Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Pennsylvania

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Pennsylvania can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve economically underserved communities and grassroots organizations may be competitive if they offer innovative, tech-enabled solutions to significant social challenges.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Grassroots, faith-based, and other community organizations in Pennsylvania can seek support for programs improving health, economic stability, and quality of life. With a mission to ensure healthier, brighter futures, Highmark provides funding for community health, food access, housing, education, workforce readiness, and related initiatives across its core service areas.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations advancing voting rights and democracy access in Pennsylvania can receive unrestricted operational support to expand their work. Public Wise grants fund efforts like ensuring ballot access, creating voter plans, litigating voter suppression, and building power in BIPOC communities, with priority given to groups in Pennsylvania and other key states.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania addressing food insecurity, housing insecurity, and anti-crime/anti-drug efforts in Philadelphia can apply for $10,000 - $50,003 to support community programs. Grants from The Philadelphia Foundation help organizations with smaller budgets provide food access, housing resources, and poverty alleviation services for residents of Philadelphia County.

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.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, poverty relief, disaster aid, family or youth services, health care, animal welfare, conservation, veterans’ support, or religious programs in the Southern U.S. may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Robinson Foundation help active, fiscally responsible charities create tangible, measurable impact with single-year projects.

Nonprofits and research or advocacy groups working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact the Great Lakes region, including Pennsylvania, may be eligible for support. With a mission to build safe and just communities, The Joyce Foundation provides funding for research, policy advocacy, pilot initiatives, and community education that advance racial equity.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania that support basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence survivors can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s TJX Foundation Grants. Eligible organizations must be within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and may receive project support for programs helping vulnerable children and families build better futures.

Nonprofit organizations in Centre County, Pennsylvania can receive US $900 - US $11,400 to run programs advancing equity for women and girls. Grants from American Association of University Women help grassroots groups address education, economic security, and advocacy, as long as more than half of program participants are women or girls.

Pennsylvania grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations working in arts and culture, education, financial literacy, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, social services, or veterans’ services can access funding through Members 1st Charitable Foundation. Grants up to US $10,000 support local groups based in specified South Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania counties that are in good financial standing.

Grassroots and other IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community programs such as cultural activities, education, health facilities, and environmental or wildlife initiatives. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations where modest awards can make a significant impact.

Grassroots and community-based organizations in Pennsylvania can seek multi-year support for arts-based projects that strengthen social cohesion, livability, and community and economic development. With a mission to strengthen cultural, educational, and economic vitality, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts provides up to US $25,000 annually for creative placemaking initiatives that engage residents and celebrate local identity.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Allegheny County residents in Pennsylvania can apply for Pittsburgh Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $150,000 for program or general operating support. Funding prioritizes grassroots groups advancing basic needs, equity and social justice, arts and culture, economic mobility, and environmental action for communities disproportionately impacted by poverty.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Allegheny County in Pennsylvania can access funding for environmental health, stewardship, policy, and citizen science projects, with awards of US $10,000 - US $75,000. Grants from Pittsburgh Foundation help grassroots groups conduct community-engaged research, build cross-sector partnerships, advocate for policy change, and support youth and grassroots organizing on regional environmental priorities.

501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Pennsylvania working on BIPOC-led democracy, civic engagement, and racial justice can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Democracy Program grants, awarding US $40,000 - US $200,000 for movement-building and systems change. Grassroots organizations focused on voting rights, voter engagement, and state-level power-building may be especially competitive.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania running summer camps, cycling, swimming, or athletic programs in Philadelphia can access funding through the Philadelphia Foundation to support anti-crime, anti-drug, and anti-violence initiatives. Grants of US $5,000 - US $50,000 prioritize smaller-budget organizations with a proven track record helping Philadelphians avoid crime and addiction.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations advancing environmental and climate justice can access funding through the Scherman Foundation to support movement-building, advocacy, and organizing. While focused on New York, the program also funds a limited number of groups in Pennsylvania working on issues like renewable energy, green jobs, mass transit equity, and climate resilience for BIPOC communities.

Pennsylvania grassroots and local neighborhood organizations addressing food insecurity and community food distribution can access funding through United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to support food security programs. Eligible groups must serve communities in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, or Westmoreland counties and receive connections to resources and technical assistance from a steering committee.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) and fiscally sponsored organizations using media for social justice movement-building in Pennsylvania’s Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties can seek project funding from the People’s Media Fund. The Community Voices Fund offers US $10,000 - US $30,000 for community storytelling, community-centered news, and archival projects that build collective power in the Philadelphia region.