Best Grants for Museums in Pennsylvania

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 A-E SOT Maryanne Stock Student Research Award, offered by the Society of Toxicology, supports student research in toxicology with grants up to $1,000. Open to student members, this award encourages innovative research projects and requires a presentation at an AESOT Spring Meeting. The funds must be used solely for research purposes, ensuring that the topic is original and relevant to toxicology. Applicants are evaluated on the quality of their proposals, and previous awardees are not eligible.

Armstrong County Technical School Scholarship

The purpose of the Armstrong County Technical School Scholarship Fund is to provide funds for scholarships for students pursuing a course of study in the trade arts at an accredited career school, vocational technical school or community college located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Foundation hopes that this program will encourage many of our community’s most talented students to consider pursuing occupations in the region following graduation.

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.

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 Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Pennsylvania enhances home energy efficiency, reducing costs and increasing comfort while prioritizing health and safety. This program offers on-site energy audits to identify cost-effective measures, including air sealing, insulation installation, and heating system modifications. Clients receive education on maintaining these improvements and reducing energy waste. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, WAP aims to foster a resilient economy and community.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Pennsylvania provides essential funding to ensure access to clean drinking water, proper sewage disposal, and efficient stormwater management in eligible rural areas. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, making it crucial for communities that struggle to secure commercial credit. Eligible uses of funds include construction, improvements, and related legal and engineering costs, promoting sustainable infrastructure development.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

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 Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

The F25AS00332 Highlands Conservation Act provides competitive funding for land conservation projects in the Highlands Region, which includes Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this program allows eligible state, county, or municipal entities to request grants covering up to 50% of project costs. The program aims to protect vital natural resources and is divided into Base and Competitive funding categories, with specific proposals invited for the Competitive Funding Round.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The Dr. Ethan R. Sellers Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Solano Community Foundation, honors Dr. Ethan R. Sellers and supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing healthcare degrees. With an award amount of $1,400, the scholarship aims to assist those who have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher, thereby fostering future healthcare professionals in underserved communities.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project - Capital Grants Application Fall 2025 by the Open Space Institute aims to enhance conservation across the Appalachian Mountain region. With a focus on biodiversity, climate resilience, and community benefits, this initiative supports the acquisition of land and conservation easements. As a vital climate refuge, the Appalachians play a crucial role in safeguarding habitats and providing public recreation opportunities for the 26 million residents living in this area.

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.

Pay-It-Forward Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior attending Penn State University as a full-time student who is a permanent resident of Lackawanna county, who is employed full-time at Penn State through work-study or an outside employer and continues working as a full time student, and who has maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher. When the recipient is in a position to do so in the future, he or she must commit to offering a similar scholarship opportunity to others.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The PA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Grant provides vital technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in Pennsylvania. This program aims to enhance natural resource conservation by addressing concerns such as soil health, water quality, and habitat restoration. Eligible applicants can receive funding for various conservation practices, promoting sustainable agricultural operations while protecting the environment. EQIP encourages year-round applications, ensuring ongoing support for conservation efforts across the state.

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 PA Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program supports agricultural producers in managing financial risks through diversification, marketing, and conservation practices. Administered by NRCS, the program assists in constructing water management structures, planting windbreaks, and implementing conservation practices. Eligible applicants must demonstrate an interest in agriculture and comply with income limitations, ensuring that conservation practices meet NRCS standards. Priority is given to those with a current conservation plan and the ability to complete work within 1-3 years.

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.

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.

KeyBank's Community Grants support tax-exempt organizations that align with the Foundation's funding priorities, focusing on improving community well-being. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, eligible organizations must have an operating budget of at least $100,000 and a minimum of three years in operation. The application process is invitation-only, requiring interested organizations to submit an Expression of Interest for review, typically receiving feedback within 90 days.

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

Key Bank Philanthropic Support - Community Sponsorships aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial backing to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, these sponsorships focus on fundraising events and operational support for initiatives that foster economic inclusion and community growth. Applications are accepted from January to October, with decisions typically made within 90 days, ensuring timely support for impactful local projects.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds offers Convening Grants to nonprofit organizations for collaborative projects aimed at protecting and restoring water resources. Grants, capped at $2,000, are available to groups with 501(c)(3) status in areas from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River. By leveraging local and federal funds, the foundation supports efforts to ensure clean water for future generations, addressing both pristine and polluted waterways in Pennsylvania.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.