Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Nonprofits, public agencies, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania can seek funding for critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. Appalachian Regional Commission supports projects such as water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and leadership development through its Area Development Grant Program.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind charitable investments, which provide intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment or materials. Organizations serving military members, veterans, first responders, or broader community needs may benefit from reduced freight costs and access to surplus rail-related items.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies working in education or economic development can seek project funding that strengthens learning and regional economies. Focused on innovation, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation invites nonprofits in Southwestern Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, and Washington, to propose initiatives in teacher development, youth career preparation, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic growth.

The FISA Foundation Grant supports initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities, particularly women and girls. Priorities include enhancing access to healthcare, addressing biases in the system, and preventing violence against vulnerable populations. The foundation emphasizes projects with clear outcomes and realistic evaluation plans, focusing on marginalized groups, especially those facing systemic barriers. Eligible organizations must operate within southwestern Pennsylvania and benefit women, girls, or people with disabilities.

New and established 501(c)(3) public charities in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania can seek funding for innovative, forward-looking projects that improve quality of life. Focus areas include healthy aging, economic mobility, healthy neighborhoods, democracy, and sustainable infrastructure, so Pennsylvania nonprofits launching new programs may find strong support from Hillman Family Foundations.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities running health-focused programs can apply for Highmark Foundation grants to improve community health outcomes. Funding supports evidence-based initiatives in areas like chronic disease, family health, mental health, and access to care, including clinics and screenings. New and established programs, pilots, and expansion efforts across Pennsylvania counties may be eligible.

Pennsylvania nonprofits and public-sector organizations can seek flexible funding for conservation, economic development, economic mobility, health, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. Focused on opportunity, prosperity, and environmental stewardship, the Richard King Mellon Foundation invites proposals that align with its 2021–2030 Strategic Plan, including general operating, project, planning, innovation, implementation, or scaling support.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with established finances can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects benefiting communities in Pennsylvania and other eligible states. Green Mountain Energy supports initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, sustainable agriculture, and broader environmental stewardship that demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and financial impact.

The FirstBank Charitable Foundation (FBCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2008, focused on supporting charitable organizations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. With over a million dollars awarded, FBCF aims to enhance community well-being through partnerships in health, housing, and education. Nonprofits aligning with FBCF's mission and demonstrating significant service impact are encouraged to apply for grants, fostering a stronger fabric within their neighborhoods.

New and established 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and government entities in Pennsylvania can apply for William G Pomeroy Foundation’s Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program to commemorate local folklore, legends, and folklife. Funding supports roadside markers that highlight community stories, traditions, and cultural heritage, which can also strengthen cultural tourism and visibility for emerging nonprofits.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits running family, safety, or community enhancement projects can seek up to US $500 in program support. Focused on grassroots community initiatives, Baltimore Life Foundation invites organizations with strong volunteer involvement to propose specific projects such as child safety education, community clean-up efforts, or neighborhood watch activities.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing health, hunger, or everyday heroes in Pennsylvania can apply for more than US $2,500 from Wawa Foundation to support their programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Wawa Foundation provides financial grants within its six-state market area, including Pennsylvania, for hospitals, hunger relief, and hero-focused initiatives.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania can seek funding for community programs in areas like education, hunger relief, health, environment, agriculture, and public safety. With a mission to strengthen communities, Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation provides up to US $1,000 for projects endorsed by a Perdue associate.

Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations, government units, and educational institutions can apply for Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ Creative Catalyst Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for special arts projects with statewide impact. Funding supports new, strategic initiatives that strengthen the cultural, educational, or economic vitality of Pennsylvania communities, which may include work by newer nonprofits.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits starting or growing community programs can apply for the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving awards of more than US $1,000 to support agriculture, environment, education, hunger, poverty, health, social services, public safety, and cultural initiatives. New nonprofits in Pennsylvania may be eligible if endorsed by a Perdue associate.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in communities where Penn National Gaming operates can seek funding for community development, education, human services, cultural programs, health, and veteran and military support. Grants from Penn National Gaming help address local residents’ needs in counties such as Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York through infrastructure, services, and inclusive programming.

New and established 501(c)(3) public charities in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania can seek $1,000 - $7,500,000 to support education, visual arts, writing, literature, and related programs. Focused on cultural and community initiatives, Hillman Family Foundations also considers projects in human services, environmental protection, parks, and the dramatic arts, including work by emerging nonprofits.

With a mission to reduce poverty, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides Pennsylvania nonprofits with program or operating support for education, human services, and healthcare initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties may benefit, especially those addressing food insecurity, housing stability, healthcare access, or educational opportunities for vulnerable residents.

Pennsylvania health nonprofits and eligible public entities providing cancer or cardiovascular disease education, awareness, or support services can access funding through Bayer Fund if they serve communities near Myerstown or the Pittsburgh area. Established, financially sound 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying government units may request program-focused support, including limited overhead and evaluation costs, for evidence-based initiatives.

Pennsylvania nonprofits with two or more years of operations can seek flexible funding for education, human services, and workforce development programs that promote economic self-sufficiency. Focused on community empowerment, Provident Bank Foundation invites organizations within its branch-network counties to apply for US $5,000 - US $25,000 over two years for program, overhead, or equipment costs.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with proven, ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can apply for US $2,000,000 grants from Enterprise Community Partners nationwide, including Pennsylvania. Funding supports innovations in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs that expand affordable rental and homeownership options for low- and moderate-income residents.

New or established 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food access in eligible rural Pennsylvania counties can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round; awards US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs. Food banks, pantries, meal programs, community gardens, and school meal initiatives may be supported.

The Art Works Grant Program, initiated by the Philadelphia Foundation and Forman Arts Initiative, aims to empower Philadelphia artists and cultural organizations, particularly those serving BIPOC communities. With a budget of $3 million, the program offers annual grants of $25,000 for artists and between $75,000 and $150,000 for community organizations. Grantees also benefit from professional development workshops and consulting services to enhance their operational and artistic capabilities.

New or established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey working on workforce and economic development can apply for Greenspring Advisors’ Greenspring Grant Program, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for programs or general operations. Pennsylvania organizations supporting job training, entrepreneurship, internships, or financial literacy may be especially competitive.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund provides Pennsylvania nonprofits focused on K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations with project and program support. Organizations with at least three years of service and proven, year-round, measurable programming may be eligible, alongside similar groups in select nearby states. Awards are approximately US $77,000.

New and established 501(c)(3) public charities in eligible rural Pennsylvania counties can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $20,000 for community vitality projects. Funding supports efforts like education, economic development, city improvements, first responders, and local United Way chapters in Land O’Lakes member-owner communities.