Best Chester County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

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 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. 

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) works every day to ensure Pennsylvania is a premier state to do business, where we adopt and innovate the next generation of breakthroughs in a diverse mix of industry clusters, where we cultivate a resilient economy, and where we invest in our people and our communities to build a stronger Pennsylvania that works for all the residents, workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs that call our Commonwealth home.

Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $38,282,000 to the Commonwealth via PL- 117-43 and PL 117-180 to support long-term recovery efforts following the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Grants will be available for federally designated disaster areas impacted by the disaster.

Uses

• Housing assistance, including housing rehabilitation and housing incentives,
• Multi-family housing development and related activities,
• Infrastructure improvements,
• Mitigation activities.

Funding

Priority will be given to projects benefitting residents in Delaware and Montgomery counties identified as the Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) counties.

Priority will be given to projects benefitting low- and moderate-income individuals and households.

The Essential Utilities Protect Your Drinking Water Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, offers funding between $2,500 and $10,000 for projects aimed at protecting public drinking water sources. Eligible applicants include non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions targeting priority water protection areas in Pennsylvania. Projects may involve green infrastructure, educational programs, and agricultural best practices. A 20% matching contribution is required, with initial funding of 90% provided upfront.

The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations within a 75-mile radius of Sunbury, PA. Established in 1989, the Foundation seeks to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like conservation, health care, social services, and education. Applications should demonstrate community support and clear project goals. Note that grants do not cover all costs, and applications focused on political activities are discouraged. For more information, visit their website.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, supports music education and philanthropy through capital support grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Eligible organizations include non-profit, 501(c)(3) music education and performance entities located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Projects funded may include construction, renovation, or equipment purchases. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance music education while excluding non-music related venues and general operating expenses.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

TE Connectivity's Community Ambassador Program supports meaningful community impact by providing grants to registered nonprofits and educational institutions. This initiative evaluates proposals based on alignment with TE's values, community focus areas like education or health services, and opportunities for employee engagement. The program operates both in the US and internationally, with numerous ambassador locations, aiming to foster community development and engagement around the globe.

The Coastal Zone Management Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, supports projects that protect coastal resources in Pennsylvania's Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie. Open for applications from September 9, 2024, to October 21, 2024, the program promotes initiatives focused on coastal hazards, public access, and ecological preservation. Eligible applicants include local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Grants help fund planning, construction, and research projects essential for sustaining coastal ecosystems and enhancing public access.

The Mini Grant for Transportation, known as Ride for Health, aims to assist residents of the Greater Phoenixville area who lack transportation to essential healthcare or social service appointments. This initiative by the Phoenixville Health Care Foundation provides funding for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, as well as SEPTA transportation passes. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to support their clients' transportation needs, ensuring access to vital health and social services.

The Leo and Peggy Pierce Family Foundation focuses on ending hunger and food insecurity in the five-county Philadelphia region and Indian River County, Florida. Established in 1997, it supports organizations that provide direct services or advocacy efforts in this area. Grants are available to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, allowing them to apply once every year. The foundation embodies the legacy of Leo and Peggy Pierce, who dedicated their lives to helping others.

The Genuardi Family Foundation's Core Grant Program funds organizations providing direct services in food access, homelessness prevention, and job training in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 annually, supporting impactful programs that demonstrate strong community ties and operational effectiveness. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status and focus primarily on the specified counties, ensuring that their initiatives align with the Foundation's priorities.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants Program delivered in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports efforts to improve the condition and connectivity of habitats for at risk and federally listed species.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.  

The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.

The WILD Program Pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat
• Pillar 2: Improve water quality for fish, wildlife and people
• Pillar 3: Align the power of nature to adapt to changing landscapes
• Pillar 4: Expand access to nature and outdoor recreation for all Americans
• Pillar 5: Build partnership capacity to collaborate and coordinate actions

The Chesapeake WILD Grants Program has three distinct tracks:

• Collaborative Conservation
  • Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for projects that support and enhance the capacity of partnerships, networks, and other collaborative models working collaboratively to advance place-based, landscape-scale, and crossjurisdictional habitat restoration, conservation, and connectivity outcomes.
• Planning and Technical Assistance
• Implementation

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.

Impact100 Philadelphia provides impactful grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area. With a focus on addressing unmet needs, the program encourages applications from diverse organizations that demonstrate financial stability and community impact. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving specific Pennsylvania counties, with at least three years of financial statements. The program prioritizes initiatives in arts, education, environment, family, and health sectors, enabling organizations to strengthen their core missions.

The Dermody Properties Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through support for the arts, education, and families, particularly children and the elderly. Established in 1988, the foundation has provided over $3.65 million in donations to various nonprofits, including grants and scholarships. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and be located within 30 miles of Dermody's projects. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000, reflecting a commitment to corporate philanthropy.

The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Grant supports excellence in education and assists distressed individuals in the Greater Philadelphia area, established by Christian R. Lindback's testamentary gift. Since 1961, the foundation has honored outstanding faculty with the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching and partners with the School District of Philadelphia to recognize exemplary public school educators. The Foundation prioritizes discretionary grants for projects that can be accomplished in a brief timeframe.

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 Pew Center for Arts & Heritage offers Capacity Building Grants to support organizations in enhancing their professional capabilities within contemporary art and public history. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500, focusing on research, travel, and technical assistance for grant proposal preparation. Eligible applicants include organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation in the Philadelphia region. Priority is given to those with operating budgets under $500,000 and first-time applicants.

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, initiated in 2018, aims to enhance ecosystems in the Delaware River watershed through grants supporting habitat restoration and water quality improvement. With $72.1 million awarded to 239 projects, it has significantly impacted over 26 miles of riparian habitat and 77 miles of stream habitat, along with conserving 1,176 acres of wetlands. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also emphasizes outdoor recreation and community vitality in the region.

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage offers Evolving Futures Grants to support organizations in rethinking their business models for future sustainability. These grants provide essential risk-capital for transformative projects that enhance organizational readiness. Eligible applicants must have received previous grants from the Center and demonstrate a commitment to change, with a focus on art and public history programs. This initiative emphasizes research, strategic planning, and feasibility studies to prepare for significant operational shifts.

The KEF Minigrant program, offered by the Kennett Education Foundation, supports innovative educational projects for K-12 teachers within the Kennett Consolidated School District. Grants, capped at $300, are designed to enhance the educational experience and empower applicants to bring unique ideas to fruition. Eligibility is restricted to district employees, and applicants may submit only one request annually. This initiative encourages creativity in education while adhering to guidelines that prioritize impactful projects.

The Giant Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Healing the Planet Grants support tree planting initiatives in Pennsylvania, enhancing environmental health and community well-being. This program, initiated by the non-profit PA CleanWays, empowers local volunteers to tackle litter and illegal dumping while providing funding of up to $4,000 for projects. By investing in green spaces, the program aims to significantly improve water and air quality, contributing to a cleaner and more beautiful Pennsylvania for all residents.

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage offers Capacity Building Grants, specifically Technical Assistance grants of up to $7,500. These grants support Philadelphia region's cultural organizations that are invited to apply in late spring/early summer 2025. The funding aims to aid organizations in managing the Center’s application process, enhancing their ability to showcase artistic vitality and foster a thriving cultural ecology.

Pathways to Opportunity: Supporting Young Adult Workforce Development in Greater Philadelphia Program

Philadelphia Foundation has made a long-term commitment to advancing economic mobility throughout Greater Philadelphia.

We believe this is a moment that demands collective ambition and action. Together with business, civic, community, and philanthropic partners, Philadelphia Foundation has committed to coordinated, long-term work to grow the regional economy, strengthen pathways to quality jobs, and ensure that young people and their families are economically secure, empowered, and connected from cradle to career.

As part of this commitment, Philadelphia Foundation is launching a new grant program to build new partnerships with workforce development providers with strong outcomes to help build a more connected workforce and opportunity ecosystem across the region.

As we implement this new strategy, we remain committed to our role as a trusted partner to the nonprofit community. While proactively contributing to increasing economic mobility, Philadelphia Foundation remains committed and will continue to provide flexible support for organizations meeting the needs of our region's most vulnerable residents and remain responsive to and partner on emergent crises and opportunities to leverage effective community philanthropy.

PF's initial focus is on supporting young adults' access to high-demand, good-paying jobs that do not require a college degree through investments in gold-standard workforce development training providers. These programs have documented returns on investment and strong employer partnerships in priority sectors, such as skilled trades, technology, and non-clinical life sciences.

The purpose of this RFI is to gather information on promising models, gaps, and trends in young adult workforce development providers in Greater Philadelphia. The information from the RFI will be used to inform future Philadelphia Foundation grantmaking.

A subset of the organizations that respond to this RFI will be invited to submit an application for funding. 

Who is this RFI for?

Workforce development training and bridge providers serving young adults across Greater Philadelphia. Our interst is not limited to a specific industry, but there is a particular interest in sectors like skilled and industrial trades, non-clinical life sciences, and tech.

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage offers Evolving Futures Grants to support organizations in implementing strategic changes to their operational models, enhancing viability and sustainability. These grants are for entities that have identified critical operational challenges and developed actionable plans. Eligible organizations must have a history of project grants from Pew, be located in the Philadelphia region, and primarily serve public audiences, among other criteria.