Best Grants for International Development in Pennsylvania

The Lippert-Sizemore Scholarship Fund, established by the PFLAG – Greater Harrisburg Chapter in 2023, acknowledges the contributions of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community from Central PA. This scholarship supports their pursuit of post-secondary education and promotes a positive societal image of LGBTQ+ persons. With over 190 scholarship opportunities provided by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, students can apply for up to three consecutive years, highlighting the importance of education and community involvement.

The Mary Grace Shearer MSW Scholarship for the Advancement of Social Work Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students entering their junior or senior year in accredited social work programs in select Pennsylvania counties. With a minimum GPA of 3.0 and financial need, this scholarship aims to foster professional social work standards by enhancing students' knowledge and skills. Recipients may reapply for one additional year to continue their educational journey.

The Nick Pantalone Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors the life of Nicholas “Nick” Pantalone, who bravely fought a rare cancer. This one-time scholarship supports high school seniors from select counties in Pennsylvania who maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and are involved in Mini-Thon or have personal cancer experiences. With over a century of philanthropic excellence, TFEC continues to empower local students through generous scholarship opportunities.

The Pauline M. Whitekettle Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors a dedicated educator and community member. This scholarship is available to residents of the Newport area, particularly members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, who demonstrate academic proficiency and community involvement. Recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years with a minimum GPA of 2.5, reflecting Ms. Whitekettle's legacy of supporting local students in their educational pursuits.

The Ray S. Shoemaker Scholarship, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors the legacy of Ray S. Shoemaker. It provides financial assistance to undergraduate students attending Harrisburg City public schools and surrounding districts, prioritizing those with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrating financial need. With a mission to support local students, the scholarship fosters educational opportunities and community growth, reflecting over a century of commitment to philanthropy in South Central Pennsylvania.

The Roberta L. Houpt Scholarship, established by Lyndell S. Houpt in 1998, honors her daughter, a Vietnam War nurse and Pennsylvania's first Nurse Practitioner. This scholarship aids students from Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties pursuing nursing degrees at their chosen institutions. TFEC, a leading scholarship provider in South Central Pennsylvania, supports local students through over 190 scholarship opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to community enhancement and educational advancement.

The Samuel L. Abrams Foundation, established in 1966, supports deserving graduates and faculty of the Harrisburg School District in their pursuit of higher education. With over $1.7 million awarded in scholarships, it stands as the largest scholarship provider in South Central Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants include graduates from various local high schools with plans for post-secondary education and demonstrable financial need. Renewability is permitted, encouraging ongoing educational growth among recipients.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

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 Abby Hornung Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, commemorates Abby Hornung's dedication to caring for others. It supports students pursuing degrees in social work or related mental health fields. Applicants must graduate from specific counties, maintain a GPA of 2.5, and submit letters of recommendation and an essay. This one-time award emphasizes the importance of community support in mental health professions, encouraging future professionals to foster compassion and inclusivity.

The Caitlin Hornung Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides financial support for students pursuing degrees in social work, counseling, psychology, behavior science, or human services. This one-time award particularly favors students facing chronic or life-threatening conditions. The fund reflects over a century of community support, with TFEC being the largest scholarship provider in South Central Pennsylvania, awarding over $1.7 million to local students annually.

The University Center at Harrisburg Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports deserving students from Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Lebanon, or York counties. With a history of over 100 years, TFEC provides more than 190 scholarship opportunities, awarding over $1.7 million to local students. The fund encourages applications from non-traditional students and requires a minimum GPA of 2.0, making higher education accessible to the community.

Public Wise Grants aims to enhance democracy by providing unrestricted operational funding to organizations committed to voting rights. Established in 2019, Public Wise focuses on grassroots efforts to ensure equitable representation and access to the ballot, particularly in key states like Michigan and Georgia. Their mission is to empower communities, combat voter suppression, and strengthen democratic participation through education and partnership.

The Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), aims to enhance county adult probation services by providing essential funding. This initiative supports counties in covering costs associated with adult probation supervision, ensuring adherence to established standards. Through this grant, PCCD seeks to evaluate program effectiveness and identify trends, ultimately contributing to safer communities and improved justice system outcomes.

The AIPG Pennsylvania Section Scholarships support undergraduate geology students in Pennsylvania, helping cover educational costs and encouraging their involvement with the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores, enrolled in accredited institutions, and be AIPG student members. This initiative not only promotes academic achievement but also fosters a commitment to professional standards and advocacy within the geological sciences community.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Pennsylvania provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas, benefiting local populations of up to 20,000 residents. Eligible projects can include health care, public safety, and educational services, among others. Grant assistance scales based on community income levels, ensuring support for those with the greatest need. This program aims to enhance the quality of life in rural communities and is open for applications year-round.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Dr. Bernard Shair Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior at the University of Scranton, selected by the Dr. Bernard Shair Committee, who will matriculate at an accredited school of dentistry in the year in which the award is made.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Climate Justice Organizing Fund aims to support grassroots organizations working towards climate justice by providing essential resources for capacity building and strategic development. This initiative focuses on addressing interconnected issues such as racial and health equity, food security, and affordable housing, ensuring that communities most affected by climate change have the tools and training needed to advocate for their rights and implement effective strategies for long-term success.

The PA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) empowers agricultural producers and forestland owners to enhance their conservation practices. By improving soil, water, and wildlife habitats, participants can boost their farming efficiency and earn payments based on conservation performance. CSP offers tailored plans to meet specific land management goals, whether it's increasing crop yields or managing forests sustainably. With year-round applications, this program supports those looking to transition to organic practices or improve their existing conservation systems.

The Pennsylvania Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is a voluntary initiative aimed at assisting landowners in restoring and protecting forestland through permanent easements and cost-share agreements. Its objectives include enhancing biodiversity, improving carbon sequestration, and supporting the recovery of endangered species like the Indiana bat. Funding is allocated based on applicant rankings until exhausted, with varying support levels for landowners depending on the type of agreement chosen.

PennDOT Behavioral Highway Safety Grants

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.

Child Passenger Safety Educational Initiatives

Supplements efforts provided by the existing statewide child passenger safety project organized by the PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) by providing additional trainings for CPS technicians across the state, broaden outreach efforts, and distribute car seats to underserved communities.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Miklos Family Trust Fund #1

The Miklos Family Trust Fund #1 was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to fulfill a long-time wish of, and create a perpetual memorial to, Michael V. Miklos, M.D. He was a dedicated Neurosurgeon who established a one-man Department of Neurosurgery at McKeesport Hospital because he felt that his little home town was in need of a Neurosurgeon. Because he was a "one-man department" he was always available to his patients, whatever hour of the day or night. Scholarships are for persons in need of financial help to continue their education for their third or fourth year at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive 

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.