Best Erie County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Learning Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships for students in Southwest Pennsylvania pursuing post-secondary education in psychology or social work. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors at four-year colleges in Western PA, have graduated from high schools in the region, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2. This initiative supports local students in achieving their educational goals and contributes to community development.

The CFNWPA Catholic Social Ministry Grant supports projects that align with Catholic social teachings and serve the 13 counties of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. Funding is available for initiatives that provide counseling services, marriage support, community building, elderly care, and emergency services for the poor. Eligible organizations include Catholic nonprofits and parishes. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact, fostering long-term support for vital ministries.

The IMPACT: Quality of Place initiative aims to enhance community well-being, encourage civic pride, and stimulate tourism in Erie County by supporting community centers. These centers are crucial hubs that offer vital services such as job training, education, and nutrition to residents, including children and seniors. By funding capital improvements and programming, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority seeks to strengthen these community assets and ensure they continue to serve diverse populations effectively.

The IMPACT: Quality of Place Grant Program aims to enhance community well-being and promote civic pride through investment in parks, fields, and trails. By fostering recreational opportunities, the program seeks to combat declining physical activity and preventable health issues in Erie County. This initiative not only supports healthy lifestyles but also revitalizes neighborhoods and attracts tourism, ultimately benefiting local economies and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Catholic Foundation of Northwest PA

The Catholic Foundation provides a permanent and secure funding stream to strengthen and grow the Church’s mission and ministries in Northwest Pennsylvania by

Helping donors establish permanent charitable funds to create long-lasting support for the causes they care about.

Offering parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations cost-effective, socially responsible investment management to keep endowment assets growing.

We identify ways to better support our Catholic mission and ministries, choose socially responsible investments that align with our core Catholic ideals, steward donors’ charitable gifts of any size, honor donor intent, distribute funds to sustain the Catholic church, and assist Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in meeting their long-term financial needs.

Education Grant

Grants are available for funding towards religious education projects and ministry training/spiritual formation opportunities that benefit people within the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie. Projects must fit at least one of the following four categories:

• Religious education and faith formation projects
• Technology for parish faith formation programs and for Catholic schools (NOTE: Two (2) bids/proposals are required when applying for technology funding in excess of $5,000).
• Lay ministry education, training and worship formation including education toward obtaining professional ministry certifications, attending workshops, conferences, ministry formation and spiritual formation opportunities (NOTE: If multiple people from your organization are seeking funding to attend a ministry opportunity, please submit one application for the entire group).
• Diocesan-wide scholarship and tuition-assistance programs (NOTE: Applicants limited to the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Erie.)

Requirements

• Pastor, school principal/president, or diocesan office supervisor must be aware of the grant request and give their approval by signing the project endorsement form included in the application.
• Funds are released to the parish, school or diocese only with an executed grant agreement on file at the Foundation.
• A follow up grant report from the grantee is required for every grant awarded by the Foundation.

The Coastal Zone Management Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, supports projects that protect coastal resources in Pennsylvania's Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie. Open for applications from September 9, 2024, to October 21, 2024, the program promotes initiatives focused on coastal hazards, public access, and ecological preservation. Eligible applicants include local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Grants help fund planning, construction, and research projects essential for sustaining coastal ecosystems and enhancing public access.

Nonprofits and community organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for capital improvements and programming that enhance parks, fields, and trails. Grants from Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority help Erie County nonprofits deliver social, educational, cultural, health, recreation, and economic benefits through outdoor recreation and neighborhood revitalization projects, with awards up to US $25,000.

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.

Catholic Foundation of Northwest PA

The Catholic Foundation provides a permanent and secure funding stream to strengthen and grow the Church’s mission and ministries in Northwest Pennsylvania by

Helping donors establish permanent charitable funds to create long-lasting support for the causes they care about.

Offering parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations cost-effective, socially responsible investment management to keep endowment assets growing.

We identify ways to better support our Catholic mission and ministries, choose socially responsible investments that align with our core Catholic ideals, steward donors’ charitable gifts of any size, honor donor intent, distribute funds to sustain the Catholic church, and assist Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in meeting their long-term financial needs.

Faith Formation Grant

Grants are available for parish and/or diocesan-based parish faith formation projects that focus on:

• Projects that promote life-long faith formation activities
• Projects that welcome absentee and/or non-Catholics into the church
• Projects that promote faith formation through technology
• Projects that provide spiritual support to families, singles, youth and young adults

Requirements

• Pastor or diocesan office supervisor (if not the applicant) must be aware of the grant request and have given their approval by signing the project endorsement form included in the application.
• Parishes or diocesan offices may only submit one Faith Formation Grant application per year. If more than one application per parish/diocesan department is submitted, all will be rejected.
• Funds are released to the parish or diocese only with an executed grant agreement on file at the Foundation.
• A follow up grant report from the grantee is required for every grant awarded by the Foundation.

Erie County, Pennsylvania students seeking academic scholarship support for Penn State University studies can apply for the Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, which funds post-secondary education or training. With a mission to support local students, Erie Community Foundation provides scholarships to Erie County residents who meet GPA, essay, recommendation, and part-time employment requirements.

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.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

The Pittsburgh and Western PA Trusts, managed through PNC Bank, support diverse projects that enhance community well-being. They prioritize initiatives that provide direct services, address community needs, and benefit underserved populations. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to measurable outcomes and financial accountability. Funding is not available for general operating costs or for-profit entities. Interested applicants are encouraged to inquire via email for further details.

The IMPACT: Neighborhoods & Communities Renaissance Block Grant aims to revitalize neighborhoods in Erie County by combating blight and encouraging local investment. With a budget of $400,000 over two years, it provides financial incentives for property improvements, ensuring neighborhoods become more attractive and walkable. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities. By addressing housing blight and enhancing curb appeal, the program also seeks to boost the municipal tax base and support local contractors, fostering community growth.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

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.

Great Lakes tribes or their designees working on aquatic invasive species management in or near Erie County, Pennsylvania can apply for US $20,000 - US $100,000 to develop or implement Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control efforts benefiting the Great Lakes Basin.

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.

State agencies and designated entities implementing aquatic invasive species management plans in Erie County, Pennsylvania can apply for US $100,000 - US $600,000 in funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These competitive Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants support approved State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans in eligible Great Lakes states and counties, including Erie County, Pennsylvania.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community health in Erie County, Pennsylvania can seek programmatic support for evidence-based initiatives through the Highmark Foundation. With a mission to improve health and quality of life, it funds work in chronic disease, family health, mental health, access to care, and community health clinics in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This private foundation supports innovative projects that go beyond basic care, ensuring the well-being of homeless and abused animals. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and be located in specific states, including Ohio and parts of Indiana and Michigan. The Trust emphasizes humane treatment and sustainable funding for animal welfare initiatives.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Multi-Municipal Collaboration Grant, offered by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, supports innovative partnerships among local governments and organizations in Erie County. Launched in 2012, this program aims to enhance economic growth and foster cooperation among municipalities. Grants provide essential matching funds for projects that improve community resources, promote quality of life, and advance strategic initiatives in areas like small business development and municipal operations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 30, 2024.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

Erie County students pursuing science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or nursing majors at any Penn State University campus can receive scholarship support through the Alice R. Moomy Pennsylvania State University Scholarship. Administered by Erie Community Foundation, this award requires at least a 3.0 GPA and gives preference to female candidates.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Erie County, Pennsylvania can receive funding for specific, tangible projects that benefit the North East community, including youth activities, education, and basic needs. North East Community Foundation provides Erie County nonprofits with support for initiatives such as libraries, schools, first responders, hospice care, food, clothing, and community enrichment.