Best Dauphin County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Grants from Nestlé Purina help Dauphin County, Pennsylvania pet welfare nonprofits expand capacity, improve facilities, and support key programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations within 50 miles of a Purina location may receive monetary donations for capital improvements, organizational growth, and spay/neuter initiatives outside of events.

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania nonprofits seeking support for education, community vitality, opportunity expansion, or environmental resilience can access funding through PPL Foundation’s Empowering Communities Grants, with awards of US $2,500 - US $50,000. Grants are offered twice yearly, and organizations may receive one grant per year timed to their fiscal and program needs.

The University Center at Harrisburg Grant Fund supports non-profit organizations focused on skill and workforce development in specific Pennsylvania counties. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or partner with them. The fund prioritizes projects that directly benefit local communities. However, it does not support advertising, capital campaigns, or projects with insufficient sustainability plans. Grant seekers can apply for projects that align with their needs and the fund's guidelines.

Focused on green infrastructure and community greening, nonprofits and local entities in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can apply for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns grants. Awards up to US $175,000 support planning, design, and construction of green streets, urban tree canopy, and related projects that reduce stormwater runoff and improve local water quality.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania students planning to attend any Penn State University campus and major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or nursing-related fields can receive scholarship support through the Alice R. Moomy Pennsylvania State University Scholarship. Erie Community Foundation gives preference to applicants from Erie County and to female candidates with at least a 3.0 GPA.

The SAC Foundation Grant, offered by the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Schuylkill County to enhance community well-being. The grant focuses on diverse areas including animal welfare, arts, education, and health. Funding ranges from $100 to $2,000, allowing organizations to apply for vital resources to implement impactful projects. The foundation is committed to equitable support, welcoming applications from all eligible 501(c)(3) organizations without discrimination.

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.

Highmark Health

For over two decades, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community has been a powerful force for positive change, uniting individuals and organizations in the shared pursuit of healthier communities. This annual fundraising event is a cornerstone of Highmark's Bright Blue Futures initiative, dedicated to improving equitable access to care, enhancing quality of life, and fostering economic resilience.

Our Mission: To empower local health and human service nonprofits and inspire community members to prioritize their well-being. How We Make a Difference: Highmark proudly underwrites all event costs, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised by participants goes directly to the participating nonprofits. This allows these organizations to focus on their vital missions, providing essential services and support to those in need.

Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community Program

The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community offers a unique opportunity for health and human service nonprofits to significantly expand their fundraising efforts. We are seeking dedicated organizations to partner with us in our mission to build healthier communities.

By participating in the Highmark Walk, you're not only investing in your own health through physical activity but also making a tangible contribution to a healthier and more vibrant community for everyone. We invite you to join us in this vital effort.

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.

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 TFEC Community Impact Grants, including the Benjamin Franklin Trust Fund, support nonprofits in South Central Pennsylvania. Emphasizing community sustainability, these grants address diverse local needs such as education, health, and housing stability. Priority is given to projects aiding Mifflin and Juniata counties, with a focus on measurable impact and lasting outcomes. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits, and funding decisions depend on the number of qualified applicants and available resources.

Erie County, Pennsylvania undergraduate students at any Penn State University campus seeking academic scholarship support can apply for the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, which assists with post-secondary education costs. With a mission to support education, Erie Community Foundation provides scholarships that Dauphin County residents attending Penn State and meeting residency and GPA requirements may be eligible for.

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 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 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 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 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.

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania elementary school PTAs in good standing that want to host in-person, hands-on STEM family events can receive US $1,250 - US $5,000 to run a STEM + Families Science Festival. Sponsored by Bayer Fund and administered by the National Congress of Parents & Teachers, this program supports engaging school-based STEM experiences.

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 Zachary Moore Music Memorial Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports innovative music development for students from specific local schools or Lebanon Valley College. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate commitment to music studies, particularly in audio engineering or creative expression. The fund aims to nurture the artistic aspirations of young musicians, reflecting the vision of Zachary Moore to inspire creativity and passion in music education.

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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 McInroy-Sheffer People Trust Scholarship supports students from specific Pennsylvania counties—Cumberland, Dauphin, Lycoming, Tioga, or York—who are graduating high school and planning to enroll as freshmen. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and intend to study at one of several local colleges in fields like Culinary Arts, Nursing, or Business. This scholarship is a one-time award, aiming to assist students in their educational pursuits.

Nonprofit and community organizations providing youth food access and distribution services in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can partner with Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s School Pantry, Kids Cafe, BackPack, and Summer Meals programs. With a mission to fight child hunger, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank provides Dauphin County organizations with food resources to serve low-income children and their families year-round.

The Regional Foundation Responsive Grants provide urgent financial support to current or former grantees facing unforeseen, time-sensitive challenges. Grants, up to $25,000, are intended for tactical or strategic needs arising from emergencies, disasters, or critical changes within communities. Examples include natural disasters impacting neighborhoods or sudden leadership transitions. However, requests for ongoing operational costs or event sponsorships are not eligible. The application process is designed for quick turnaround, typically within one week.