Best Dauphin County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Leon I. Lock and Barbara R. Lock Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports high school graduates from specific Pennsylvania counties attending Harrisburg Area Community College for health careers. This scholarship is renewable for three consecutive years, aiming to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrated financial need. With over a century of philanthropic history, TFEC continues to empower local students through its extensive scholarship programs.

The Guyon Scholarship for Veterans, established by Ann Guyon in memory of her husband Bill, supports U.S. military veterans from specific Wisconsin counties. It offers a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for college costs during the first semester. Eligibility includes being a veteran and planning to attend an accredited institution. Financial need is considered, ensuring that the scholarship benefits those who require support for their educational pursuits.

The Gresham Scholarship Fund offers a $1,000 non-renewable scholarship to support students from the Gresham Community who have been residents for at least three years. Applicants must have completed one semester at an accredited post-secondary institution and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance for college attendance, ensuring that local students can pursue higher education and contribute positively to the community.

The Leon Lowengard Scholarship, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors the late Leon Lowengard and supports students from Harrisburg City Public Schools and nearby districts, especially those of Jewish faith. With over 190 scholarships available, TFEC is the largest scholarship provider in South Central Pennsylvania, awarding more than $1.7 million annually to local students. Recipients may reapply, ensuring continued support for their educational journeys.

The Lippert-Sizemore Scholarship Fund, established by the PFLAG – Greater Harrisburg Chapter in 2023, acknowledges the contributions of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community from Central PA. This scholarship supports their pursuit of post-secondary education and promotes a positive societal image of LGBTQ+ persons. With over 190 scholarship opportunities provided by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, students can apply for up to three consecutive years, highlighting the importance of education and community involvement.

The Lou Drane Fund Music Scholarship, administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students with a serious interest in classical music. It offers financial aid for those pursuing studies in composition, teaching, or performance. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional ability, apply for financial aid from their chosen institution, and maintain residency in specified counties of Pennsylvania. This scholarship allows recipients to reapply annually, fostering continued growth in the arts.

The Mary Grace Shearer MSW Scholarship for the Advancement of Social Work Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students entering their junior or senior year in accredited social work programs in select Pennsylvania counties. With a minimum GPA of 3.0 and financial need, this scholarship aims to foster professional social work standards by enhancing students' knowledge and skills. Recipients may reapply for one additional year to continue their educational journey.

The Nick Pantalone Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors the life of Nicholas “Nick” Pantalone, who bravely fought a rare cancer. This one-time scholarship supports high school seniors from select counties in Pennsylvania who maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and are involved in Mini-Thon or have personal cancer experiences. With over a century of philanthropic excellence, TFEC continues to empower local students through generous scholarship opportunities.

The Pauline M. Whitekettle Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors a dedicated educator and community member. This scholarship is available to residents of the Newport area, particularly members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, who demonstrate academic proficiency and community involvement. Recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years with a minimum GPA of 2.5, reflecting Ms. Whitekettle's legacy of supporting local students in their educational pursuits.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) offers predoctoral training grants aimed at enhancing clinical and translational science. Administered by the NCATS, this program supports institutions in training aspiring researchers for a PhD or equivalent, ensuring a diverse cohort of scientists equipped to tackle pressing health challenges. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of advancing biomedical research and addressing community health needs effectively.

The Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI) program by the National Science Foundation aims to provide flexible funding opportunities to address evolving needs in cyberinfrastructure. It supports various award classes, including Elements for small groups, Framework Implementations for larger interdisciplinary teams, and Transition to Sustainability for established CI projects. These initiatives focus on developing integrated CI services, ensuring sustainable impact, and promoting collaboration across scientific disciplines to enhance research and innovation.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is inviting research applications focusing on mind and body interventions like mindfulness meditation and yoga that promote emotional well-being and whole person health. This initiative supports innovative studies that validate mechanisms of emotional well-being, utilizing a phased funding approach (R61/R33) to ensure rigorous clinical trials. Preliminary data comparable to R01 applications are required, emphasizing the importance of research quality.

The Wayne Yohe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, provides financial assistance to students graduating from career or technology centers in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry counties. This scholarship aims to support those pursuing post-secondary education in technical fields, particularly in the Building and Construction Industry. Annually, 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 are awarded based on academic performance and career goals, encouraging youth to prepare for future careers.

The Howard C. Gale Excellence Scholarship, offered by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, awards 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 each to high-achieving students. Eligible candidates must graduate from a career or technology center in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry county, possess a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to pursue a career in the construction industry or related fields, such as Architecture or Engineering.

The Garman Builders Phil Shatto Legacy Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, supports local youth pursuing education in construction-related fields. Annually, 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 are awarded based on academic performance and career aspirations, with a focus on students entering the Building/Construction Industry. This initiative, active since 1987, encourages future workforce development in essential sectors like Architecture and Engineering.

The DustinLenker Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, offers $2000 scholarships to graduates from Dauphin County Technical School or The Millersburg School District. This scholarship prioritizes students entering Visual Arts or Construction fields, particularly those with ties to Lenkerville Elementary. The program recognizes academic excellence and career aspirations, supporting youth in the Building Industry as they prepare for future workforce opportunities.

The James G. Hewlett Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to Franklin County residents pursuing degrees in nursing or medical support fields. Established through James G. Hewlett's estate, this fund aims to assist undergraduate students, while also considering graduate applicants if no eligible undergraduates are available. The scholarship is managed by the Franklin County Community Foundation, ensuring that local students have access to educational resources and opportunities to advance their careers in healthcare.

The Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett Memorial Scholarship, established in 1999 by the children of Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett, supports Franklin County students pursuing nursing degrees. This scholarship primarily targets undergraduate students but may extend to graduates if qualified applicants are scarce. Funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, it emphasizes academic achievement and community service, ensuring that local talent is nurtured in the healthcare sector.

The Faerie L. Angle Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides scholarships to aspiring lawyers from Franklin County, PA. Eligible candidates must have been accepted into a three-year J.D. program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to support local talent in pursuing legal education and fostering community engagement through the legal profession.

The J.M. Heberlig/B.J. Helterbran Scholarship Fund, established by dedicated educators, supports Pennsylvania residents pursuing degrees in Art Education or Recreation & Parks. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden on students entering their second, third, or fourth year at a 4-year institution. With a focus on academic achievement, a minimum GPA of 2.8 overall and 3.0 in the major is required, alongside a demonstrated commitment to education and community service.

The David M. Kleppinger Family Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Hershey High School or Emmaus High School who plan to study political science, pre-law, finance, nursing, or liberal arts at Penn State Main Campus or Florida Gulf Coast University. This scholarship promotes academic achievement and community involvement while emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and financial need.

The Central PA Architects Foundation Fund Architecture Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students from select counties in Pennsylvania who are enrolled in architecture degree programs. This scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for individuals demonstrating financial need and commitment to the field of architecture, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of local communities.

The Bruce Mangione Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors Bruce Mangione's legacy through scholarships for students in Harrisburg. This fund supports those attending local schools or dependents of Clearway Energy or Harrisburg Hilton employees. It emphasizes community involvement, work ethic, academic performance, and financial need, thus advancing educational opportunities and fostering local talent in South Central Pennsylvania.

The Beistle Company Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides financial support for legal dependents of full-time Beistle Company employees. If no eligible dependents apply, it extends to Shippensburg High School graduates and other local students. Applicants must demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and be accepted into an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students in the community.

Brave Beginnings Grants, under the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, focus on enhancing neonatal care by providing vital equipment to hospitals. Since 2006, the program has awarded approximately $1 million annually to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across the U.S. Following a suspension due to COVID-19, the 2026 grant cycle is now open, with applications due by February 13, 2026. This initiative aims to ensure the availability of lifesaving equipment for newborns in critical need.

The McLaughlin-Wilson Scholarship Fund, established in 1994 by Edith Wilson, supports residents of Monterey, MA, in accessing post-secondary education. Created in memory of Marjorie McLaughlin, this fund reflects Wilson's commitment to aiding the educational pursuits of local youth. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing intelligent minds in the community, ensuring that high school graduates from Monterey can achieve their academic goals. This scholarship is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values of its founders.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.