Best Montgomery County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, religious organizations, and Montgomery County government entities serving Montgomery County, Pennsylvania residents can seek up to US $20,000 to build advocacy capacity and embed advocacy into their work. HealthSpark Foundation supports activities like staff training, strategic planning, voter education, and community engagement to advance health equity and social justice.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, religious organizations, and county agencies in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania can receive US $500 - US $5,000 for rapid-response community organizing, civic engagement, and racial and social justice efforts. Grants from Healthspark Foundation help cover urgent actions like peaceful protests, safety and legal support, leadership trainings, and community-led mobilizations serving Montgomery County residents.

Our Guiding Vision

A community where strong and accessible education can expand worlds and change lives.

History of the Trust

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust comprises two generations of the Hamilton family with a long history of philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. Since 1992, the family has been committed to improving educational opportunities for children and youth, a mission established by Dorrance (Dodo) Hamilton (1928–2017), mother and grandmother of the family Trustees. The family extended their philanthropic reach to Palm Beach County, FL and Aquidneck Island, RI in 2017. The family convenes four times annually to honor this legacy, supporting myriad programs that enhance the lives of the young people they serve.

Hamilton Family Foundation Grant

Program Focus

• Data-driven literacy-based programs focused on developing robust reading and writing skills with a strong history of success.
  • These can be programs that:
    • Take place during school hours, after school, or during the summer.
    • Take place across school systems, but the funding can support only nonsectarian programming including within a religious institution.
  • Grades K-8 programs should devote at least 70 percent of their time directly to instruction and activities in reading and writing.
  • Grades 9-12 programs should provide innovative approaches to students in under-resourced areas for success in higher education, from the college admission process and acceptance through to completion.
  • Youth workforce development programs that focus on quality career exploration and preparation initiatives.
  • Recreational programs with a strong academic component.

Things To Consider

• First-time grants: generally designated for program support. The Trust rarely funds new staff positions for initial grants.
• Continuing partners: generally made for either programmatic or operational support.
• Multi-year grants: requests are typically reserved for grantees with five (5) years or more of consecutive funding from the Trust. Multi-year grants require approval prior to application submission. Approval is generally communicated in response to the LOI.

The William Penn Foundation's Arts and Culture Programming aims to enhance access to diverse high-quality arts experiences for all Philadelphians. With a focus on inclusivity and equity, this initiative invites proposals for projects that address historic inequities in arts access and engage communities through performances and exhibitions. Organizations with less than $750,000 in annual expenses are encouraged to apply for funding to support innovative and welcoming arts initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape through 2035.

The William Penn Foundation's Arts and Culture Capital Support initiative aims to enhance access to high-quality arts and culture experiences across Philadelphia. This funding opportunity prioritizes projects that improve existing cultural spaces, ensuring they are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all community members, particularly individuals facing economic and social barriers. With a total of $6 million available, the Foundation seeks proposals that foster equity and accessibility in the arts, benefiting diverse audiences through innovative design and community engagement.

The William Penn Foundation aims to enhance arts education for young people aged 5-18 in the Greater Philadelphia area through the Out-of-School Community-Based Arts Education Programs. This initiative encourages hands-on learning led by skilled artists, fostering youth leadership and creativity. Organizations are invited to submit proposals for projects lasting up to three years, with a focus on cultural relevance and community engagement. With a budget of $3 million, the foundation seeks to empower over 75,000 youth by 2035.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic human needs, economic mobility, or job and business development in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania can apply for local funding; grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help support programs in eligible markets. Projects must align with priorities in basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or empowering communities.

Graduating high school seniors in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania planning to attend an HBCU and needing help with college costs can apply for the Barbara E. Reed Scholarship. The R.O.S.E. Foundation supports students with at least a 3.0 GPA and financial need who also reside and attend school in Bucks or Montgomery Counties.

African American students pursuing degrees at Cheyney University who permanently reside in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania can apply for the Claire Morris Lyons Scholarship to support higher education costs. Offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, this award promotes college access, persistence, and academic success for eligible local students with at least a 2.5 GPA.

The Dr. Betty James Robinson Youth Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports high school seniors in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, PA, who display financial need and maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA. This initiative aims to empower African American students facing economic challenges, helping them pursue post-secondary education opportunities and achieve academic persistence, thereby enhancing their future prospects and contributing to their communities.

The Hall of Scholars Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, recognizes high-achieving students who are committed to community service. Open to graduating high school seniors and African American college students in Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia Counties, applicants must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA and provide proof of acceptance or enrollment at an accredited institution. This scholarship honors both academic excellence and dedication to community service, empowering students to further their education.

Nonprofit food pantries, meal programs, urban farms, and similar hunger relief efforts within 50 miles of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania can receive $1,000 grants to purchase food or improve storage, refrigeration, and transportation. The Pincus Fund for Hunger Relief prioritizes organizations already in its network across the greater Philadelphia region.

The Lincoln Financial Textbook Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports undergraduate and graduate students in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Eligible candidates must have completed at least 30 credit hours, reside in Bucks or Montgomery Counties, and pursue degrees in STEM fields such as Computer Science or Cybersecurity. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. This scholarship aims to alleviate textbook costs while empowering students in high-demand technology careers.

The Robert W. and Irene O. James Community College / Technical Career Scholarship, provided by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports African American high school seniors from Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, who aim to pursue education at community colleges or technical schools. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate commitment to their academic and career goals. This scholarship fosters access to postsecondary education, empowering young individuals to achieve economic stability and success.

The R.O.S.E. Foundation Scholar Scholarship is designed to support graduating high school seniors in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, who have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and demonstrate exceptional community service involvement. This initiative aims to empower young women by recognizing their academic excellence and commitment to community leadership. Established by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, the scholarship reflects a dedication to fostering economic security and self-sufficiency among deserving individuals.

The Second Chance College Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, provides financial support to adult learners aged 21 and older in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. This scholarship aids those currently enrolled in postsecondary education, including four-year colleges and vocational schools, who have completed at least one semester. Its goal is to empower individuals to pursue their academic and career ambitions, fostering economic security and self-sufficiency.

The McAllister’s Love Scholarship, provided by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, aims to empower high school seniors of African ancestry residing in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. With a minimum GPA of 3.5, applicants are encouraged to pursue degrees in business, communication, or engineering at four-year accredited institutions. This scholarship not only supports academic excellence but also promotes professional development in fields with promising career prospects, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Patricia Blue Williams Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports African American public high school seniors from Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania, who are planning to enroll in college in Fall 2026. With a focus on expanding access to higher education, this scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a valid college acceptance letter. It aims to empower students and promote academic success within the Greater Philadelphia area.

The Watson - James Legacy HBCU Scholarship, provided by The R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports African American public high school students from Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, who are pursuing higher education at select HBCUs. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to academic achievement. This scholarship aims to empower students by facilitating their transition to college, thereby enhancing their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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 Caroline Alexander Buck Foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of children in the greater Philadelphia area through educational and social service programs. Established in 1960, this private foundation provides one-year grants to public charities with 501(c)(3) status, aiming to foster productive community members. Funding is limited to specific geographic areas and eligibility criteria, ensuring that support is directed towards initiatives that genuinely benefit children and their families.

The Edna W. Andrade Fund, a donor advised fund of the Philadelphia Foundation, offers grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to support local and national museums or nonprofit art organizations that benefit visual fine artists from Greater Philadelphia. Established in memory of Edna Andrade, a prominent artist of the Op Art movement, this fund aims to foster artistic initiatives and exhibitions, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

The Forman Family Fund Grants support Southeastern Pennsylvania nonprofits that provide educational programs for youth aged 11 to 18 in areas such as photography, architectural drawing, and written arts. Annually, up to 10 grants of $40,000 each are available for direct program expenses, staff time, and materials. Eligible organizations must be located in the five-county region, have 501c3 status, and demonstrate a commitment to nondiscrimination and quality arts education.

Mission and Areas of Interest

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation is a charitable foundation established by Brook J. Lenfest in 2000. It is dedicated to making people aware of positive life choices and providing support and opportunities for those motivated to pursue them. Its grants focus mainly on education, job training and mentoring programs.

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation only accepts letters of inquiry or grant proposals from qualified tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation will consider requests for operating support, specific program or project support and for capital support. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $50,000.

The Rosenlund Family Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on supporting under-served children and youth in Philadelphia's disadvantaged neighborhoods. It provides general operating support to small and medium-sized organizations with budgets under $2 million. The foundation prioritizes long-term arts and environmental education programming that fosters creativity and environmental stewardship, aiming to equip youth with necessary skills for success in today's workforce. Proposals are accepted annually from January 15 to the end of February.

The Art and Change Grant offers up to $2,500 to women, trans, and gender nonconforming artists in Greater Philadelphia for projects that foster social change. This grant emphasizes collaborative processes with a Change Partner, promoting community engagement through various artistic mediums. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a commitment to social justice. The initiative seeks to empower artists to create impactful work that challenges societal norms and inspires transformation.

The Barra Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant provides essential early-stage funding for social impact organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. This program supports innovative projects that address pressing community challenges and fosters transformative change. Grants are aimed at organizations that primarily serve under-resourced communities and promote bold, novel approaches. By empowering nonprofits to test new ideas, the Catalyst Fund helps build a more equitable and vibrant society.