Best Grants for Nonprofit Human Services in Pennsylvania

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

The Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust offers semi-annual grants to nonprofit organizations benefiting residents of Adams County, PA. The trust aims to promote social welfare by supporting various causes, including education, animal welfare, and assistance for the needy. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status. Grants are not provided for organizations outside of Adams County unless a clear benefit to local residents can be demonstrated. This initiative strengthens community support and addresses local needs.

The Irene D. Cunningham Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Delaware and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania, dedicated to assisting the needy poor. Established through the Last Will of Ms. Cunningham, the Trust aims to provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 annually. Preference is given to organizations that supply essential resources to the poor. This perpetual Trust ensures that Ms. Cunningham's generosity continues to benefit the community for years to come.

The Marsh Foundation Grant provides funding for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, focusing primarily on medical research in El Paso, Texas. Established under the will of Edward N. Marsh, the foundation offers grants ranging from $52,000 to $150,000, with an average total giving of $200,000 annually. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible, although there are no geographic limitations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for review.

The Ruth P. Seruga Trust Grant provides funding to non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Lehigh County, PA. Established from Mrs. Seruga's will, the trust aims to support various charitable causes, including arts, education, health, and human services, with an average grant size of $3,000. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted by August 1 for annual review in September.

The Colcom Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing local environmental and community projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. It supports initiatives in advocacy, land conservation, and community development to improve quality of life and promote ecological sustainability. Eligible projects may include arts and culture, health services, and environmental education, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to regional heritage and stewardship. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations to engage in meaningful work that addresses pressing community and environmental needs.

The PCHF Capacity Building Mini-Grant Program is designed to support nonprofit organizations in the greater Phoenixville region. This program offers grants of up to $2,500 per year for training and educational initiatives that enhance governance, accountability, and sustainability. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that operate within specific geographical boundaries and meet certain requirements, including a budget of less than $3 million and current or recent grant activity.

The Stout Foundation Grant supports organizations aligned with the values of its founder, Mr. Stout. Grants are awarded exclusively to entities with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and focus on charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. Preference is given to organizations with low overhead costs and those located in areas frequented by Foundation members. The Foundation aims to promote effective use of funds while remaining flexible in its grant-making approach.

The Barra Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant provides essential early-stage funding for social impact organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. This program supports innovative projects that address pressing community challenges and fosters transformative change. Grants are aimed at organizations that primarily serve under-resourced communities and promote bold, novel approaches. By empowering nonprofits to test new ideas, the Catalyst Fund helps build a more equitable and vibrant society.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The AINA Grant-in-Aid program, established by the Arctic Institute of North America, provides funding of $1000 to support young investigators, particularly graduate students, in their research related to Arctic issues. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with a U.S. or Canadian academic institution. The funding can cover travel, supplies, and equipment but not salaries. The program emphasizes the relevance and quality of research proposals that engage the Arctic community.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Nina Baldwin Fisher Foundation Grant Program supports initiatives that promote justice, equity, and well-being within the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region. With no application deadlines, this program focuses on empowering individuals through social justice, aiding survivors of domestic violence, and facilitating access to green spaces and nutrition. The foundation prioritizes organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, fostering positive change in the community.

The Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation Grant offers year-round funding for initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture and nutrition education, particularly in New York City and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Emphasizing support for human trafficking survivors, youth development, and social justice, the Foundation seeks projects that align with these priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with some multi-year grants available. Notably, proposals outside the specified areas are by invitation only.

The Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on community development, health, education, and the arts. Established in 1968, the Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for underserved populations, including at-risk youth and homeless individuals. It prioritizes direct services that promote economic and social welfare, while accepting applications from tax-exempt organizations. The grant cycle may take two to three months, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to thorough review.

The Hillman Foundation, established in 1951, aims to enhance the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. It focuses on strategic grantmaking for economic development, health, education, human services, the arts, and the environment. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community growth, support arts and culture, and address social determinants of health. It primarily funds tax-exempt organizations serving the ten counties of southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Henry L. Hillman Foundation Grant supports innovative projects aimed at improving the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. With a focus on civic leadership, collaboration, and new models of economic development, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that leverage community assets and address pressing social needs. Grant recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with the aim of fostering healthy neighborhoods, strengthening democracy, and promoting sustainable regional infrastructure.

The Henry John Simonds Foundation Grant supports community-driven solutions in Pittsburgh, PA, focusing on education, the arts, and community development. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines on January 5 for the June cycle and July 1 for the November cycle. The Foundation prioritizes tax-exempt organizations classified as public charities and aims to foster a sustainable future while enhancing citizens' quality of life through meaningful collaborations.

The Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation Grant aims to enhance health and healing for communities through investments in the arts, education, human services, and environmental initiatives. With a focus on Pittsburgh, PA, Santa Barbara, CA, and Squam Lakes, NH, the foundation accepts grant applications year-round, with deadlines of January 5 for June funding and July 1 for November funding. The foundation prioritizes projects from new organizations within these regions.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

No one sees the world like we do. At Eden Hall Foundation, we view our work through a woman’s lens to improve the quality of life for all people across our region. This perspective is unique. And it’s always served us—and Southwestern Pennsylvania—well.

The Focus of Our Work  

Improve the quality of life for women, the disadvantaged, and all those who live in southwestern Pennsylvania

• Advance and disseminate useful knowledge
• Improve health and wellness
• Enhance civic and community resources and amenities\
• Increase access to the arts for all.

Eden Hall Foundation entertains grant proposals for:

• Innovative or evidence-based programming
• Capital Projects
• Capacity Building
• Technical Assistance
• Scholarship Funds

The Crawford Impact Initiative Grants support non-profit organizations in Crawford County, providing a redesigned grant program that offers impactful funding opportunities. Organizations can apply for funding from both restricted and unrestricted funds, with a single application. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits, governmental bodies, municipalities, and schools. The initiative emphasizes preventive and impactful projects addressing community needs, with a focus on collaboration and measurable outcomes.

The Gertrude L. Hirsch Charitable Trust, founded in New Jersey, aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations for charitable and educational purposes. It focuses on various program areas including arts, education, environment, health, and human services. Although there are no geographic restrictions, preference is often given to organizations based in New Jersey. Additionally, funds awarded cannot be used outside the United States, ensuring that contributions remain within the country to benefit local communities.

The James B. Linsmayer Foundation Grant supports programs in arts, culture, education, health, and human services primarily within the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Established in memory of James B. Linsmayer, the foundation aims to be a strategic partner in these vital areas. Eligible grantees include public charities recognized under IRC guidelines, with no geographic limitations but a preference for local organizations. While start-ups may be considered, funding for organizational expenses is not permitted.

The Lawrence Saunders Fund Grant, established in memory of Lawrence Saunders, supports charitable endeavors with a focus on environmental projects, education for underprivileged children and adults, and social services for those in need. Created by his wife, Dorothy Love Saunders, the fund aims to enhance community welfare through strategic grants derived from its investment portfolio. This philanthropic initiative continues to impact various sectors, promoting sustainability and education.

The Lubrizol Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with community investment priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, health, and sustainable communities. Established in 1952, the foundation emphasizes support for initiatives in Cleveland, Ohio, and Houston, Texas. Grant applications are evaluated based on alignment with Lubrizol's investment pillars, with a commitment to fostering social impact and community well-being through financial support.

The Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation offers unrestricted funds to support various projects aimed at enhancing the community's welfare. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities that serve Blair County and meet specific criteria, such as promoting education, arts, or health services. This grant process encourages impactful proposals, ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that genuinely benefit the region. Applications are accepted annually, with a focus on sustainable community development.