Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The J. Leeds Barroll Dissertation Prize, awarded by the Shakespeare Association of America, honors exemplary doctoral work with a significant focus on Shakespeare. This prestigious award is conferred annually during the SAA’s Annual Luncheon. To be eligible, applicants must be SAA members in good standing, and dissertations must be approved between September 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025. This prize encourages innovative research and scholarship in Shakespeare studies.

The Faculty Travel Grant for AGU Annual Meeting supports early-to-mid career faculty from under-resourced institutions, including community colleges and minority-serving institutions. This program aims to facilitate attendance at the AGU Annual Meeting, which attracts over 22,000 geoscience professionals globally. Awardees receive a $1,700 travel stipend, access to professional development workshops, and networking opportunities, enabling them to enhance their research and teaching capabilities through collaboration and innovation.

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 IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

The Interfaith Leadership & Religious Literacy Grant aims to enhance religious literacy by fostering multi-faith dialogues and collaborations. It targets 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. that educate leaders across various sectors, promoting mutual respect for diverse beliefs. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, supporting initiatives like digital media projects and campus collaborations that bridge differences. The grant encourages innovative proposals while excluding scholarships and individual grants.

The Skyline Country Club Scholarship aims to support the educational ambitions of employees and their families through financial assistance for tuition or PGA Membership dues. This scholarship is awarded for one academic year, with the potential for renewal for up to four years. Eligible applicants must be high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must have been employed by Skyline Country Club for at least six months. This initiative reflects the commitment to fostering future leaders in our community.

LeRoy T. Walker

LeRoy T. Walker (June 14, 1918 – April 23, 2012) was an icon. A noted author, professor, coach, and administrator in the disciplines of physical education and athletics, he was a barrier-breaking and remarkable human being who was dedicated to promoting and uplifting young people.

Walker was Chancellor Emeritus of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC. He was elected President of the Athletics Congress (now USA Track & Field), the national governing body of USA Track & Field. Walker was elected President Emeritus of the United States' Olympic Committee (the first and only American to hold this position) and was a former president of AAHPERD (from 1977-1978, also the first African American to be elected to this position). Walker was inducted as a member into 17 Halls of Fame, awarded 16 Honorary Doctorates from a variety of institutions, and received numerous awards, including the Luther H. Gulick Award (1982), SHAPE America's highest honor.

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award

The LeRoy T. Walker Young Professional Award is given to a minority member of SHAPE America who is 36 years old or younger who has demonstrated superior promise in the areas of service, teaching, scholarship and commitment to the goals of SHAPE America focusing specifically on under-represented and/or underserved populations and promotion of diversity and inclusiveness. Not more than one LeRoy Walker Young Professional award shall be given annually.

The Union Plus Scholarship, offered by the Union Plus Education Foundation, supports students from working families pursuing post-secondary education. Since its inception in 1991, over $5.6 million has been awarded to more than 4,000 beneficiaries. Scholarships range between $500 and $4,000 for studies starting in Fall 2025. Applicants must be current or retired union members, their spouses, or dependent children, ensuring access to higher education for diverse families across the U.S. and Canada.

The Sandra Trudgen Dawson Award, established by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, commemorates the legacy of a remarkable scholar and leader. This award supports individuals in research, teaching, and service within women's and gender history, allowing recipients to cover costs for travel, materials, and projects that honor Sandra's commitment to collaboration and support in the field. It aims to foster connections among scholars and promote the advancement of women's history.

The PA Local Share Account (LSA) Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance community well-being through projects that improve the quality of life. Established under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, this grant allocates 2% of gross terminal revenues from licensed gaming facilities to support local initiatives. It fosters economic development and resilience within Luzerne County, ensuring that the benefits of gaming positively impact the community.

The PA Local Share Account (LSA) – Category 4 Facilities Program supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties. Funded by gaming revenues under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, this initiative aims to invest in community-driven projects that benefit residents and businesses alike, fostering a resilient and thriving local economy.

The Cheryl Wojtas Memorial Scholarship Program honors Cheryl Wojtas's commitment to education by offering scholarships to deserving graduates from Port Huron Area Schools and Gaylord Community Schools. Each recipient will receive a one-time award for their freshman year at a nonprofit post-secondary institution, aimed at supporting their educational journey. Financial need is a key consideration, and funds will cover tuition, fees, and essential expenses related to their studies.

The Detroit Economic Club Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students from Detroit and surrounding counties pursuing undergraduate education. Each year, two renewable scholarships of $2,000 are awarded to incoming college freshmen. Recipients can reapply for up to three additional years. The program is supported by the Detroit Economic Club Education Endowment Fund, dedicated to helping local students achieve their educational goals. For more information, visit the FAQs on the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan's website.

The Society of the Order of the Southern Cross Grant aims to support charitable projects that preserve and restore Southern heritage artifacts and locations. Eligible projects may include military artifacts, monuments, and historical sites. Organizations typically need to secure 50% of necessary funding before applying. The Order encourages discussions for projects that may not meet standard funding levels, emphasizing their commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

The Asheville Wilbert Vault Service Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, offers financial aid to residents pursuing a career in funeral services. This scholarship is aimed at individuals from the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. Eligible applicants must be seniors in secondary school or graduates and can apply funds to any relevant post-high school educational program. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to supporting local communities.

The Asheville Young Woman Leadership Award, established by Dr. Andrea Gravatt, honors exceptional high school junior women in Buncombe County who exhibit remarkable leadership and community involvement. Funded by local women, this annual award aims to acknowledge these young leaders' achievements while inspiring future contributions to their communities. Recipients can utilize the funds for accredited post-high school education or enrichment programs, fostering a new generation of empowered female leaders.

The Donna W. Adams Scholarship Program, established by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, honors the legacy of a dedicated Master Gardener and Detroit resident. This scholarship supports local students, reflecting the Adams' commitment to education and their beloved Indian Village neighborhood. The program aims to empower the next generation by providing financial assistance to those pursuing higher education, thereby enriching the community they cherished.

The Chattooga Club Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, aims to support current Club employees in pursuing higher education amidst rising costs. Eligible applicants must be employed at the Club and either be high school seniors or graduates. This initiative enhances educational opportunities for dedicated employees, contributing to their academic and professional growth.

The Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award Fund, established by friends and family, honors Elissa's legacy by recognizing individuals demonstrating leadership and community impact in Carbon County. Each year, the recipient receives at least $500 for professional development or can designate a local charity to receive the funds. This award seeks to empower those in the prime of their careers, not lifetime achievers, fostering ongoing community contributions and mentorship.

The Penny Allison Early Childhood Fund, managed by the Carbon County Community Foundation, supports early childhood education initiatives in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Grants ranging from $250 to $500 are available for school programs and nonprofits focused on nurturing young learners and promoting school readiness. Through this fund, the Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and enrich the lives of children and families in the community.

The Thomas H. & Mary Williams Shoemaker Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations aligned with the Religious Society of Friends' strategic goals, particularly innovative projects that enhance monthly meetings. Grants range from a few hundred to over $200,000, typically distributed over 1-3 years. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong connection to the Fund's objectives. Preference is given to Quaker organizations, particularly those connected to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Equity and Social Justice Grants focus on enhancing access to reliable information, ensuring community members can participate in decision-making that impacts their lives. Established in 1945, the Foundation prioritizes grantmaking initiatives that support civic engagement, challenge systemic injustice, and promote equitable access to opportunities. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the Foundation aims to empower communities through education, dialogue, and fact-based media to foster systemic change.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Arts and Culture Grants support individual artists by providing funding that acknowledges their diverse experiences and artistic expressions. Established in 1945, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in the region by prioritizing equitable funding for artists and organizations. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000 over two years, focusing on fostering creativity and cultural exchange, thereby enriching the artistic landscape of Pittsburgh.

The Point Foundation Access Scholarship is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and ally students who come from backgrounds historically facing limited opportunities. This scholarship provides essential financial assistance and access to leadership development, empowering recipients to achieve their educational goals. Eligible candidates include those enrolled in accredited U.S. postsecondary institutions, ensuring they can utilize funds effectively during their academic journey. By fostering inclusivity, the Point Foundation aims to cultivate future leaders in various fields.

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) supports motivated individuals in need by providing financial assistance for education. Aimed at underserved youth and young adults, the SCSF helps cover tuition and related expenses, ensuring access to higher education. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, GED holders, and undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The program encourages community service, fostering a spirit of giving back among its scholars.

The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2005, supports students from the Duluth-Superior area. Applicants are encouraged to submit essays or creative works that reflect their understanding of race relations and community service. The fund, initiated by local residents to honor the memory of three African American men lynched in 1920, awards $3,000 for one year, with school selections occurring in the spring.

The Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin Doctoral Dissertation Award in Astrophysics, provided by the American Physical Society (APS), honors outstanding doctoral research in astrophysics. It encourages effective communication of research findings. The award includes a $1,500 grant, a certificate, and a registration waiver for the APS April Meeting. Finalists receive up to $750 for travel reimbursement. Open to doctoral students who have defended their thesis within two years prior to the meeting, this award promotes excellence in astrophysics research.