Best Dauphin County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our Mission

Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

STEM and CTE Grants for Your School

PLTW provides STEM and CTE-aligned curriculum grants for elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools to implement or expand PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, and PLTW Biomedical Science STEM programs.

We work with companies and foundations across the U.S. to make these grants possible.

PLTW Launch

Caterpillar Foundation understands the importance of equipping individuals and communities with the skills, resources and services they need to thrive in our changing world. Investments in workforce readiness and STEM aim to create human infrastructure through an empowered, prepared and skilled workforce. 

Caterpillar Foundation has worked with PLTW to expand access to STEM education. Through this collaboration, Caterpillar Foundation is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

PLTW Launch

Program Expansion

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Grants from Penn National Gaming help Dauphin County, Pennsylvania nonprofits fund community development, education, human services, cultural programs, health initiatives, and veteran and military support. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations physically located where the company has a business interest, including Dauphin County, seeking support for local residents’ broad community needs.

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 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.

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.

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.

Our Mission

Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

STEM and CTE Grants for Your School

PLTW provides STEM and CTE-aligned curriculum grants for elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools to implement or expand PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, and PLTW Biomedical Science STEM programs.

We work with companies and foundations across the U.S. to make these grants possible.

PLTW Launch

Caterpillar Foundation understands the importance of equipping individuals and communities with the skills, resources and services they need to thrive in our changing world. Investments in workforce readiness and STEM aim to create human infrastructure through an empowered, prepared and skilled workforce. 

Caterpillar Foundation has worked with PLTW to expand access to STEM education. Through this collaboration, Caterpillar Foundation is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

: PLTW Launch

: New Program

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.