Best Grants for Museums in Pennsylvania

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.

Quest for the Best® offers legal services grants to Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on those in Southeastern Pennsylvania. With a commitment to strengthening the common good, they provide assistance in incorporation, tax exemption applications, and general legal consultation. The funder prioritizes organizations that demonstrate sustainability and have qualified staff. Note that their services are not available for for-profit entities or litigation matters. This initiative aims to support nonprofits in achieving their legal and operational goals.

Quest for the Best® is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Pennsylvania by providing project-based grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. The grant aims to support initiatives that focus on long-term sustainability, secured co-funding, and specific programs. Priorities include police and nurse training, education for underserved communities, and humanitarian efforts such as clean water access. The funder emphasizes local impact and requires matching contributions for grant requests.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The Ear, Nose, and Throat Foundation of Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing patient care, research, education, and innovation in the field of otolaryngology. Grants are provided to support initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s mission, particularly within the areas of ENT health, medical research, technology, education, global health, and community outreach.

Grants may be issued directly to healthcare physicians and allied health care professionals, medical institutions, clinics, or academic departments at the discretion of their leadership. Any research grants provided through such offices may be subject to specific terms and conditions, including limitations on the use of funds (e.g., restrictions on covering indirect costs).

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 Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

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.

Community Traffic Safety Project (CTSP)

Traffic safety educational outreach programs to schools and communities targeting local safety issues identified through data analysis. Provide support towards national and statewide enforcement mobilizations and other programs. Applicants for these grants must be a PA county government.

The Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust Grant supports social welfare agencies in Philadelphia, enhancing community welfare through targeted programs. Established in 1963 by Joseph Kennard Skilling, the trust embodies his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. The foundation prioritizes effective programs, professional management, and community needs, while favoring organizations that assist vulnerable populations. Eligible nonprofit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) are encouraged to apply, particularly those addressing issues like elder care, youth at risk, and rehabilitation of the homeless.

The DCED Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provides funding and technical assistance to eligible municipalities in Pennsylvania for various community development activities. Key uses include housing rehabilitation, public services, and infrastructure improvements. The grant has two application deadlines: October 31, 2025, for entitlement submissions and February 6, 2026, for competitive applications. The competitive program requires a minimum request of $100,000, with no ceiling limit, and mandates that 70% of funds benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

The Sara Long Trust Grant aims to assist individuals who are unable to support themselves due to accident, disease, or old age. Established under the will of Sara Long, a Philadelphia resident who passed away in 1902, the foundation supports qualified organizations, particularly those located in Pennsylvania, that serve this vulnerable population. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to be eligible for funding, as the trust does not provide grants directly to individuals.

The Nora Roberts Foundation, established in 2001 by best-selling author Nora Roberts, prioritizes literacy as a fundamental human right. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to literacy, the arts, children, social justice, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically average $5,000, with recommendations for first-time applicants to request between $3,000 and $5,000. Preference is given to local groups in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC, particularly those with 501(c)(3) status.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

PennDOT provides traffic safety grants to local governments, PA state-related universities and PA State System of Higher Education universities, and nonprofit organizations to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes. First-time applicants must be pre approved by first submitting a letter of interest to RA-PDSHSO_GRANTS@pa.gov. Letters must be written on agency letterhead and include the organization’s FEIN, a summary of the proposed project, a budget estimate, and the specific local grant opportunity listed below that the agency intends to pursue.This grant supports a qualified individual with expertise in traffic safety education to serve as a liaison between the Pennsylvania State Highway Safety Office (SHSO) and the traffic safety education community, particularly Community Traffic Safety Projects (CTSPs). This role will also function as the SHSO’s Public Participation and Engagement (PP&E) Coordinator. Proposals should include a budget that designates funding for sub-grants to support smaller traffic safety education projects.

The Les Mehrhoff Botanical Research Award, established by the New England Botanical Society, supports innovative botanical research that enhances our understanding of New England's flora. Open to applicants without membership, it prioritizes projects lacking traditional funding sources. Eligible expenses include fieldwork, lab supplies, and moderate stipends. This award encourages researchers to explore unconventional inquiries and fosters a deeper appreciation for the diverse plant life in northeastern North America.

Certified Local Government Grant Program

The CLG Grant Program provides financial support to participating communities to develop the tools, products, programs, and services they need to administer their local preservation programs effectively and in accordance with the CLG Guidelines and Procedures.

Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Program: Mini-Grants

The CLG Mini-Grant program is intended to provide Certified Local Governments with grant funds to solve problems and build capacity for the local preservation program in a timely and targeted fashion. Projects and issues often arise outside of established annual grant cycles, requiring communities to either defer action and wait for the next open grant round, spend money from the annual budget, or seek funding from other sources. Often, important projects languish and never get done because the resources aren't available or something more pressing takes precedence. Sometimes, there's a project or a property that requires a timely response and the community cannot wait for another grant round to open.

General Conditions

• CLG Mini-Grants will be made in the amounts of $100 - $7,500.
• All Mini-Grants require a minimum cash match equal to 25% of the grant award.
• All grantees will receive 10% of the grant award for administrative overhead, consistent with Federal guidelines.
• All Mini-Grants will be awarded under the CLG Master Grant Contract between the Commonwealth and the CLG.
• Mini-Grants are reimbursement grants.

Maximum Number of Awards

• Awards are made on a first-come-first-served basis until all available funds have been committed.
• A CLG may only receive one Mini-Grant at a time. When a Mini-Grant is closed, the CLG may apply for another Mini-Grant. A CLG may have an open Project Grant, Mini-Grant, and Scholarship at the same time, provided each grant is for a different project.

Matching Requirements

• CLG Mini-Grants require a minimum cash match equal to 25% of the grant award.
• The cash match may come from any non-Federal source (i.e. municipal funds, state funds, or private funds). The only eligible Federal source for matching funds are Community Development Block Grants.
• Applicants do not need to have the minimum match secured at the time of application. Upon notification that of a successful grant award, applicants will have 60 days to secure the required match and provide verification of its immediate availability to the PA SHPO. After 60 days, the PA SHPO cannot guarantee that the grant funds will still be available.

Ted Gacomis Scholarship for Civil Engineering

Mission Statement

Ted Gacomis worked with several civil engineering firms in Chester County. For thirty plus years, he was part of Edward B. Walsh (EBW) & Associates, based in Exton, PA, where he became a Partner and Vice President. The EBW family and the many County township officials with whom he worked were a very important part of his life.

Ted offered his engineering skills to many organizations as a volunteer, including Habitat for Humanity and Operation Honduras, the latter holding a very special place in his heart as he volunteered there for more than twelve years.

Ted was more than a Civil Engineer; it was very important to him to mentor and support future generations of young men and women in his profession. He offered his time and knowledge freely and was never too busy to answer a question. Along with this “teaching” came, of course, the jokes and sense of humor he loved to share.

He was born in Kingston, PA and graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School. He then attended the Pennsylvania State University to study Civil Engineering, which was followed by receiving his engineering license. Prior to joining EBW, Ted’s first professional employment was with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, where he continued his learning, including that of adding to his repertoire of practical jokes. Ted loved to have fun with his co-workers and friends.

A gentleman, scholar, true friend, and a humble man, Ted would be so pleased to be honored with a scholarship bearing his name that would help a young person know what it means to be a person of integrity, compassion and hard work pursuing a degree in civil engineering.

Because Ted was a dear mentor to many, Howell Engineering, a full service civil engineering/land surveying/environmental firm, located in West Chester, PA, will provide, in addition to the scholarship, a summer internship complete with a mentoring opportunity. Engineering interns would be exposed to all facets of civil engineering design and the latest AutoCAD design software as well as drone technology. Howell performs civil site design engineering and land surveying for a wide variety of clients including residential, commercial and industrial real estate developers.

Guidelines

The Ted Gacomis Scholarship for Civil Engineering awards a scholarship of $1,000 to one high school senior, who will pursue a degree in civil engineering and to offer an internship at a local engineering firm.

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Program offers financial assistance to Pennsylvania's Certified Local Governments for projects that enhance local preservation efforts. Funding amounts range from $3,000 to $25,000, with a required cash match of 10%, 25%, or 50% of the total project cost, depending on the project type. Eligible projects include design guidelines, historic resource surveys, and revitalization plans, aimed at producing tangible benefits for communities.

The Certified Local Government (CLG) Scholarships program supports Pennsylvania's Certified Local Governments by providing funding for training and education of preservation decision-makers. Scholarships, up to $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for community-hosted programs, can cover registration, travel, and educational materials. This program ensures that local governments have the necessary resources for effective preservation practices, fostering community engagement and education in historical preservation efforts.

The Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries, support public libraries in planning, acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating their facilities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible costs for projects like ADA upgrades and energy-efficient renovations. Matching funds are required, and grants are awarded competitively based on established criteria. This program aims to enhance library services and resources for Pennsylvania residents.

PennDOT provides traffic safety grants to local governments, PA state-related universities and PA State System of Higher Education universities, and nonprofit organizations to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes. First-time applicants must be pre approved by first submitting a letter of interest to RA-PDSHSO_GRANTS@pa.gov. Letters must be written on agency letterhead and include the organization’s FEIN, a summary of the proposed project, a budget estimate, and the specific local grant opportunity listed below that the agency intends to pursue.Distracted Driving Outreach provides education and outreach to change dangerous driving behaviors across PA, especially among teen drivers.

The Boating Facility Grant Program, established by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), aims to enhance public boating facilities across the Commonwealth. This initiative supports the planning, acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of these facilities, ensuring that recreational boaters in Pennsylvania have access to high-quality amenities. By investing in such projects, PFBC fosters a vibrant boating community and promotes recreational opportunities on the state's waterways.

The Lozier Foundation

Formed in 1986, The Lozier Foundation is a family foundation funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The foundation’s focus is education, social services and issues involving women and children with an emphasis on the inner city and underrepresented populations.

Our Mission: The Lozier Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the underrepresented communities in the Omaha/Metro area.

Grants

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation Education Application

The Education Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

The Lozier Foundation

The Lozier Foundation is a private family foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska, funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for people and families who have historically had less access to resources.

The Foundation’s grantmaking is grounded in a long-term commitment to Omaha and the surrounding region. We are especially interested in work that helps level the playing field, supports people during important moments of need or transition, and gives individuals and families greater ability to make choices about their own lives and futures.

The Foundation’s support has historically focused on established nonprofit organizations working in areas such as education, human services, youth development, health, family stability, and community well-being. While those areas describe much of our grantmaking, they are not intended to serve as fixed categories or a comprehensive list.

The Foundation is selective in its grantmaking. We generally support organizations with a meaningful operating history, capable leadership, sound governance, financial discipline, and a demonstrated ability to serve the community effectively. The Foundation does not typically support early-stage organizations, small projects or organizations with limited reach, or requests that fall outside our geographic and charitable priorities.

The Foundation also considers whether a request reflects a clear understanding of the existing community landscape. We are generally skeptical of efforts that duplicate services already being provided effectively by other organizations, particularly when collaboration, coordination, or partnership would better serve the community. Organizations seeking support should be prepared to explain how their work fits within the broader field, who they collaborate with, and why the proposed work is needed.

Grants

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation General Application

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

The General Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

The Lozier Foundation

The Lozier Foundation is a private family foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska, funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for people and families who have historically had less access to resources.

The Foundation’s grantmaking is grounded in a long-term commitment to Omaha and the surrounding region. We are especially interested in work that helps level the playing field, supports people during important moments of need or transition, and gives individuals and families greater ability to make choices about their own lives and futures.

The Foundation’s support has historically focused on established nonprofit organizations working in areas such as education, human services, youth development, health, family stability, and community well-being. While those areas describe much of our grantmaking, they are not intended to serve as fixed categories or a comprehensive list.

The Foundation is selective in its grantmaking. We generally support organizations with a meaningful operating history, capable leadership, sound governance, financial discipline, and a demonstrated ability to serve the community effectively. The Foundation does not typically support early-stage organizations, small projects or organizations with limited reach, or requests that fall outside our geographic and charitable priorities.

The Foundation also considers whether a request reflects a clear understanding of the existing community landscape. We are generally skeptical of efforts that duplicate services already being provided effectively by other organizations, particularly when collaboration, coordination, or partnership would better serve the community. Organizations seeking support should be prepared to explain how their work fits within the broader field, who they collaborate with, and why the proposed work is needed.

Grants

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation Program Application

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

The Program Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

Apprenticeships on the Move

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $4,000,000 in funding for Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce. 

The purpose of this NGA is to support the development of new registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, or the expansion of existing registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships that strengthen Pennsylvania's workforce and advance the Commonwealth's economic development priorities. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project addresses workforce needs within the industry or occupation served and supports the goals of Governor Shapiro's Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development and the Pennsylvania WIOA Combined State Plan.