Best Dauphin County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The SWE Philadelphia Scholarships support full-time undergraduate and graduate students in engineering or related fields at local universities, offering financial aid between $1000 and $2000. Eligibility includes students from the Philadelphia and greater Harrisburg areas, with preference for those holding paid SWE memberships and active collegiate section involvement. Selection criteria emphasize academic achievements in STEM, leadership skills, and personal motivations expressed in an essay.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and accredited educational institutions in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can apply for Erie Insurance Giving Network support to strengthen community building, safety, and environmental responsibility programs. Funding may benefit work in areas like public safety, homelessness services, food access, disaster relief, supportive housing, and environmental stewardship within Erie Insurance’s service footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community health in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can seek programmatic support for evidence-based initiatives. With a mission to improve health and quality of life, Highmark Foundation provides funding for chronic disease, family health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, access to care, and community health clinics in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can apply for funding to support community-focused programs in arts and culture, education, health care, human services, and civic affairs. Grants from M & T Charitable Foundation help local nonprofits improve quality of life through locally informed, year-round charitable support.

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 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.

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 FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and economic development programs. Eligible projects must occur where PNC has a significant presence and may include early learning, affordable housing, community revitalization, arts and culture, workforce development, and services for low- and moderate-income residents.

The Ida W. Browning Trust Grant aims to enhance educational experiences for young people through audio-visual technology. With a mission focused on promoting religious and character-building initiatives, this trust supports eligible organizations in Harrisburg, PA, that qualify as 501(c)(3) entities. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, emphasizing partnerships with Sunday Schools, Churches, and youth organizations to foster Christian character development.

Nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(3)-eligible entities providing health and human services focused on food security in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can apply for grants of US $5,000. Grants from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities support programs serving Franklin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, and Northern York Counties, with select applicants participating in interviews or site visits.

The PositiveNRG Grant Program, led by NRG Energy, focuses on investing in communities through choice and education, community engagement, resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The program is open to non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can demonstrate a meaningful impact. Preference is given to initiatives that foster community involvement and inclusiveness. However, sponsorships for religious or political activities are generally not supported. This program aims to empower communities through innovative energy solutions.

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.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering youth and family programs in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can seek up to US $1,000 to support innovative services for disadvantaged and at-risk children and their families. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund backs efforts like after-school programs, counseling, homelessness services, and other measurable, collaborative supports.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and families with abuse-related programs can apply for up to US $15,000 to enhance existing services in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and nearby counties. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Kids Trust Fund supports innovative therapeutic activities, early intervention, support groups, and mental, emotional, or behavioral health services for children ages 0–18.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and eligible churches or schools in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can apply for The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Fund for Women & Girls grants, awarding up to US $15,000 for programs serving women, girls, or those who identify as such. Funding can support basic needs, economic self-sufficiency, health and safety, education, and DEI-focused systems change.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth, children’s health, or hunger-related services in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support. Brinker International provides Dauphin County nonprofits with charitable giving for programs that help kids thrive, address food insecurity, and advance children’s education, with requests submitted at least six weeks before events.

The Urgent Issue on a Water Trail Mini Grant offers $2000 to address critical safety concerns on designated PA Water Trails caused by unforeseen events. Eligible applicants include registered non-profits and public entities, and funding must be matched 1:1. This initiative prioritizes restoring safe access for recreational users, ensuring immediate response to conditions that could pose risks, such as storm damage or obstructions. Emphasis is placed on quick solutions to maintain user safety and enjoyment.

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 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 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.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

Students pursuing nursing or dental hygiene at Harrisburg Area Community College in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania can receive scholarship support to attend full- or part-time. Grants from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities help cover educational costs for HACC students with at least a 2.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need, which may benefit local nonprofit-affiliated learners.

The Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund empowers Harrisburg's future leaders through philanthropic education and engagement. Celebrating its 10th year, the program offers monthly sessions from February to November, culminating in a $5,000 grant awarded to a selected nonprofit. Established by EPP alumni in 2014, the Endowment Fund enhances community impact with competitive grants, emphasizing mental health support. To date, over $40,000 has been awarded, fostering local nonprofit capacity and community service.

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.