Best Climate Change Grants in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania focused on environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, or climate-related education and projects can seek up to US $10,000 in operating or program support. Focused on climate resilience and related environmental work, the Joseph Robert Foundation prioritizes smaller organizations and community-based initiatives addressing land, water, pollution, and urban green space issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups advancing climate and environmental justice can seek funding for grassroots organizing, advocacy, and movement-building in Pennsylvania. Scherman Foundation supports BIPOC-led efforts on climate resilience, equitable mass transit, green jobs, and community-controlled renewable energy that center racial, economic, and political justice.

US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service provides Pennsylvania conservation agencies with funding to acquire land or conservation easements that protect high-value natural resources in the Highlands Region. State, county, and municipal entities may apply for US $25,000 - US $3,850,000 to advance land, habitat, wildlife health, and climate resilience projects.

Land trusts, nonprofits, Tribal governments, and municipalities in Pennsylvania can seek funding to develop broad-scale, climate-informed conservation and community resilience plans. Open Space Institute supports planning for land protection, stewardship, and nature-based climate resilience strategies across the Appalachian region with grants up to US $20,000 for eligible planning activities and costs.

Universities and research organizations studying coastal climate resilience and environmental policy can apply for National Sea Grant Law Center’s Coastal Resilience Program, including projects connected to Pennsylvania. Focused on climate change resilience and equity, it supports legal and policy research on sea level rise, flooding, storms, land use, and related coastal challenges with awards of US $75,000.

Focused on climate change resilience and equity, conservation and community nonprofits, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Pennsylvania and other Appalachian states can seek funding for land protection through The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. Grants up to US $100,000 support fee or easement acquisitions plus related planning, stewardship, and community engagement costs.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Pennsylvania can receive funding to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water and air quality, and climate resilience. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Pennsylvania supports projects on working lands that reduce erosion, enhance wildlife habitat, boost energy efficiency, and help operations adapt to increasing weather volatility.

Pennsylvania schools, colleges, conservation districts, nonprofits, and businesses can receive up to US $65,000 to deliver environmental and climate education projects in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provides Pennsylvania climate change and environmental education programs with mini and general grants for hands-on student learning, teacher training, community conservation, water quality, and environmental justice initiatives.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Pennsylvania organizations and local governments planning rural broadband infrastructure can access funding through USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $5,000,000. Projects must serve rural areas lacking existing broadband, provide free access for key community facilities and centers, and can support climate resilience, equity, and economic recovery in vulnerable communities.

Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers at U.S. institutions studying fungi-focused climate change solutions can seek support for climate resilience and microbiome research, including work based in Pennsylvania. With a mission to advance mycology, Mycological Society of America provides US $10,000 awards for creative, fundamental or translational fungal-climate research projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties working on community health, environment, housing, or climate resilience can receive $50,000 in unrestricted support through the GSK IMPACT Awards. The Philadelphia Foundation partners with GSK to honor up to ten groups advancing healthier, more equitable communities, including climate change resilience and equity efforts in Pennsylvania.

Grassroots, community-led organizations in Pennsylvania implementing climate justice organizing strategies can access funding to advance climate change resilience and equity, including related racial justice, housing, food access, health, and transit issues. Grants from Bread & Roses Community Fund provide US $25,000 to help small groups sustain, implement, or scale campaigns, direct actions, coalition-building, and community mobilization efforts.

Grassroots, community-led organizations in Pennsylvania working on climate justice capacity-building and strategy development can receive US $15,000 to strengthen organizing, training, and planning efforts. Bread & Roses Community Fund supports small groups with budgets under $500,000 using community organizing on issues like racial justice, food security, housing, health equity, and public transportation in climate-impacted communities.

Erie, Crawford, and Potter County environmental organizations in Pennsylvania can seek more than US $10,000 to advance Great Lakes climate resilience and watershed health. Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation supports work on climate change adaptation, environmental justice, policy advocacy, and leadership development that strengthens Great Lakes ecosystems and communities. Applicants begin with a conversation with program staff.

Organizations worldwide working on climate change resilience and equity, pandemics and health systems, inclusive economies, racial justice, or effective governance can receive Skoll Awards to scale proven social innovations. Grants from the Skoll Foundation provide $2 million in unrestricted funding, which may benefit Pennsylvania-based groups whose work addresses systemic climate and social challenges.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with climate, environmental, or conservation initiatives in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, two-year grants for veteran-focused programs in areas like climate resilience, environmental justice, and outdoor recreation.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, inequality, or related topics can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on climate change resilience and equity among other areas, the program supports one-year projects by assistant professors, lecturers, and adjunct assistant professors, prioritizing underrepresented scholars and under-resourced institutions, including those in Pennsylvania.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

The PCA J.P. Gleason Research Fellowship Program, offered by the Portland Cement Association, supports graduate students in engineering and physical sciences. The program aims to enhance public understanding of cement and concrete uses while addressing urgent sustainability challenges. Each fellowship provides a $35,000 grant to cover educational expenses, fostering research that optimizes cement manufacturing and promotes environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of climate change.

The CREST program by the NSF aims to bolster research capabilities at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) through education and research integration. It specifically supports STEM doctoral programs and encourages proposals in high-priority areas such as AI and climate change. By enhancing the institutional capacity, the program seeks to increase the number of underrepresented doctoral graduates in STEM fields, thereby fostering diversity and innovation in scientific research.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative's Catalyst Grant supports organizations in the visual arts sector to take quick, impactful actions toward sustainability. Since 2021, the initiative has awarded over $10 million, fostering a shift to carbon-neutral operations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities that prioritize visual arts, aiming to reduce environmental impact through clean energy, efficiency improvements, and innovative practices. This grant promotes a greener future while enhancing the importance of arts education and ecological stewardship.

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 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 Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

QBE Foundation Inc.

The QBE Foundation’s focus is on creating strong, resilient and inclusive communities. We work in partnership with community organizations, working in climate resilience and inclusion – two areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact.

The QBE Foundation is one component that reflects our company’s focus, involvement, and investment in the neighborhoods where we do business, and where our employees live and work. The QBE Foundation also empowers our employees to volunteer with colleagues and community partners to make a difference for those in need. Employees can also coordinate fundraisers that are matched by the foundation.

QBE Foundation Local Grant Program

This program supports high-impact, community-based initiatives aligned to our focus on climate resilience and inclusion.

• Climate Resilience:
  • Helping communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from climate-related risks, including preparedness, financial resilience, and risk reduction solutions.
• Inclusion:
  • Expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities through economic inclusion, workforce pathways, and removing systemic barriers.

Multiple grants of $30,000 will be awarded across our two focus areas.

Focused on climate change resilience and equity, Levine Impact Lab invites Pennsylvania environmental nonprofits to seek operational support and up to US $25,000 in funding. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental justice, climate solutions, or sustainability with midsized budgets and growth-stage needs may be eligible for this 18‑month capacity-building partnership.