Best Luzerne County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can seek program or operating support for education, human services, and healthcare initiatives that address poverty. William G. McGowan Charitable Fund supports efforts like housing stabilization, food security, out-of-school education, and primary healthcare; local nonprofits focused on these needs may be eligible to apply.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support early childhood education or community economic development programs. Funding may assist initiatives serving low- and moderate-income residents, including early learning, affordable housing, small business support, job training, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can apply for M&T Charitable Foundation grants to support arts and culture, education, health care, human services, and civic affairs programs. Funding is decided locally and aims to improve quality of life for residents through community-focused initiatives.

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 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.

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 

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania nonprofits and local public-interest entities can seek funding for projects that improve residents’ quality of life and community well-being. Luzerne County organizations can access funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account program to support community and economic development projects that address the impacts of gaming and related activities.

The Regional Foundation Responsive Grants provide urgent financial support to current or former grantees facing unforeseen, time-sensitive challenges. Grants, up to $25,000, are intended for tactical or strategic needs arising from emergencies, disasters, or critical changes within communities. Examples include natural disasters impacting neighborhoods or sudden leadership transitions. However, requests for ongoing operational costs or event sponsorships are not eligible. The application process is designed for quick turnaround, typically within one week.

The Alice R. Moomy Pennsylvania State University Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, awards funds to Erie County students pursuing degrees in STEM or nursing at any Penn State campus. With over $800,000 distributed in 2023, this scholarship aims to support academically promising individuals, particularly encouraging female applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

Educational institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering STEAM and art education programs for underprivileged youth in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can apply for more than US $10,000 to support their work. With a mission to advance STEAM education, On Semiconductor Foundation provides funding to organizations in communities where onsemi operates that align with its giving priorities and values.

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania community organizations with creative, community-benefit projects can access funding through the Willary Foundation. The family foundation supports interesting, imaginative, and innovative efforts that strengthen communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Luzerne County. Groups with unique or unusual ideas for community services may be especially competitive.

Nonprofits, businesses, and community groups in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania and other eligible northeastern counties working on environmental protection or conservation can be nominated for recognition through the Northeast Environmental Partnership Awards. Focused on environmental conservation, Pennsylvania Environmental Council honors impactful partnerships, lifetime environmental leadership, and emerging environmental leaders under age 30. Note: this is not a monetary grant.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania nonprofits, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions can access funding through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for environmental conservation and natural resource projects. Grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 support Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape efforts in conservation, community, and connection, with a required 20% match and total project costs up to US $50,000.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Millennium Circle Fund, established by donors at The Luzerne Foundation, aims to identify and address unmet community needs in Luzerne County through grants. With a goal of 2,000 members, the fund has awarded over $464,000 to local nonprofits. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations nominated by a member. The grant cycle includes an online application and a presentation at the Grant Forum, where selected nonprofits showcase their community-enhancing projects.

The Dermody Properties Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through support for the arts, education, and families, particularly children and the elderly. Established in 1988, the foundation has provided over $3.65 million in donations to various nonprofits, including grants and scholarships. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and be located within 30 miles of Dermody's projects. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000, reflecting a commitment to corporate philanthropy.

The Sordoni Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on arts, culture, education, health, and environmental stewardship, primarily in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Established from a legacy foundation in 1946, it emphasizes collaboration with local entities and does not provide individual grants. The foundation aims to foster community engagement and development through its funding initiatives.

The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation, established in 1989, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Sunbury, Pennsylvania area. It focuses on educational and healthcare services, regional needs, and projects of strategic interest. Larger grants are awarded based on alignment with the Foundation's goals. Multi-year requests are discouraged, and the Foundation does not cover all project costs. It values community support and additional funding sources for projects.

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving community health can access funding for evidence-based programs through the Highmark Foundation. Eligible projects include chronic disease prevention, family and maternal health, mental health, nutrition and physical activity, and improved health care access and delivery in Pennsylvania and West Virginia communities served by Highmark.

Public and charter middle schools in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can use this grant to start a new PLTW Gateway STEM program, covering participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs. Grants from Project Lead the Way prioritize high‑need schools and support increasing diversity in STEM and awareness of semiconductors.

Public and charter middle schools in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can use this US $10,000 grant to expand an existing PLTW Gateway STEM program, including new units, added class periods, or teacher training. Project Lead the Way funding may cover PLTW participation fees, required equipment, devices, and core training costs, with preference for high-need student populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can apply for Moses Taylor Foundation’s Rolling Grants, offering up to US $40,000 for health-related projects. Funding supports health care access and quality, mental, dental and school-based health, older adult health, and nonprofit effectiveness within the Foundation’s 11-county Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

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.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania serving teens and young adults can seek youth services funding to support new or ongoing programs. Grants from American Eagle Outfitters Foundation range from US $5,000 - US $15,000 and are part of its AEO Better World Foundation Community Grant program.