Best Grants for Charities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) charities improving eye health, vision care, or access to eye care can seek up to US $10,000 to support defined programs and services. The Alcon Foundation also considers cultural, humanitarian, and community development initiatives that enhance quality of life in U.S. communities where it operates facilities.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations running health projects in southwestern Pennsylvania can access funding through the DSF Charitable Foundation. Eligible charities in Allegheny and surrounding counties may seek support for health-related programs in education, medicine, or human and social services, following an email inquiry process and observing the two-year interval between grant periods.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations supporting education, underserved children, health, arts, or community services in Pennsylvania counties like Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton may be eligible for grants. Grants from Gadomski Foundation help Pennsylvania charities, especially United Way agencies, faith-based groups, and public education institutions, that can demonstrate strong backing and, ideally, matching support.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Heinz Endowments provides Pennsylvania charities and other 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for arts and culture, civic participation, environment and health, community and economic development, food systems, veterans, and workforce initiatives. The foundation concentrates its resources in southwestern Pennsylvania, with LOIs accepted on a rolling basis.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities working in education, arts and culture, urban agriculture, community development, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Hillman Family Foundations to support community-driven programs. Grants primarily serve Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania counties, with a geographic focus that also includes New York City at the board’s discretion.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania can apply for Highmark Foundation grants to run evidence-based health programs, from chronic disease prevention to family health and access to care. Hospitals, community health centers, and local health service groups may be eligible for support to improve community health across multiple counties.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities working in arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health, or human services can seek project or program support in ten southwestern counties. Hillman Family Foundations focuses on nonprofits serving Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible government entities in Pennsylvania providing direct services in southwestern counties can apply for Hillman Family Foundations’ Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation Grant. Funding supports community development, health, education, human services, arts, and environment programs, with emphasis on at-risk youth, homeless individuals, immigrants, low-income workers, mothers and children, people in recovery, returning citizens, and violence victims.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania can seek project-based funding for specific programs, equipment, or purchases that strengthen the common good. Grants from Quest for the Best® help charities addressing police and nurse training, underserved education, conservation, clean water, homelessness, hunger, and opioid-related humanitarian needs, with preference for impactful local projects in select counties.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing health, housing, education, or community quality of life can apply for FirstBank Charitable Foundation’s grants. Eligible charities must show strong mission alignment and significant service impact within the foundation’s Pennsylvania footprint, with awards decided at quarterly board meetings for applications submitted by the first of each meeting month.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) charities working in arts, education, health, or human services can access funding through the Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Eligible organizations are located in southeastern Pennsylvania, with primary emphasis on serving community needs in Delaware County, for capital projects, operations, or special programs.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania can seek project-based support for religious, educational, scientific, literary, and other charitable initiatives. Focused on improving quality of life, the John Crain Kunkel Foundation funds time-limited project costs like consultants, technology, furnishings, staff, and evaluation, primarily in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Perry, and Juniata Counties, with applications accepted January 1–September 1.

Charitable organizations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, hospitals, and public agencies in Pennsylvania serving Black youth and adults can receive up to US $10,000 for social, economic, or environmental initiatives. Dow Company Foundation provides competitive Dow Promise grants to support community-identified needs and advance equitable opportunities in select Pennsylvania counties, including Bucks and Montgomery.

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.

The Pittsburgh and Western PA Trusts, managed through PNC Bank, support diverse projects that enhance community well-being. They prioritize initiatives that provide direct services, address community needs, and benefit underserved populations. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to measurable outcomes and financial accountability. Funding is not available for general operating costs or for-profit entities. Interested applicants are encouraged to inquire via email for further details.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) charities working in youth services, Catholic education, health, or community programs can seek project funding that benefits children, young adults, and the broader community. The A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust prioritizes established, accountable organizations, with preference for those in Western Pennsylvania and some support for St. Marys-area charities.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities working in arts, education, human services, or the environment can apply for grants from Hillman Family Foundations’ Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation. Eligible organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania, especially the Pittsburgh area, may receive support for big-idea projects that promote health, healing, and stronger communities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities working on environmental resiliency, climate mitigation, or sustainable, inclusive economies in Pennsylvania (especially Pittsburgh/Allegheny County) can apply for support from the Dylan Todd Simonds Foundation. Grants may benefit Pennsylvania charities focused on environmental justice, recycling and reduction solutions, and sustainable food systems.

Charitable 501(c)(3) public charities in Pennsylvania working in education, visual arts, writing, literature, human services, environmental protection, parks, or related fields can seek US $1,000 - US $7,500,000 through the Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation. Focused on Pittsburgh and also supporting New York City, Hillman Family Foundations accepts rolling applications with consideration for the year ending October 1, 2025.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities working on social justice, domestic violence, single mothers, conservation, green space access, or nutrition can seek support through the Nina Baldwin Fisher Foundation, part of Hillman Family Foundations. With a mission to foster a just, healthy Pittsburgh region, it prioritizes locally focused organizations, with applications reviewed in June and November cycles.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities running arts, photography, or youth-focused civic engagement programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $2,500 in support from Hillman Family Foundations. Funding prioritizes innovative arts programming in the Pittsburgh region, including photography as fine art and arts access for young people and BIPOC communities, with most grants initiated by foundation staff and trustees.

With a mission to support conservation and environmental initiatives, nonprofits and public charities in Pennsylvania can seek funding for conservation, environmental education, climate change mitigation, and wildfire resiliency projects through Hillman Family Foundations. 501(c)(3) organizations in eligible counties, including Allegheny and surrounding areas, may benefit from this environmentally focused support.

The Leo and Peggy Pierce Family Foundation focuses on ending hunger and food insecurity in the five-county Philadelphia region and Indian River County, Florida. Established in 1997, it supports organizations that provide direct services or advocacy efforts in this area. Grants are available to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, allowing them to apply once every year. The foundation embodies the legacy of Leo and Peggy Pierce, who dedicated their lives to helping others.

American Water Charitable Foundation provides Pennsylvania charities and educational institutions with funding for community-based water and environment projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and K-12 public schools, colleges, or universities can propose projects in American Water service areas that protect watersheds and water supplies, promote water conservation, or expand equitable access to water-based recreation within 12 months.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania seeking support for tangible items can apply for grants up to US $10,000 to strengthen community programs in areas like arts, education, environment, health, and human services. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help established charities, especially in Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania, expand services and improve local quality of life.

Focused on community, education, arts, health, and recreation, 501(c)(3) charities in Pennsylvania serving Blair County can seek project support through competitive grants; awards range from US $500 - US $2,500. Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation funds initiatives from scientific research and scholarships to medical services and public recreation facilities.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities providing hunger relief and food access in eligible rural counties can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief; awards US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs. Food banks, pantries, meal programs, community gardens, and school meal initiatives in member-owner communities may benefit.