Best Dauphin County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

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.

Grants from The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust help Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits deliver health and human services and community development programs within 100 miles of Coatesville. Eligible organizations may seek support for specific projects, operations, capital needs, equipment, or last-resort funding that address demonstrated community needs and leverage additional volunteer and financial 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 PPL Foundation offers Energizing Education Grants to support equitable, high-quality educational opportunities for all students. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for programs focused on STEM, literacy, and college readiness, particularly emphasizing careers in the energy sector. Nonprofits in regions served by PPL Electric Utilities are encouraged to apply, fostering community development and educational advancement across Pennsylvania.

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 PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

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 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.

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.

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 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 Louis J. Appell, Jr., Preservation Fund for Central Pennsylvania supports local preservation efforts by funding maintenance and restoration of historic places in specific Pennsylvania counties. Eligible applicants include public agencies and non-profit organizations, with a matching requirement for grant amounts. Grants aim to enhance public awareness of the region's heritage while addressing preservation challenges through technical assistance and financial support for essential restoration activities.

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 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 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 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 Presser Foundation, established in 1939, offers grants between $2,500 and $50,000 to support music organizations across diverse genres. Focused on fostering music education and philanthropy, the Foundation seeks to empower non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. However, it does not fund theater or dance productions. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational accomplishments, community value, stability, and overall contributions to the music community.

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.