Best Grants for International Development in Pennsylvania

The It's On Us PA Grants program, initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, aims to empower postsecondary institutions to combat sexual violence through education, prevention, and response initiatives. Institutions may apply for funding up to $60,000 based on enrollment size, with a specific focus on fostering awareness and improving reporting systems. This initiative encourages community involvement, aiming to create a safer educational environment for all students in Pennsylvania.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

The Andersen Corporate Foundation, established in 1941, aims to enhance lives and strengthen communities where its employees reside. It has contributed over $65 million to various causes, focusing on housing, healthcare, hunger relief, and education. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, primarily supporting nonprofit organizations that align with these areas, particularly in communities where Andersen operates, ensuring a lasting impact on local initiatives.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The PA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) supports land conservation by protecting agricultural viability and conservation values through Agricultural Land Easements and Wetland Reserve Easements. These easements prevent non-agricultural land use, ensuring long-term sustainability of working lands, enhancing wildlife habitat, and improving water quality. The program prioritizes applications that maximize contiguous agricultural land preservation and habitat protection for wildlife, contributing to both environmental quality and food security.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Benter Foundation Grant supports invited organizations whose projects align with the foundation's current priorities. Established in 2007, the foundation focuses on enhancing livability in Pittsburgh, promoting smart transportation, the arts, and global connections. It also aims to broaden access to opportunities for local communities, encouraging young people to pursue education and career development. Through innovative projects, the foundation seeks to create impactful solutions beyond Pittsburgh, fostering community engagement and addressing global challenges.

The Robert Estabrook Moeller Research Fellow Award supports graduate students, post-docs, and faculty conducting ecological research utilizing the natural resources of Lacawac Sanctuary. Established in memory of Dr. Robert E. Moeller, a dedicated limnologist, this award prioritizes new users of Lacawac and those starting innovative projects. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with full consideration given to submissions received by April 15th. This funding opportunity encourages impactful scientific exploration in ecology and environmental science.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grant Program, established under Act 13 of 2012, allocates funds for the effective plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. With hundreds of thousands of such wells in the state, this program addresses critical health, safety, and environmental concerns by funding projects aimed at plugging these hazardous wells. Eligible projects include cleaning, plugging, and implementing stray gas mitigation systems.

The Gismondi Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh region, focusing on essential needs such as food, shelter, education, and medical care. Founded by John P. Gismondi and Lisa, the foundation aims to foster vibrant communities by addressing basic human needs and encouraging collaboration among organizations. Interested applicants should submit a letter of inquiry, detailing their project purpose and impact measurement, to the foundation's office or via an online form.

The Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships in Horticulture, established by the Garden Club of Allegheny County in 1981, honors the legacy of passionate gardener Katharine MacConnell Grosscup. These scholarships, aimed at supporting students in horticulture and related fields, provide awards of up to $3,500 for education and research. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in specific states with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This initiative promotes a love for gardening and conservation.

The Philadelphia ReCAST Grant aims to enhance resilience and equity in communities affected by civil unrest, focusing on youth and families. Funded by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health, the initiative supports evidence-based violence prevention programs and trauma-informed services. With funding up to $20,000, the program encourages innovative strategies to promote mental health, community engagement, and reduce trauma, operating from March 2026 to September 2026.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Overview

PennDOT’s Behavioral Traffic Safety Unit offers traffic safety grants to support local communities and organizations working to make Pennsylvania’s roads safer. Eligible applicants include local governments, universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania state related universities, and nonprofit organizations.

These grants are funded through federal programs administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under 23 U.S.C. §402 and §405. Funding follows the federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1 through September 30.

Grant opportunities focus on proven, data driven strategies that address the most urgent traffic safety challenges across the Commonwealth. Available funds are allocated using formulas based on crash data to ensure resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact.

The Behavioral Traffic Safety Unit is not permitted to fund equipment only grant requests. All funded projects must include programmatic or behavioral safety components aligned with evidence based countermeasures.

PennDOT Behavioral Highway Safety Grants: Distracted Driving Observational Survey

Informs countermeasure strategies for distracted driving safety by providing statewide data related to cell phone use while driving. Analysis of the collected data will be shared with local and statewide partners to inform existing messaging, programming, and enforcement.

The McLean Contributionship Grant, established in 1951, supports charitable projects in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on Arts, Education, Environment, and Health. The Trustees prioritize long-term benefits through capital projects rather than ongoing operational expenses. They favor initiatives that enhance community understanding of the environment, promote inclusivity, and improve care for the aging, all while fostering education and cultural developments. The foundation seeks to empower young talent and enhance service delivery in the region.

The Grable Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in the Pittsburgh area by supporting early learning, public education, out-of-school programs, and community resources. By investing in innovative educational initiatives and family-friendly activities, the foundation strives to create an environment where children can thrive, explore, and reach their full potential. Their work fosters collaboration among educators, families, and community organizations to ensure every child has access to high-quality learning experiences and support.

The ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees in HVAC&R fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. Eligible institutions include those hosting an ASHRAE student branch or accredited engineering programs. This scholarship promotes academic excellence and sustainable practices in the built environment, aligning with ASHRAE's mission to advance technology and human well-being.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is accepting applications for the FY 2025-26 Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program. This initiative aims to support restrictive probation conditions to divert individuals from incarceration and provide essential treatment for those with substance use or mental health issues. By doing so, it seeks to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety, fulfilling PCCD's mission to improve the criminal justice system and community safety.

The Sister Mary Daniel Ruffing Nursing Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports graduate and undergraduate nursing students in Western Pennsylvania. This fund aims to aid those demonstrating financial need, with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. Preference is given to undergraduate students, ensuring that future nurses are equipped to meet the healthcare demands of the community. The foundation's commitment to local stewardship enhances the scholarship's impact on the region.

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 US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

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.