Best Luzerne County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

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 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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one paid staff member serving Luzerne County, Pennsylvania can access funding for health-related programs through AllOne Foundation. Grants support behavioral health, women’s and children’s health, autism services, opioid crisis solutions, food security, and healthcare workforce initiatives across Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania.

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.

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 Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund: Catalyst Grants, initiated in 2014 by the Open Space Institute, aims to enhance water resource management and land protection. These grants support organizations addressing climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous-led groups. Funded projects should integrate science into conservation plans, focusing on water quality and stewardship. The initiative collaborates with the William Penn Foundation to ensure sustainable water practices across the Delaware River watershed.

Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs: Capacity Building for Trail Organizations

PEC was awarded funding from DCNR to administer the Capacity Building for Trail Organizations Mini Grant Program. 

This grant program is designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of local partners. Through this program, organizations will have access to resources that help build organizational capacity, improve trail management practices, enhance user experiences, and foster greater community engagement. 

Applicants can request $2,000 to $10,000. Projects require a 20% match of the total project cost, up to the maximum grant award of $10,000. Total project cost cannot exceed $50,000. 

Luzerne County justice and corrections agencies can access funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to expand medication-assisted treatment and comprehensive substance use disorder services for eligible offenders. This noncompetitive program supports county jails in Pennsylvania with up to US $250,000 to provide MAT during incarceration and after release, improving reentry outcomes.

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 Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

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 Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

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.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants Program delivered in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports efforts to improve the condition and connectivity of habitats for at risk and federally listed species.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.  

The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.

The WILD Program Pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat
• Pillar 2: Improve water quality for fish, wildlife and people
• Pillar 3: Align the power of nature to adapt to changing landscapes
• Pillar 4: Expand access to nature and outdoor recreation for all Americans
• Pillar 5: Build partnership capacity to collaborate and coordinate actions

The Chesapeake WILD Grants Program has three distinct tracks:

• Collaborative Conservation
  • Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for projects that support and enhance the capacity of partnerships, networks, and other collaborative models working collaboratively to advance place-based, landscape-scale, and crossjurisdictional habitat restoration, conservation, and connectivity outcomes.
• Planning and Technical Assistance
• Implementation

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.

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.

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 Youth in Philanthropy Grant, offered by the Community Giving Foundation, empowers over 225 high school students from various schools to act as grantmakers, allocating up to $5,000 for youth-related projects. This program fosters philanthropic values and community engagement, encouraging students to assess needs and review grant applications. By participating, students gain valuable insights into the importance of giving back and contribute to shaping the future of their communities.

The Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund provides Transaction Grants to support early-stage forest land protection projects. These grants cover essential costs such as appraisals and environmental assessments, facilitating timely funding within two weeks of approval. With a cap of $25,000, these grants ensure that critical projects aimed at preserving the watershed's ecological integrity can progress, ultimately benefiting the drinking water supply and biodiversity for millions in the region.

The SAC Foundation Grant, offered by the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Schuylkill County to enhance community well-being. The grant focuses on diverse areas including animal welfare, arts, education, and health. Funding ranges from $100 to $2,000, allowing organizations to apply for vital resources to implement impactful projects. The foundation is committed to equitable support, welcoming applications from all eligible 501(c)(3) organizations without discrimination.

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.

The Moses Taylor Foundation's MTF Open Cycle Grants support large-scale projects aimed at improving health care access and quality in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This grant program focuses on innovative solutions for older adult health, school-based health initiatives, and nonprofit effectiveness. Applicants must serve within the Foundation's 11-county region and possess 501(c)(3) status or be a government entity. A pre-submission meeting with Foundation staff is required to align project proposals with the Foundation's focus areas.

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.

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.

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.