Best Indiana County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The FISA Foundation Grant supports initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities, particularly women and girls. Priorities include enhancing access to healthcare, addressing biases in the system, and preventing violence against vulnerable populations. The foundation emphasizes projects with clear outcomes and realistic evaluation plans, focusing on marginalized groups, especially those facing systemic barriers. Eligible organizations must operate within southwestern Pennsylvania and benefit women, girls, or people with disabilities.

The Henry L. Hillman Foundation Grant supports innovative projects aimed at improving the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. With a focus on civic leadership, collaboration, and new models of economic development, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that leverage community assets and address pressing social needs. Grant recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with the aim of fostering healthy neighborhoods, strengthening democracy, and promoting sustainable regional infrastructure.

The Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on community development, health, education, and the arts. Established in 1968, the Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for underserved populations, including at-risk youth and homeless individuals. It prioritizes direct services that promote economic and social welfare, while accepting applications from tax-exempt organizations. The grant cycle may take two to three months, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to thorough review.

The Polk Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Established by Patricia Hillman Miller, the Foundation prioritizes programs focusing on health, human services, and community inclusion. It seeks to empower people with disabilities through collaborative efforts, innovative technology, and impactful research. While Merakey AVS remains a primary beneficiary, the Foundation welcomes applications from other nonprofits aligned with its mission, ensuring accessibility and support for diverse needs.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies offers Annual Spring and Fall Grants to support nonprofits in Bedford, Cambria, Somerset, and Indiana counties. Grants of up to $7,500 are available for projects that align with the Foundation's mission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, governmental entities, and volunteer fire companies. The Foundation prioritizes scalable projects and those with specific components of larger initiatives, fostering philanthropic efforts across the region.

The Community Initiatives Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, supports nonprofits in Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, and Somerset counties. Grants of up to $7,500 are awarded twice a year to projects that align with community needs. Eligible applicants must have a Federal Tax ID and 501(c)(3) status, or be a governmental body or church. The foundation encourages scalable projects that foster lasting community impact.

The Indiana County Endowment Grant, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to address community needs by funding qualified nonprofit organizations in Indiana County, PA. The grant supports initiatives that promote cultural, social, educational, and economic development, encouraging creative engagement among residents. It provides seed money for new projects, event support, and property improvements, enhancing the overall quality of life in the region. However, it does not cover normal operating expenses or commercial enterprises.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

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 Staunton Farm Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in southwestern Pennsylvania. By supporting evidence-based practices and collaborations among stakeholders, the foundation seeks to eliminate stigma and improve treatment outcomes. Priority areas include innovation, advocacy, and public communication to foster understanding and acceptance of behavioral health issues. This initiative focuses on measurable impacts and sustainable community partnerships to drive positive change.

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 Joseph O. & Geraldine C. Waymire Nursing Scholarship, established by the Waymire family, supports students pursuing nursing careers. It is open to high school seniors from accredited Marion County institutions and those enrolled in nursing programs at various educational levels. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The scholarship aims to foster a diverse nursing workforce, reflecting the mission of the Central Indiana Community Foundation to enhance community opportunities.

The St. Catherine of Alexandria Scholarship, established by Robert and Elaine Damler, aims to support Marion County residents facing significant personal hardships. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a strong preference for those demonstrating financial need and overcoming challenges such as being first-generation college students or from single-parent households. The scholarship covers essential educational expenses and encourages applicants who are committed to improving their lives.

The Indianapolis Foundation Community Scholarship aims to support both traditional and non-traditional Black students in pursuing various post-secondary education paths, including degrees and vocational training. Managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, this scholarship aligns with their mission to foster opportunities for all, particularly emphasizing financial need and community engagement. Eligibility includes Marion County residency and a commitment to education, ensuring a diverse and impactful student body. Preference is given to Black student applicants.

The Wallach Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to high school students and those with equivalent credentials from Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, and Henry counties. This fund aims to support individuals facing financial need or barriers to education, enabling them to pursue post-secondary credentials. Awards cover educational expenses such as tuition and fees, with a preference for applicants maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The initiative fosters educational opportunity for all.

About Us

The Elk County Community Foundation was started in the late 1990’s by a group of business and civic leaders, with the support of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation, who recognized the need for creating a perpetual funding stream to support Elk County—now and in the future. The Foundation was incorporated in 2000 and a year later was classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Foundation provides donors with a simple but powerful and highly personal approach to achieving their philanthropic goals while enhancing the quality of life for the people of Elk County.

The Community Foundation makes it easy for individuals, businesses, and organizations to establish a scholarship fund. Your fund can be created in as little as one meeting, with a short fund agreement, and a single gift. Or your fund can be set up with an initial gift that is added to in the future. We manage all the administrative details of your fund for you.

By establishing a uniquely-named scholarship, you have the ability to designate eligibility requirements including education level, the field of study, geographic area, etc. Many scholarships are established to honor parents, a family member, or someone who influenced your life.

Most scholarship funds at the Foundation are permanent endowments, with the annual earnings used to provide the scholarships

Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund

Tyler Bender recently graduated from the Center for Emergency Medicine, and he felt compelled to give back by starting this scholarship to encourage other individuals to consider the EMS field. There is a constant demand for well-trained and qualified EMS professionals. Tyler hopes that this scholarship fund will help attract individuals to the field and alleviate a shortage of EMS personnel.

Amount: $500 annually

The Tulsa Achievement Investment Scholarship of Kappa Alpha Psi, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports collegiate members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. This scholarship targets students who graduated from Tulsa County high schools and plan to attend accredited colleges in the U.S. Founded in 1998, TCF is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through philanthropic efforts, investing in educational opportunities to foster growth and development in Tulsa and beyond.

Staunton Farm Foundation

Working for mental wellness

Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment and support by advancing best practices through grant making to non-profit organizations in ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland.

Investing in a future where behavioral health is understood, supported, and accepted.

Purpose

Staunton Farm Foundation (SFF) recognizes that strong organizational capacity is essential to sustaining high-quality mental health and substance use services over time. Capacity-building investments strengthen nonprofit organizations’ internal systems, leadership, and infrastructure, enabling them to more effectively carry out their missions. By supporting capacity-building efforts, SFF seeks to empower organizations to innovate, adapt, and enhance programs and resources in response to evolving community needs, ultimately broadening and deepening positive impact for the individuals and communities they serve.

Guidelines for Use of Funds

Capacity-building grants may be used to support activities that strengthen an organization’s infrastructure, systems, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Funds may be used to contract for technical assistance, training, evaluation, planning, technology upgrades, and other expenses necessary to achieve the goals of the proposed project. Specific grant terms will be outlined with successful applicants.

Allowable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Organizational Infrastructure & Systems
  • Strategic planning, sustainability planning, or business model development
  • Data collection, evaluation, or outcomes measurement systems
  • Technology upgrades that support service delivery, coordination, or reporting (e.g., EHR enhancements, client tracking systems, cybersecurity improvements)
• Workforce & Leadership Development
  • Staff training and professional development related to behavioral health or substance use services
  • Leadership development or succession planning
  • Workforce initiatives aimed at improving retention
• Program & Operational Effectiveness
  • Program design or redesign to improve quality, accessibility, or cultural responsiveness
  • Implementation support for evidence-based or promising practices
  • Quality improvement initiatives
  • Policy, procedure, or compliance development related to licensure, accreditation, or best practices
• External Expertise & Technical Assistance
  • Consultants or technical assistance providers with relevant expertise (e.g., finance, evaluation, clinical quality, operations, or technology)
  • Compliance support related to organizational operations (excluding litigation)

Simon and Donna Dragan Scholarship Fund

Created in 2025 by Simon and Donna Dragan, this scholarship will provide financial support to students enrolled in a trade school to further their construction skills and/or students pursuing a two- or four-year college degree in engineering or construction. 

Simon Dragan is a native of Vurpar, Transylvania, Romania. He came to the United States after escaping Communist Romania in 1969 and held a variety of entry-level positions in the Baltimore area before finding work with Williams-Scotsman, a distributor of modular and mobile buildings. Mr. Dragan worked in various roles at Williams- Scotsman, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President of Operations. In 1993, he purchased Whitley Manufacturing from Williams-Scotsman—a factory located in South Whitley, Indiana—and developed it into one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of modular structures. Under his leadership, Whitley expanded from a single facility into a nationwide enterprise serving diverse markets including education, healthcare, government, retail, and commercial sectors.

A visionary leader in the modular construction industry, Mr. Dragan was inducted into the Modular Building Institute (MBI) Hall of Fame in 2002 in recognition of his lasting contributions to modular design and manufacturing excellence. In July 2025, Mr. Dragan sold Whitley Manufacturing to Sunbelt Modular, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Grateful for the opportunities he found in the United States, Mr. Dragan has given back extensively to various nonprofit organizations and charitable causes.

The Wish Book Grants program by the Pittsburgh Foundation supports nonprofits in specific Pennsylvania counties. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) certified, allow only one wish submission, and focus on general operating support. The grants, capped at $5,000, aim to enhance community services. In 2023, $670,000 was raised for 100 organizations. The program thrives on donor contributions and seeks to align with the Foundation's areas of interest, including arts, economic mobility, and social justice.