lawrence Saunders, supports charitable endeavors with a focus on environmental projects, education for underprivileged children and adults, and social services for those in need. Created by his wife, Dorothy Love Saunders, the fund aims to enhance community welfare through strategic grants derived from its investment portfolio. This philanthropic initiative continues to impact various sectors, promoting sustainability and education.