Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) employs more than 5,000 workers in 200 offices statewide. Established in 1913, the department originally inspected the working conditions in factories around the state. Over time, the department's responsibilities expanded.

L&I administers benefits to unemployed individuals, oversees the administration of workers' compensation benefits to individuals with job-related injuries, and provides vocational rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities. The department prepares job seekers for the global workforce through employment and job training services for adult, youth, older workers, and dislocated workers. In addition, L&I enforces various laws and safety standards in the workplace and administers the commonwealth's programs for community service by young Pennsylvanians. L&I also promotes economic development and an improved business climate through a variety of initiatives and programs to help Pennsylvania's workforce remain world-class and globally competitive.

Pennsylvania’s Workforce Professionals in Digital Infrastructure (WPDI)

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $2 million in funding through the Workforce Professionals in Digital Infrastructure (WPDI) Grant. One grant will be awarded through a competitive process. L&I developed this grant opportunity as part of a broader, collaborative framework to align workforce strategies with both regional economic development goals and statewide priorities. The WPDI Grant is designed to support the development of a comprehensive investment plan focused on building regional capacity and creating industry-led solutions to ensure Pennsylvanians have the appropriate skills and experiences essential to the construction, power, supply and operations of Pennsylvania’s digital infrastructure—particularly in the data center sector.

Training and workforce strategies funded through this grant will be data-informed and guided by labor market insights. The goal is to ensure that the resulting employment opportunities are high-quality—offering strong wages, benefits, career advancement potential, and alignment with industry standards for worker protections and long-term stability—including those commonly associated with union-covered roles. The selected awardee will create a regional response team of dedicated partners with the expertise, experience and capacity to jointly address the in-demand workforce needs of a data center located in Salem Township, Luzerne County.

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Grant Program offers low-interest loans and grants for improvements in drinking water, storm water, and sewage treatment facilities. Eligible entities include municipalities, authorities, and private operators. Total project assistance can reach up to $11 million, or $20 million for multi-municipality projects. Applicants must consult with a PENNVEST Regional Project Specialist prior to submission. This program aims to enhance water management and pollution prevention practices across the state.

The Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Program aims to protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s waterways.

The program - administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation - provides technical and financial assistance to partners to carry out activities that improve watershed health and/or provide water-based outdoor recreation opportunities.

Although the program name emphasizes rivers work, it supports initiatives that benefit all types of waterways and significant water resources.

Initiatives included in the DCNR Rivers Conservation Program are:

• Grants for projects to restore and protect rivers and watersheds, and provide waterway access and recreation
• Scenic Rivers
• Rivers Registry
• River of the Year and sojourns
• Water trails
• Stream and wetland restoration
• Small dam removal
• Boat launch, boardwalk, and fishing access installation

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Pennsylvania, funded by USDA Rural Development, support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. Grants can be used for water transmission line projects up to $150,000 and water source construction up to $1,000,000. This initiative aims to restore access to clean water in rural areas, benefiting households and businesses after disasters, enhancing the environment, and promoting local economic growth.

Endowment Act - CACs/DVSOs Grant Program

Overview:

Act 1 of 2013, better known as the “Endowment Act,” directs PCCD to distribute $48 million in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) monetary penalties levied on the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) to the victims of child sexual abuse in the Commonwealth.

Act 1 states: “Unless otherwise expressly stated in the agreement, the funds may only be used within the Commonwealth for the benefit of the residents of this Commonwealth and on any of the following:

• Programs or projects preventing child sexual abuse and/or assisting the victims of child sexual abuse.
• Multidisciplinary Investigative Teams established under 23 Pa.C.S. (relating to domestic relations).
• Child Advocacy Centers.
• Victim service organizations that provide services to children subjected to sexual abuse.
• Training of persons who are mandated by law to report child sexual abuse or to treat victims of child sexual abuse.”

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications for funding under the Endowment Act, specifically for Categories 3 (Child Advocacy Centers (CACs)) and 4 (Direct Victim Service Organizations that provide services to children subjected to sexual abuse (DVSOs)). 

Funding Availability:

A total of $3,000,000 in state Endowment Act Categories 3 (CACs) & 4 (DVSOs) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund 30 grants with budgets not to exceed $100,000 over the 2-year project period.

Applicant agencies may submit only ONE application under this funding announcement. Due to the competitive nature of these funds, PCCD is not able to provide guidance to applicants on which category they should select.

At the direction of the Child Advocacy Center Advisory Committee (CACAC), at least $1.5 million of the funding (50% of the total released) is to be reserved for Category 3 (CACs) applicants. Should the amount requested under Category 3 exceed 50% of the requested funding, then the amount awarded under each category will be dependent on the percentage of the total dollar amount requested under each category. For example, if 60% of the funding is requested under Category 3 (CACs), and 40% of the funding is requested under Category 4 (DVSOs), then $1,800,000 (60% of available funding) would be allocated to support CAC applicants and $1,200,000 (40% of available funding) would be allocated to support DVSO applicants.

PCCD is not liable for costs incurred prior to the official start date of the award. 

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The PA Heart & Soul Grant is a unique initiative aimed at empowering Pennsylvania communities with fewer than 30,000 residents. Through a comprehensive four-phase process—Imagine, Connect, Plan, and Act—residents engage in storytelling to shape action plans that reflect their town's identity. Selected towns can receive up to $50,000 over 2-3 years, along with expert coaching and training worth over $50,000 annually, fostering sustainable community development.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection offers Environmental Education Grants to enhance environmental literacy among youth and adults. Funding supports diverse projects, including hands-on programs for students and community workshops. Priorities focus on climate change, water quality, and environmental justice, with mini grants up to $5,000 and general grants ranging from $5,001 to $65,000. Projects must engage participants from multiple counties and include members from Environmental Justice communities, fostering sustainable resource management.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The Main Street Matters program supports downtown revitalization through grants that enhance community planning, business development, and safety improvements. Eligible applicants include local governments, redevelopment authorities, and non-profit organizations. Funding is flexible, aimed at initiatives such as planning activities and business improvement grants, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000 and a required 25% match. This initiative fosters vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods and encourages strategic investments to address community needs.

2025-27 Violence & Delinquency Prevention Programs

Overview

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications under the 2025-27 Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs (VDPP) solicitation. The primary purpose of this competitive solicitation is to advance state and local projects that align with priorities and needs articulated in Pennsylvania’s 2025 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Plan (“2025 Plan”) and PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework. The 2025 Plan includes recommendations and strategies identified by PCCD’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee (JJDPC) as essential for improving the Commonwealth’s prevention, diversion, intervention, and juvenile justice system infrastructure.

The goal of this initiative is to strengthen community-based strategies that prevent youth violence, delinquency, and other problem behaviors, expand diversion and deflection opportunities, and support successful reentry in accordance with Balanced and Restorative Justice guiding principles.

VDPP funds will focus on priorities identified within the 2025 Plan, especially activities/needs that cannot be addressed meaningfully using other available PCCD funding streams.

The anticipated impacts resulting from this solicitation may include: 

• Improved effectiveness of local early prevention programs and practices;
• Increased use of diversion and deflection practices to reduce unnecessary or deepened juvenile justice system involvement;
• Reduced recidivism by youth coming out of the juvenile justice system through the development of improved competency and life skills;
• Increased youth engagement and direct involvement in improving policies, practices, and the programming provided across the entire continuum of care from early prevention through reentry/aftercare; and
• Improved cross-system collaboration and innovation to increase coordination of services and programming available to youth and families in all communities of the Commonwealth.

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund aims to promote environmental justice through community forestry initiatives. This grant supports workforce development in forestry, focusing on job training for historically marginalized communities. It encourages partnerships with educational institutions and local organizations to create equitable job opportunities in tree planting and maintenance. The fund is co-led by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various community partners, emphasizing a collaborative approach to improve health and sustainability in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) invites applications for funding under the Endowment Act, distributing $48 million from NCAA penalties to support child sexual abuse prevention and victim assistance. This funding specifically targets Multidisciplinary Investigative Teams (MDITs) to develop satellite Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) in counties lacking sufficient cases. The goal is to enhance support for child abuse victims and improve response capabilities across the Commonwealth.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 1) is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide critical support for small businesses in the transportation sector. This initiative, under NOFO Number OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC-Region 1-FY2026-1, aims to establish a center that offers technical assistance and resources for small and disadvantaged businesses, ensuring their growth and success in the transportation industry.

The Main Street Matters program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods. It offers grants for planning, business support, and aesthetic enhancements, fostering vibrant communities. Eligible applicants can pursue designation as a Main Street or Elm Street, focusing on targeted investments and strategies for local development. This flexible funding supports various initiatives, including façade improvements and accessible housing projects, contributing to overall community well-being.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance economic development through improved transportation systems. This grant supports municipalities, businesses, and public agencies in rehabilitating and developing transportation assets to ensure safe and reliable transit. With a focus on pedestrian safety and community connectivity, the program encourages innovative solutions that foster a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania.

The Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program, established under Section 1721-A.2 of the Fiscal Code, aims to enhance Pennsylvania's tourism by attracting high-quality amateur and professional sporting events. This initiative seeks to boost year-round tourism, economic impact, and overall quality of life through sports, contributing to the state's economic development and community engagement.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides critical funding aimed at rapidly rehousing homeless individuals and preventing homelessness through outreach and emergency shelter activities. This federal initiative, governed by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and enhanced by the HEARTH Act of 2009, supports various programs including maintenance of homeless management information systems, ensuring comprehensive assistance to those in need.

The PA AmeriCorps Grant, administered by PennSERVE, supports local service initiatives in Pennsylvania. This grant seeks to empower individuals and communities to address pressing social issues through service. Focus areas include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and support for veterans and military families. By fostering collaboration and innovative solutions, the grant aims to enhance the impact of national service and improve lives across the state.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Environmental Action: Equitable Access to Land, Water and Air Grants by the Pittsburgh Foundation aim to support community-centered projects that enhance access to natural resources and promote environmental justice. The program prioritizes initiatives that engage local communities in decision-making, address climate change impacts, and improve public health. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, emphasizing sustainable stewardship and equitable access to greenspaces for underserved populations in Allegheny County and surrounding regions.

The Veteran Employment Program (VEP) by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry aims to support veterans by addressing employment barriers. With approximately $400,000 in funding, the program encourages innovative strategies to enhance veterans' employment outcomes across the Commonwealth. This initiative strengthens partnerships between government and community organizations, demonstrating Pennsylvania's commitment to providing essential resources for its veterans and ensuring their successful transition into the workforce.