Area Development Grant Program
The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.
Appalachian Regional Commission
Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds: Convening Grants
The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds offers Convening Grants to nonprofit organizations for collaborative projects aimed at protecting and restoring water resources. Grants, capped at $2,000, are available to groups with 501(c)(3) status in areas from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River. By leveraging local and federal funds, the foundation supports efforts to ensure clean water for future generations, addressing both pristine and polluted waterways in Pennsylvania.
Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
Hillman Foundation Grant
The Hillman Foundation, established in 1951, aims to enhance the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. It focuses on strategic grantmaking for economic development, health, education, human services, the arts, and the environment. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community growth, support arts and culture, and address social determinants of health. It primarily funds tax-exempt organizations serving the ten counties of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Hillman Family Foundations
PDCED: Appalachian Regional Commission Grant
The PDCED Appalachian Regional Commission Grant supports economic development in Pennsylvania's Appalachian Region. It funds projects that enhance job creation, improve infrastructure, and promote business development. The goal is to leverage federal, state, and local resources to strengthen the economy of this 205,000-square-mile area. Funding is prioritized for initiatives that lead to sustainable economic growth, workforce readiness, and improved community capacity. Eligible projects include technical assistance, infrastructure development, and local government support.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs: Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grants
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, specifically the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grants, aim to enhance outdoor recreation and resource conservation. By partnering with various state agencies, grants of up to $7,000 are available for projects that promote sustainable use of water trails, ensuring inclusive access and community engagement across Pennsylvania's designated trails. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the program's guiding principles, including stewardship and community vitality.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs: Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG)
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs offer the Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG) to support projects enhancing public access to waterways. Grants of up to $30,000 are available, with a required 1:1 match. This initiative prioritizes non-profit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions focused on improving recreational access and advancing the mission of fostering stewardship of Pennsylvania's waterways. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 1, 2025.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Quest for the Best- Financial Grant
Quest for the Best® is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Pennsylvania by providing project-based grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. The grant aims to support initiatives that focus on long-term sustainability, secured co-funding, and specific programs. Priorities include police and nurse training, education for underserved communities, and humanitarian efforts such as clean water access. The funder emphasizes local impact and requires matching contributions for grant requests.
Quest for the Best®
Sun Club Sustainability Grant
The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.
Green Mountain Energy
PA Fair Fund: Capital Improvement Matching Grants
Applications due Jun 30, 2026
The PA Fair Fund offers Capital Improvement Matching Grants to support agricultural fairs and youth organizations in Pennsylvania. These grants, established under the Agricultural Fair Act of 1986, assist in funding new construction and maintenance of physical structures on fairgrounds. Eligible projects include building construction, utility improvements, and infrastructure enhancements. A 50% cash match is required, and in-kind contributions are not accepted. This funding aims to enhance the facilities and overall experience at agricultural fairs across the state.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA)
Clean Water Fund: Small Implementation Grant
Applications due Jul 1, 2026
The Clean Water Fund: Small Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration for water quality improvement in Lancaster County by 2040. It supports diverse, watershed-scale projects, such as agricultural conservation and stormwater management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve county residents. Grants do not require a match, and funds can cover administrative costs. This initiative is critical for reducing pollution and ensuring healthy water systems in the community.
Lancaster County Community Foundation
The Clean Water Fund: Community Conservation Grant
Applications due Jul 1, 2026
The Clean Water Fund's Community Conservation Grant aims to enhance Lancaster County's water quality through collaborative education and outreach projects. This initiative encourages creative solutions, ranging from art installations to water quality monitoring, without funding implementation projects. The grant supports community engagement and aims for significant improvements in water quality by 2040, aligning with the county's action plan to reduce pollutants effectively.
Lancaster County Community Foundation
Environmental Action: Equitable Access to Land, Water and Air Grants
Applications due Jul 15, 2026
The Environmental Action: Equitable Access to Land, Water and Air Grants by the Pittsburgh Foundation aim to support community-centered projects that enhance access to natural resources and promote environmental justice. The program prioritizes initiatives that engage local communities in decision-making, address climate change impacts, and improve public health. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, emphasizing sustainable stewardship and equitable access to greenspaces for underserved populations in Allegheny County and surrounding regions.
Pittsburgh Foundation
Foundation-Directed Grantmaking
Applications due Jul 15, 2026
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.
Pittsburgh Foundation
The Greater Harrisburg Foundation Upstream Grant
Applications due Sep 1, 2026
The Greater Harrisburg Foundation Upstream Grant aims to foster community improvement by funding innovative projects that address systemic issues at their source. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and Perry Counties, allowing them to implement creative solutions in areas such as education, health, and environmental stewardship. By focusing on upstream interventions, the foundation encourages a proactive approach to social change, ultimately enhancing community resilience and well-being.
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds: Conservation Grants
Letter of inquiry due Sep 18, 2026
The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds Grant Program supports local initiatives aimed at conserving and restoring Pennsylvania's vital water resources. Since 1995, the foundation has provided matching grants to nonprofit organizations, enhancing the health of local streams and ensuring clean water for future generations. Eligible applicants must be IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, focusing on areas from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River, while individuals and government agencies are ineligible for funding.
Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Pennsylvania
Applications due Sep 30, 2026
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Pennsylvania provides essential funding to ensure access to clean drinking water, proper sewage disposal, and efficient stormwater management in eligible rural areas. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, making it crucial for communities that struggle to secure commercial credit. Eligible uses of funds include construction, improvements, and related legal and engineering costs, promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Coastal Zone Management Grant Program
Applications due Oct 14, 2026
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.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Grant Program
Full proposal due Oct 29, 2026
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Grant Program offers low-interest loans and grants for improvements in drinking water, storm water, and sewage treatment facilities. Eligible entities include municipalities, authorities, and private operators. Total project assistance can reach up to $11 million, or $20 million for multi-municipality projects. Applicants must consult with a PENNVEST Regional Project Specialist prior to submission. This program aims to enhance water management and pollution prevention practices across the state.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Joseph Robert Foundation Grant
Letter of inquiry due Oct 30, 2026
The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.
Joseph Robert Foundation
PA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Grant
Applications due Nov 1, 2026
The PA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Grant provides vital technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in Pennsylvania. This program aims to enhance natural resource conservation by addressing concerns such as soil health, water quality, and habitat restoration. Eligible applicants can receive funding for various conservation practices, promoting sustainable agricultural operations while protecting the environment. EQIP encourages year-round applications, ensuring ongoing support for conservation efforts across the state.
USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Pennsylvania
Environmental Education Grants
Applications due Nov 15, 2026
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection offers Environmental Education Grants to enhance environmental literacy among youth and adults. Funding supports diverse projects, including hands-on programs for students and community workshops. Priorities focus on climate change, water quality, and environmental justice, with mini grants up to $5,000 and general grants ranging from $5,001 to $65,000. Projects must engage participants from multiple counties and include members from Environmental Justice communities, fostering sustainable resource management.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Boating Facility Grant Program
Applications due Dec 1, 2026
The Boating Facility Grant Program, established by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), aims to enhance public boating facilities across the Commonwealth. This initiative supports the planning, acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of these facilities, ensuring that recreational boaters in Pennsylvania have access to high-quality amenities. By investing in such projects, PFBC fosters a vibrant boating community and promotes recreational opportunities on the state's waterways.
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
Water and Environment Grant Program
Applications due Mar 6, 2027
The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.
American Water Charitable Foundation Inc
Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program
Applications due Mar 13, 2027
The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.
Chesapeake Bay Trust
Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program - Planning & Implementation Grants
Applications due Apr 15, 2027
The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program offers funding to enhance and protect Pennsylvania's coldwater ecosystems. With two grant types—Planning Grants and Implementation Grants—this program aims to foster understanding of watershed dynamics, identify areas of concern, and support conservation efforts. Planning Grants provide up to $10,000 for developing conservation plans, while Implementation Grants offer up to $25,000 for executing approved projects. Eligible applicants include watershed associations and local conservation entities.
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
DCNR Motorized Trails Grants
Full proposal due Apr 30, 2027
The DCNR Motorized Trails Grants program supports the development and maintenance of motorized recreational trails in Pennsylvania. Funded by the Federal Highway Administration, the program aims to enhance trail facilities for snowmobiling, ATV riding, and off-highway motorcycle riding. Eligible applicants include government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profits. Grant funding can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, ensuring safer and more accessible trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR)