Best Franklin County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies preserving historic places in Franklin County, Pennsylvania can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support bricks-and-mortar work and technical assistance. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation fund restoration, rehabilitation, maintenance, acquisition, and related project costs for eligible properties across Central Pennsylvania counties.

The TFEC Aspire to Rise Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial support to non-traditional students aged 22 and older who have faced challenges in their educational journey. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing higher education or vocational training, with special consideration for applicants without a post-secondary degree. Additionally, it supports individuals preparing for the GED, fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth in South Central Pennsylvania.

Students pursuing a career in law who attended eligible Central Indiana high schools can receive US $2,500 for tuition and related college expenses, plus a paid internship. Grants from Central Indiana Community Foundation help Franklin County, Pennsylvania nonprofits identify this Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship opportunity for aspiring legal professionals in their networks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational entities in Franklin County, Pennsylvania can apply for the University Center at Harrisburg Grant Fund, awarding up to US $10,000 for skill and workforce development programs. Administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, projects must serve individuals in specified central Pennsylvania counties, including Franklin County.

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.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Judy L. (Beveridge) Creel Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is established to honor the memory of Gary and Judy (Beveridge) Creel of East Franklin Township, Armstrong County.

Gary, the son of Clarence and Hally (Sharpe) Creel, was employed in the surface coal stripping industry and then owned and operated a retail tire sales business until his retirement. At the time of his passing, Gary was in the process of getting a patent approved for a canine orthopedic support device.

Judy, the daughter of Floyd "Ernie" and Dorothy (Reesman) Beveridge, was employed in the banking industry. In retirement, Judy designed tombstones/grave markers for both humans and pets. Judy also was a published author having written three books.

Gary and Judy met in high school and shared 55 years of marriage. Life was busy with work, family, and church responsibilities, but both found time to be there for others in their moment of need. Whether it was offering their time, professional skills or personal resources, their compassion was shared authentically and altruistically.

It is the desire of children, Marci and Ryan, to establish this scholarship to continue their parents' legacy of ordinary people doing what they could to help others, simply because it was the right thing to do. Matthew 6:3-4; James 2:15-17

Current public school teachers pursuing graduate-level study can receive US $1,000 to support master’s degree or equivalency programs, with national study options. Focused on teacher development, The Columbus Foundation invites Franklin County, Pennsylvania educators who meet experience and citizenship requirements to apply for the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association Peggy Grate Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Students pursuing higher education in Franklin County, Pennsylvania who are legal dependents of full-time Beistle Company employees can receive scholarship support for accredited college or graduate study. With a mission to strengthen communities, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities also considers Shippensburg High School graduates and, if funds remain, students from other nearby high schools within 30 miles of Shippensburg.

Students pursuing architecture degrees who are current or former residents of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, may apply for The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Central PA Architects Foundation Fund Architecture Scholarship to support higher education costs. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a Pennsylvania address from one of the specified Central PA counties.

Graduating high school seniors of color in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, including Franklin County, planning to major in K–12 education can receive scholarship support for 2- or 4-year colleges. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Love of Learning Scholarship especially encourages Black students, those with financial need, community service, and preference for HBCUs to apply.

Franklin County, Pennsylvania students pursuing nursing degrees can apply for the Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett Memorial Scholarship, administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. This need-based award supports primarily undergraduate, and when needed graduate, nursing students who demonstrate academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and community service, and may benefit local nonprofits through a stronger healthcare workforce.

Franklin County, Pennsylvania students pursuing vocational or trade education can access funding through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Mabel M. Witmer Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants plan to attend a technical or trade school, reside in Cumberland or Franklin County, and demonstrate financial need, with preference for those who have worked or co-oped in their chosen field.

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.

LGBTQ+ students seeking higher education or skill-based training can receive scholarship support for accredited universities, trade schools, or technology bootcamps. Grants from Three Rivers Community Foundation help Franklin County, Pennsylvania learners and those in nearby Benton County with US $1,000 awards for academic advancement and enrichment-focused programs.

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.

Students in Franklin County, Pennsylvania who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer can receive scholarship support for high school or higher education costs. With a mission to serve local communities, Three Rivers Community Foundation provides the Jim Noland Memorial Scholarship to help these students pursue academic success and enrichment.

The Thomas Evan Jones Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to support students from Pasco or Sunnyside High Schools. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need, with the intention of pursuing a bachelor's degree in science or engineering. This scholarship not only facilitates educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement and growth in essential fields.

Grants from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities help Franklin County, Pennsylvania students from low-achieving school districts access out-of-district or private K–12 education. Eligible families must reside in designated counties, meet household income limits, and may receive preference if the student previously received EITC Opportunity Scholarship funding.

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.

Franklin County, Pennsylvania nonprofits can access funding through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities to expand arts and cultural programming for underserved audiences. The Arts for All Partnership Grant supports free performances, ticket subsidies, youth engagement, educational outreach, and related equipment. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve the Capital Region, including Franklin County, or be located within 20 miles of center city Harrisburg; awards are up to US $7,500.

Franklin County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can access funding via The Foundation for Enhancing Communities for programs serving local residents. Grants up to US $7,000 support innovative, high-impact work in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, and health and human services, including cancer care, seniors, people with special needs, and early childhood education.

Franklin County, Pennsylvania nonprofits can access funding through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities to support community services and health-related programs. 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor serving people in need, healthcare issues, or hospice services in designated central Pennsylvania counties may be eligible for awards of more than US $10,000.

The Palmer Family Foundation Fund, part of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), offers annual competitive grants to visual and performing arts nonprofits in Franklin County. This funding aims to support arts initiatives that enrich the community. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and directly serve Franklin County. However, grants cannot be used for general operations or activities such as advertising and capital campaigns. This initiative underscores TFEC's commitment to fostering local arts.

Franklin County, Pennsylvania medical students seeking support for MD or DO studies can access funding through Adirondack Foundation’s Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship. Awards up to US $10,000 assist residents of designated New York counties or those who have lived there, who plan to practice primary care or related specializations in underserved or remote communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food insecurity and access in Franklin County, Pennsylvania can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support local hunger relief programs. Land O'Lakes Foundation funds food banks, pantries, meal programs, delivery services, and community gardens that serve rural communities within its designated member-owner regions.

Grants from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities help Franklin County, Pennsylvania residents pursuing law degrees cover law school costs through the Faerie L. Angle Memorial Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants are financially needy students with strong GPAs accepted into three-year J.D. programs, including those attending Pennsylvania or out-of-state law schools.

Youth involved in 4-H or FFA who demonstrate excellence in swine knowledge and skills can apply for the 4-H Frank Feeser Memorial Carroll County 4-H/FFA Award, supporting their educational goals. Students from Franklin County, Pennsylvania participating in these programs may be eligible if they meet the award’s specific criteria.