Best Cumberland County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Members 1st Charitable Foundation Grant supports local grassroots organizations in South Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania, aiming to enhance their strength, health, and financial stability. Grants up to $10,000 are available each cycle, with a focus on initiatives in art, culture, education, financial literacy, health, wellness, and veterans' services. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate good financial standing to qualify for funding.

The Michael Baker International Iraq Survivors Scholarship Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, provides educational scholarships for children and spouses of U.S. service members who have served since the Iraq war began in March 2003. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.8, residing in specific Pennsylvania counties. This initiative honors the sacrifices of military families by facilitating access to vocational and higher education opportunities.

The Greater Harrisburg Foundation Upstream Grant aims to foster community improvement by funding innovative projects that address systemic issues at their source. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and Perry Counties, allowing them to implement creative solutions in areas such as education, health, and environmental stewardship. By focusing on upstream interventions, the foundation encourages a proactive approach to social change, ultimately enhancing community resilience and well-being.

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 Robert L. and Robert C. Ruth Fellowship offers graduate students the opportunity to conduct research at the USAHEC, one of the largest military history libraries globally. Selected applicants can receive a $1,500 fellowship for a three-week summer program, enhancing access to a vast collection of over 14 million pages of manuscripts and 3 million photographs. This fellowship supports diverse topics beyond military history, encouraging students to utilize USAHEC's extensive resources.

The John William Whitman Research Grant, supported by the Army Heritage Center Foundation, offers up to $1,750 to independent researchers exploring military history at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC). This prestigious grant aims to facilitate access to a vast collection of over 14 million pages of manuscripts and 3 million photographs, allowing scholars to delve into under-explored topics. Funds cover lodging, meals, and travel expenses, ensuring researchers can focus on their important work.

BAE Systems offers community investment grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of military families and supporting future workforce development in STEM fields. As a U.S. subsidiary of a global defense and aerospace leader, they require applicants to be recognized 501(c) organizations. The initiative underscores a commitment to charitable partnerships that uplift local communities and contribute positively to society.

The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation, established in 1989, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Sunbury, Pennsylvania area. It focuses on educational and healthcare services, regional needs, and projects of strategic interest. Larger grants are awarded based on alignment with the Foundation's goals. Multi-year requests are discouraged, and the Foundation does not cover all project costs. It values community support and additional funding sources for projects.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Josiah W. and Bessie H. Kline Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to enhancing individual and community welfare through charitable, educational, literary, and scientific initiatives. Established in 1952, the foundation prioritizes funding for non-profit organizations in South Central Pennsylvania, particularly in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while private foundations and certain educational institutions are excluded from eligibility.

The Arts for All Partnership Grant, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing arts accessibility for underserved communities in the Capital Region. This collaborative initiative, backed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, prioritizes nonprofit programs that promote cultural appreciation through free performances, ticket subsidies, and educational outreach. Grants of up to $5,000 are available, emphasizing projects that engage diverse audiences and ensure sustainable arts engagement.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The Gail Deimler Charitable Fund Grant, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports projects that benefit individuals and groups in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Franklin, Lebanon, and Northern York Counties. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and those with fiscal sponsors. The fund prioritizes healthcare services and programs for people in need, continuing Gail Deimler's legacy of generosity and community support.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program provides financial resources and consulting services to creative entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania, especially focusing on BIPOC individuals and those in low-income communities. By reserving 55% of funds for these groups, the program aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the creative sector, empowering entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and reach wider audiences while enhancing their revenues.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

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 Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

The William R. and Esther Richmond Foundation Grant supports impactful projects in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lancaster Counties. It prioritizes organizations with 501(c)(3) status that demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability. Projects must address community needs, provide direct services, and collaborate with other entities. Ineligible requests include general operating costs and new programming. This foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for underserved populations while ensuring effective financial accountability.

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.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The Secular Distribution Grant supports charitable activities aimed at enhancing community well-being, particularly within 100 miles of Coatesville, PA. Focused on health and human services, the grant encourages projects that address community needs, foster self-reliance, and promote civic engagement. With a commitment to philanthropic impact, funding is reserved for organizations demonstrating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and a proven need, while maintaining strict eligibility criteria to ensure effective resource allocation.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank's Youth Programs address child hunger, with initiatives like School Pantries, Kids Cafés, BackPack programs, and Summer Meals. These programs provide nutritious food to food-insecure children and families, ensuring they have access to healthy meals during school breaks and throughout the year. With over 1.2 million pounds of food distributed annually, these efforts support thousands of households, fostering both nutritional and educational development for children in central Pennsylvania.

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.

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 Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.