Best Lancaster County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The PPL Foundation's Empowering Communities Grants provide up to $50,000 to support initiatives that enhance education, workforce development, and community revitalization. Targeting nonprofits in the PPL Electric Utilities region, these grants focus on environmental stewardship, economic development, and promoting sustainable communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate their impact in improving community quality of life, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are limited to one per organization per grant cycle.

The Hamer Foundation

Our Mission:

The mission of The Hamer Foundation is to provide support to nonprofit organizations within a 100-mile radius of State College PA in the following areas: 

• Environmental Support – 50% of donations 
• Community Support – 35% of donations 
• Educational Support – 15% of donations 

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

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.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), invites proposals for Planning and Technical Assistance Grants up to $75,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting local partners in effective project implementation. With an estimated $8.5 million available, applicants are encouraged to engage with NFWF staff for proposal guidance and feedback to strengthen their submissions.

The LGBTQ+ Giving Circle Grant aims to empower community-based organizations (CBOs) in Lancaster County to enhance visibility and support for LGBTQ+ communities. Priority is given to initiatives addressing the needs of the most vulnerable groups affected by systemic injustices, including racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Eligible organizations must serve residents without discrimination and hold a current 501(c)(3) designation. This grant fosters inclusivity and addresses pressing social issues within the local LGBTQ+ community.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites proposals for grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000. These funds aim to support on-the-ground conservation projects that enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Up to $8.5 million in funding is available, contingent on resources.

The SWE Philadelphia Scholarships support full-time undergraduate and graduate students in engineering or related fields at local universities, offering financial aid between $1000 and $2000. Eligibility includes students from the Philadelphia and greater Harrisburg areas, with preference for those holding paid SWE memberships and active collegiate section involvement. Selection criteria emphasize academic achievements in STEM, leadership skills, and personal motivations expressed in an essay.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Committed to Local

For 150 years, Univest has cultivated a philanthropic spirit and the strength of our Committed To Local giving program is one of the things that differentiates us. We know that Univest is only as strong as the communities we serve. Over the course of the year, we remained steadfast to our commitment to giving back. 

Commitment To Community

To better serve the communities where we live and work, we offer strong leadership, employee volunteerism, and financial support to organizations whose programs and services complement our brand and mission.

Philanthropic Giving

Whether it's serving longtime partnerships or building new relationships with registered 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations, we focus our giving, event sponsorships, and funding in the following areas:

• Youth and Education
• Health and Social Services
• Community and Economic Development
• Arts and Culture 

Event Sponsorships

Support is intended for Univest customers. You're in the right place if you're seeking support for an event sponsorship.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

What We Do

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation foundation. We work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

NFWF supports conservation efforts across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Since our founding, we've funded over 23,300 rigorously evaluated projects, awarded to both large environmental organizations and small local initiatives. We do not fund advocacy or litigation, and do not conduct membership campaigns. Instead, we focus on achieving results and building a better future for our world.

Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership, is soliciting pre-proposals through the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) Grants program to improve water quality and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. Major funding for the INSR Grants program is provided by EPA, with other important contributions from Altria Group, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Forest Service. 

The Josiah W. and Bessie H. Kline Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to enhancing individual and community welfare through charitable, educational, literary, and scientific initiatives. Established in 1952, the foundation prioritizes funding for non-profit organizations in South Central Pennsylvania, particularly in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while private foundations and certain educational institutions are excluded from eligibility.

The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants, offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the EPA, aim to enhance water quality and restore vital habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Funding is available through two programs: SWG Implementation grants for direct on-the-ground actions, and SWG Planning and Technical Assistance grants to support community-based efforts. Projects must align with specific program priorities to qualify for funding.

The Women United Grant aims to enhance the education, economic mobility, and health of women in Lancaster County. By investing in educational initiatives that promote technical and employment skills, this grant seeks to empower women and improve their financial stability. Grants range from $20,000 to $30,000, with a total funding pool of up to $60,000. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure they effectively serve women over 18 in the community.

Music for Everyone's Annual Grant Program supports projects that enhance access to music for underserved populations. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 aim to foster community engagement through musical education. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools serving Lancaster County, PA. Special consideration is given to initiatives that benefit school music programs. The program encourages partial funding to improve the chances of success in grant applications, ensuring impactful use of resources.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Inspired by nature and rooted in science to improve and grow stewardship for Maryland’s natural resources. Watershed and Climate Services operates as a connector and leader within Maryland, leveraging science, funding and policy, partnerships and adaptive management to restore ecosystems, build resilience, foster equitable well-being and promote sustainable communities and economies. 

Watershed Assistance Grant Program

The Watershed Assistance Grant Program (WAGP) is a partnership between the Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP). This program provides funding for early-stage watershed restoration design and planning projects in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as in the Octoraro Creek and Conowingo Creek watersheds in Chester and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania. Funding for eligible Pennsylvania projects is provided through MDE. Program goals include supporting project readiness, advancing projects toward future implementation, and aligning project development with local and state watershed plans.

Track 1 – Project Design

• Generally, requests are up to $100,000 for the design of best management practices (BMPs), including the following:
  • Bioretention cells and large-scale rain gardens;
  • Stormwater management practices, that include low-impact development (LID) techniques, green infrastructure (GI), water quality BMPs, and environmental site design (ESD),
  • Submerged gravel wetlands, and
  • Agricultural BMPs.
• Generally, requests are up to $150,000 for design of
  • Stream restoration practices,
  • Wetland and marsh creation/restoration projects, and
  • Living shorelines.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Inspired by nature and rooted in science to improve and grow stewardship for Maryland’s natural resources. Watershed and Climate Services operates as a connector and leader within Maryland, leveraging science, funding and policy, partnerships and adaptive management to restore ecosystems, build resilience, foster equitable well-being and promote sustainable communities and economies. 

Watershed Assistance Grant Program

The Watershed Assistance Grant Program (WAGP) is a partnership between the Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP). This program provides funding for early-stage watershed restoration design and planning projects in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as in the Octoraro Creek and Conowingo Creek watersheds in Chester and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania. Funding for eligible Pennsylvania projects is provided through MDE. Program goals include supporting project readiness, advancing projects toward future implementation, and aligning project development with local and state watershed plans.

Track 2 – Watershed Planning and Program Development

Generally, up to $75,000 for planning and program development, such as watershed characterization, surveys, assessments, action plans, studies, program development, or financing strategies that build local capacity.

The Anne Brossman Sweigart Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting local nonprofits in the Greater Denver and Ephrata areas. With a commitment to empowering the community, this foundation honors a legacy of over 90 years by providing financial assistance to various sectors including food banks, education, arts, and historical preservation. By uplifting these organizations, the foundation aims to create a lasting positive impact for future generations.

The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations within a 75-mile radius of Sunbury, PA. Established in 1989, the Foundation seeks to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like conservation, health care, social services, and education. Applications should demonstrate community support and clear project goals. Note that grants do not cover all costs, and applications focused on political activities are discouraged. For more information, visit their website.

About the Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow

The Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow’s (RAFFT) mission is to drive transformative restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster that address historical inequities in the African American/Black community. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, RAFFT aims to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. 

Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members with lived experience. 

Grants of $500 – $10,000, totaling up to $50,000

Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow (RAFFT)

Fund Establishment

In 2023, Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (CMCL) established this fund to address inequities experienced by descendants of enslaved Africans. Understanding generations of racial injustice have resulted from (chattel slavery and Jim Crow segregation), other congregations of all faith traditions along with individuals are invited to contribute to the Reparations Action Fund for Tomorrow (RAFFT). Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members in Lancaster with lived experience.  

Mission Statement

Our mission is to drive transformational restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster, PA that address historical inequities and support the empowerment of African American/Black communities. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. We are dedicated to fostering a community where the legacy of our ancestors inspires action, accountability, and lasting change.

Below are the 5 funding areas with examples of potential grant projects. 

• BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Small business startup or expansion, equipment, marketing, training. Personal credit recovery assessments. 
• CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY PRESERVATION: Projects that preserve Black history, culture, and language.
• EDUCATION: Tuition assistance (college/university, certification programs, vocational training), school supplies (technology, books). Must bring an acceptance letter and/or book requirement list for courses. School supplies estimate of funds as well a receipt after purchase.
• HEALTH AND WELLNESS: For services not covered by insurance such as – Physical Fitness/Nutritionist (up to one year membership fees), mental health services/therapy.
• HOUSING: Home ownership assistance (closing or inspection costs), property repair.

Our Review Process

All applications will be reviewed by the RAFFT Disbursement Team, which may include representatives from impacted communities, policy experts. Decisions will be based on:

• Alignment with reparations goals and categories
• Demonstrated need
• Completeness and clarity of application

Timeline for Review: Applicants will receive notification of funding decisions by September 28, 2026. Additional documentation or interviews may be requested as needed.

The Pryor and Arlene Neuber Charitable Trust, based in Pittsburgh, focuses on philanthropy and education. It provides grants to nonprofit organizations, emphasizing projects that offer direct community services, demonstrate measurable impact, and promote sustainability. The Trust prioritizes collaboration and supports initiatives benefiting underserved populations in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programming, or for-profit entities. Organizations must have at least three years of operational experience to qualify for grants.

The Univest Local Philanthropic Giving Program has a rich history of supporting local communities for over 150 years. With a focus on youth education, health services, economic development, and arts, Univest empowers registered nonprofits in Greater Philadelphia and beyond. Their commitment is evident through employee volunteerism and financial contributions, ensuring stronger community ties. This program primarily supports Univest customers, reinforcing the belief that a strong business is rooted in a thriving community.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.