Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Pennsylvania

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Highmark Corporate Giving is dedicated to enhancing community health and economic resilience across its service areas. With a focus on equitable access to healthcare and support for local organizations, Highmark aims to reduce health disparities and promote well-being. Their initiatives, such as the Bright Blue Futures program, provide funding to impactful community projects, supporting a diverse range of organizations that align with their mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

Public Wise Grants aims to enhance democracy by providing unrestricted operational funding to organizations committed to voting rights. Established in 2019, Public Wise focuses on grassroots efforts to ensure equitable representation and access to the ballot, particularly in key states like Michigan and Georgia. Their mission is to empower communities, combat voter suppression, and strengthen democratic participation through education and partnership.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The Community Food Solutions Grant offered by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania aims to combat food insecurity by providing funding to grassroots organizations that understand the unique needs of their communities. With nearly a century of experience, United Way connects various sectors to enhance community support and engagement. This initiative not only aids in addressing immediate food access issues but also fosters collaboration among local organizations to create sustainable change.

The Pittsburgh Foundation aims to foster a vibrant, equitable, and just community in the Pittsburgh region through its Foundation-Directed Grantmaking. Focus areas include Basic Needs, Equity and Social Justice, Arts and Culture, Economic Mobility, and Environmental Action. The Foundation prioritizes support for organizations serving low-income communities and those impacted by social injustices. By aligning grantmaking with community aspirations, they strive to ensure everyone can thrive and access essential resources and opportunities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation's Environmental Action Grants prioritize community-centered projects that enhance environmental health and decision-making. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the foundation supports initiatives that involve participatory research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The focus is on empowering communities, particularly in Allegheny County, to address environmental challenges. The foundation seeks to bridge gaps in social justice and promote equitable access to a healthy environment, fostering collaboration among local stakeholders.

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 Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Community Voices Fund, established by the People’s Media Fund, supports innovative media projects that amplify marginalized voices in Greater Philadelphia. Prioritizing community-driven narratives, the Fund awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support storytelling efforts that challenge systemic oppression and promote social justice. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, focusing on projects that enhance community organizing and movement-building efforts.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The AAUW State College Centre County Community Action Grant aims to support non-profit organizations in Centre County, Pennsylvania, that empower women and girls. Founded in 1881, AAUW advocates for gender equity and economic security through research, education, and community programs. Grants are awarded to initiatives that align with their mission, focusing on education, advocacy, and economic opportunities. Applicants must ensure that over half of the beneficiaries are women or girls, fostering a collaborative approach to equity.

The PCA Creative Communities Initiative (CCI) funds community-driven, arts-based projects that enhance social cohesion and economic vitality in Pennsylvania. With grants of up to $25,000 annually for four years, CCI promotes equity, inclusivity, and engagement through creative placemaking. The initiative aims to empower disinvested communities, support grassroots leaders, and celebrate unique local identities while fostering partnerships among artists, local organizations, and government entities.

The Philadelphia DAO Forfeiture Fund aims to utilize forfeited funds to support community organizations addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and anti-crime initiatives. This fund prioritizes grassroots groups with smaller budgets that help Philadelphians avoid crime and poverty. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Philadelphia and have a proven track record of relevant programming. Grants cannot be used for capital projects, and preference is given to programs supporting food access and housing resources.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

Who we are

For more than a century, Philadelphia Foundation has increased philanthropic investment in the community, fostering the economic, civic and social vitality of Greater Philadelphia.

We take charitable dollars further through our deep relationships in the community, close connections with local nonprofits and 100-year history of building positive outcomes in the Philadelphia region.

Born of a desire for more powerful, permanent funding to address community needs, we collaborate with thousands of individuals, families and businesses to advance this goal, always with an eye on the future. As we enter our second century of service, our vision remains grounded in the needs of today and tomorrow and is shaped by the values we hold close, including excellence, diversity, equity and results.

From Ben Franklin’s civic gift of 1,000 pounds sterling to Gerry Lenfest’s endowment for independent journalism, Philadelphia Foundation stewards legacies that strengthen the place we call home, improving lives today and for future generations.

Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Forfeiture Fund – Summer Camps, Cycling, Swimming & Athletic Programs 

Description

Forfeiture Fund

Pursuant to its obligations under the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances Forfeiture Act, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5802, and the final order entered on February 17, 2021(Sourovelis v. City of Philadelphia, Civ. Action No. 2:14-cv-04687-ER), the Office of the District Attorney of Philadelphia must utilize funds forfeited to it to support community-based anti-crime and anti-narcotics organizations.

Organizations may request support for:

• Summer Camps
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Athletic Programs 

Organizations may use funds to support anti-crime, anti-drug, anti-violence initiatives consistent with guidance from the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the United States Department of Justice. A non-exhaustive list of permissible uses based on these sources will be provided to grantee organizations. The Fund will prioritize requests from grassroots community groups with smaller budgets, defined as $950,000 or less. Grants are limited to organizations working with people in the city and county of Philadelphia.

Funding priorities

The Forfeiture Fund will accept applications from community-based organizations offering programs that align with the guidelines and a single focus area of this grant cycle. Applications which attempt to address all focus areas in a single application are likely to be declined.

Priority will be given to:

• Organizations with annual operating budgets at or below $950,000 
• Organizations that can demonstrate a track record of running a summer camp, cycling, swimming and/or athletic programs 

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.