Best Erie County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The ECF Shaping Tomorrow Grants aim to empower nonprofits in Erie County by funding projects that promote inclusivity and equitable impact. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 for initiatives lasting 12-18 months, focusing on measurable community change in health, education, and economic growth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, demonstrate community engagement, and align with ECF priorities. This program seeks to enhance organizational capacity and support collaborations that drive sustainable development.

The Erie Community Foundation offers ECF Urgent Grants to support nonprofit organizations facing unexpected crises that disrupt their essential activities. This funding is available to nonprofits that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and located in or serving Erie County. Grants aim to empower organizations to navigate urgent situations effectively, ensuring that they can continue their vital missions in education, health, and community development.

BASF Corporation, a leading chemical company based in Florham Park, New Jersey, is committed to charitable giving that aligns with its corporate social responsibility goals. The focus areas include science education, environmental sustainability, and health and safety. Donations are only made to eligible non-profit organizations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that contributions support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in BASF communities and promote a sustainable future.

Nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania with established, year-round community, education, health, arts, or environmental programs can apply for grants of approximately US $4,069 to support direct services. Grants from Harry Winslow Foundation help organizations with at least three years of operations and proven program impact continue serving local needs.

The Zurn Foundation Grant supports community well-being through financial contributions and volunteer efforts. With a focus on Basic Needs, Education, and Environment, the Foundation aims to enhance quality of life by providing essentials, promoting STEM education, and protecting natural resources. Organizations applying for this grant should align with these pillars to foster positive community impact. Applications must be submitted by May 1 for the July meeting or by November 1 for the January meeting.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Arts, culture, and heritage 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities in Erie County, Pennsylvania can apply for Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority’s Community Assets grants, awarding up to US $15,000 for capital improvements and programming. Funding can cover project-related administration, marketing, facilities, equipment, construction, contracted services, and outcomes measurement that benefit Erie County residents.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

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.

WalkWorks Community Capacity-Building Pre-Planning Assistance Program

The Department of Health is working to increase equity and ensure that communities most in need are able to pursue WalkWorks planning funds.

WalkWorks is pleased to announce its fourth round of technical assistance to support low-capacity, high-interest municipalities with the pre-planning steps they must undertake to be ready to apply for funding to develop Active Transportation Plans. 

Purpose of Program

Creating healthier places for all is the basis for the program’s technical assistance support. Preparing communities to invest in pedestrian-, bicycle-, ADA accessibility-, and public transportation-supportive plans and facilities will in turn create opportunities for people to engage in physical activity as they travel to everyday destinations. Physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduces risk for many chronic diseases. The prevalence of obesity and overweight for both adults and children has reached epidemic proportions throughout the nation, as well as in Pennsylvania. In addition, many people suffering from anxiety, depression, and mood swings find walking has a calming effect on mood. The Pennsylvania State Health Improvement Planiii (SHIP) identifies a goal to increase the population at a healthy weight through increasing availability and accessibility of physical activity.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Pennsylvania

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Erie County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local women and families through projects like transportation, health, workforce training, housing, childcare, or food access can seek approximately US $30,000 for community gap initiatives. With a mission to strengthen women and families, Erie Community Foundation provides project support through the Furchak-Ferko Annual Grant Program.

Highmark Health

For over two decades, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community has been a powerful force for positive change, uniting individuals and organizations in the shared pursuit of healthier communities. This annual fundraising event is a cornerstone of Highmark's Bright Blue Futures initiative, dedicated to improving equitable access to care, enhancing quality of life, and fostering economic resilience.

Our Mission: To empower local health and human service nonprofits and inspire community members to prioritize their well-being. How We Make a Difference: Highmark proudly underwrites all event costs, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised by participants goes directly to the participating nonprofits. This allows these organizations to focus on their vital missions, providing essential services and support to those in need.

Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community Program

The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community offers a unique opportunity for health and human service nonprofits to significantly expand their fundraising efforts. We are seeking dedicated organizations to partner with us in our mission to build healthier communities.

By participating in the Highmark Walk, you're not only investing in your own health through physical activity but also making a tangible contribution to a healthier and more vibrant community for everyone. We invite you to join us in this vital effort.

The GEEDC Scholarships, funded by the Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation, provide essential financial support to BIPOC students in Erie County. Established over 50 years ago, these scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities for marginalized communities. Annually, more than $100,000 is awarded to help students pursue post-secondary education, pre-apprenticeship training, and internships across various fields, including health services and trades. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in education.

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 Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Nonprofit organizations serving community development and services in Erie County, Pennsylvania can apply for Corry Community Foundation’s competitive grants, with awards of more than US $3,500. Funding supports efforts that improve quality of life for Corry residents, including community revitalization, economic development, civic leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for local community services, development, and civic leadership projects through mini grants of up to US $3,500. Corry Community Foundation supports efforts that improve quality of life for Corry residents, with bimonthly awards and deadlines in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

Research institutions and other organizations conducting fisheries and ichthyology research in Erie County, Pennsylvania can apply for Great Lakes Fisheries Trust’s ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations grants, with awards up to US $1,300,000 for ecological and biological studies that inform fisheries management. Nonprofits may be eligible when leading hypothesis-driven research or related tools, resources, or capacity-building efforts.

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.

County governments operating jails in Erie County, Pennsylvania can apply for up to US $250,000 to expand medication-assisted treatment and comprehensive substance use disorder services for incarcerated individuals and recent reentrants. Grants from Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency help Pennsylvania counties build MAT programs using FDA-approved medications and coordinated reentry support.

Grants to support animal welfare programs in Erie County, Pennsylvania help 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations fund capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter work. Grants from Nestlé Purina may benefit eligible shelters and rescues within its listed service counties that promote the well-being of pets and the people who love them.