Best Franklin County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

4-H Frank Feeser Memorial Carroll County 4-H/FFA Awardp

The purpose ofthe 4-H Frank Feeser Memorial Carroll County 4-H/FFA Award is to honor the life of FRANKLIN ELLSWORTH FEESER by providing an award to youth who has participated in the Carroll County 4-H or FFA programs specializing and showing excellence in swine knowledge and skills and who meets the criteria established for this award.

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 Louis J. Appell, Jr., Preservation Fund for Central Pennsylvania supports local preservation efforts by funding maintenance and restoration of historic places in specific Pennsylvania counties. Eligible applicants include public agencies and non-profit organizations, with a matching requirement for grant amounts. Grants aim to enhance public awareness of the region's heritage while addressing preservation challenges through technical assistance and financial support for essential restoration activities.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, aims to support aspiring law students from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship offers financial assistance along with a 75-hour paid summer internship, helping students gain practical experience in the legal field. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a legal career through a personal statement, addressing how their unique experiences can enrich the profession. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and access in law education.

The University Center at Harrisburg Grant Fund supports non-profit organizations focused on skill and workforce development in specific Pennsylvania counties. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or partner with them. The fund prioritizes projects that directly benefit local communities. However, it does not support advertising, capital campaigns, or projects with insufficient sustainability plans. Grant seekers can apply for projects that align with their needs and the fund's guidelines.

The Kids Trust Fund Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations focused on helping children aged 0-18 who have suffered from abuse or neglect. Established in memory of Gary L. Houck, Jr., this fund encourages innovative programs that enhance existing services and empower affected families. Eligible activities include therapeutic recreation, early intervention, and mental health services. The foundation seeks collaborative solutions that yield measurable outcomes, ensuring long-term support for these vulnerable children.

Franklin County Retired Teachers Association Peggy Grate Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Franklin County Retired Teachers Association scholarship fund assists current teachers in a Franklin County public school system as they return to school to pursue their Master's degree.

Award Amount:

• Two $1,000 graduate level scholarships

The Beistle Company Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides financial support for legal dependents of full-time Beistle Company employees. If no eligible dependents apply, it extends to Shippensburg High School graduates and other local students. Applicants must demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and be accepted into an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students in the community.

The Central PA Architects Foundation Fund Architecture Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students from select counties in Pennsylvania who are enrolled in architecture degree programs. This scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for individuals demonstrating financial need and commitment to the field of architecture, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of local communities.

The Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett Memorial Scholarship, established in 1999 by the children of Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett, supports Franklin County students pursuing nursing degrees. This scholarship primarily targets undergraduate students but may extend to graduates if qualified applicants are scarce. Funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, it emphasizes academic achievement and community service, ensuring that local talent is nurtured in the healthcare sector.

The Mabel M. Witmer Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students pursuing education in trade or technical schools. This fund aims to assist residents of Cumberland or Franklin County with financial need, especially those who have relevant work experience in their chosen field. By investing in education and skills development, the scholarship contributes to community empowerment and long-term economic growth in South Central Pennsylvania.

The Girls on the Run Sparking Limitless Potential Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation, empowers high school graduates from the Girls on the Run program to pursue higher education. This initiative not only celebrates the achievements of alumni but also addresses systemic barriers faced by girls of Color, promoting equity and leadership development. By supporting diverse pathways to education, the scholarship aims to create lasting impact and foster a more inclusive future for youth in Central Ohio.

The Cocoa Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to provide a $1,000 annual scholarship to LGBTQ+ students from Benton and Franklin counties. This scholarship supports students pursuing higher education or skill-based programs, including trade schools and technology bootcamps. The fund is dedicated to fostering opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.

The Gabe Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to empower BIPOC students in Benton and Franklin counties. It provides an annual award of $1,000 to support students pursuing education at accredited universities, trade schools, or skill-based programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the community, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder the academic aspirations of underrepresented groups.

The Jim Noland Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to honor students who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. This scholarship not only provides essential financial support but also promotes ongoing community philanthropy in Benton and Franklin counties. Through impactful giving, the foundation seeks to uplift deserving students and strengthen local nonprofit initiatives in the area.

The EITC Opportunity Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides funding for students in the lowest 15% achieving schools in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and Perry counties. This initiative aims to support students in attending out-of-district or private schools, enhancing educational opportunities for those from low-income households. The scholarship prioritizes students with disabilities and those who received funding previously, ensuring equitable access to quality education and fostering community development.

The Deaconess Foundation offers Nursing Scholarship Grants aimed at supporting local students pursuing nursing degrees with demonstrated financial need. This program reflects the foundation's mission to enhance community health in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Grants are administered in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation. Eligible students must be working towards an accredited nursing degree and demonstrate significant financial need, among other criteria.

The Franklin County Community Foundation Grant supports innovative nonprofit projects in Franklin County, focusing on arts, education, community development, environment, and health services. It seeks applications that demonstrate sustainability and impactful outcomes for local individuals and families. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits or those with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs, particularly in music, health, and early childhood education, while not funding advertising or new staff positions without sustainability plans.

The Gail Deimler Charitable Fund Grant, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports projects that benefit individuals and groups in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Franklin, Lebanon, and Northern York Counties. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and those with fiscal sponsors. The fund prioritizes healthcare services and programs for people in need, continuing Gail Deimler's legacy of generosity and community support.

The Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship, established by the Adirondack Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. U.R. Plante, a dedicated physician in rural New York. This scholarship aims to support students from the Adirondack region pursuing medical education, with amounts up to $10,000. Eligible applicants must be accepted into an accredited medical school and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community post-graduation. This initiative not only fosters education but also encourages the return of healthcare professionals to underserved areas.

The Faerie L. Angle Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides scholarships to aspiring lawyers from Franklin County, PA. Eligible candidates must have been accepted into a three-year J.D. program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to support local talent in pursuing legal education and fostering community engagement through the legal profession.