Best Grants for Nonprofit Human Services in Pennsylvania

The Charles & Betty Degenstein Foundation, established in 1977, aims to enhance lives through grants supporting various sectors such as education, health care, and conservation. The Foundation focuses on projects that positively impact Snyder, Union, and Northumberland Counties, encouraging community support and collaboration. Grant applications are open to 501(c)(3) organizations, guided by a Trust Board, but typically do not cover all project costs, especially for operating budgets or political activities.

The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation Grant supports various charitable causes primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and Southern California. Founded by James Stewart, who was dedicated to uplifting the community and promoting the arts, the foundation provides an average grant of $10,000, awarding around five grants annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The foundation emphasizes arts, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit, continuing Stewart's legacy of generosity.

The Opportunity Fund Grants support small to midsize arts organizations and initiatives promoting social and economic justice, primarily benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh community. Funding areas include performing and visual arts, with a focus on projects led by Black and LGBTQ+ individuals. Grants are available for organizations with 501(c)(3) status or governmental entities. The fund emphasizes flexibility in its focus to adapt to community needs, ensuring diverse projects receive support.

The Plunketts Creek Township Foundation Fund was founded in 1944 to “promote and maintain a charitable and benevolent organization in Plunketts Creek Township to assist the needy and to foster the moral, educational, recreational and social interest of the people living in and adjacent to the said township.

Passion Grants, funded by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, support diverse initiatives aimed at improving human services, environmental conservation, and promoting human rights. These grants cater to various community needs, including early childhood development and the arts, especially for underrepresented groups. The John J. Snyder Fund specifically focuses on preserving historical buildings. Through these grants, the foundation empowers local organizations to make a significant impact in Eastern Lancaster County.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Brave Heart Foundation Grant aims to uplift underserved populations, focusing on children and families through education, health, and community action. With a commitment to funding impactful programs in Indiana, the Foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate clear community benefits. Larger funding requests are accepted from previously funded agencies, ensuring continuity and accountability. This grant serves as a vital resource for initiatives that enhance the well-being of those in need, fostering positive change within local communities.

The Anna C. Lawler Charitable Trust Grant focuses on supporting impactful projects in Venango County, PA. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to community service. The trust prioritizes initiatives that provide measurable outcomes, collaborate with other entities, and address significant community needs without duplicating existing services. Organizations should have a minimum of three years of operational experience and present evidence of past successes to qualify for funding.

The Harold D. Jones Trust for Charities provides funding for projects that support year-round programming, offer direct services, and demonstrate measurable impact in Crawford County, PA. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and at least three years of operation. The trust prioritizes initiatives that collaborate with others, have diversified income streams, and address community needs without duplicating existing services. Applications require documented outcomes from prior projects.

The Helmer Rabild Charitable Trust Grant aims to support impactful projects in Crawford County, PA, particularly those addressing community needs with demonstrated demand. Eligible organizations must have a minimum of three years of operation and provide measurable outcomes for funded programs. The Trust favors initiatives that enhance year-round programming, collaborate with other organizations, and ensure financial accountability while avoiding duplication of existing services.

The J. Bowman Proper Charitable Trust Grant supports impactful projects in Forest County that demonstrate a clear social mission and measurable outcomes. Eligible organizations must be public charities with at least three years of operation, focusing on addressing community needs and benefiting underserved populations. The trust prioritizes collaborations and sustainable initiatives, while avoiding direct support for operating costs, pilot programs, and for-profit entities.

The HCSBC Foundation Grant, offered by the Hancock County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, aims to promote charitable and educational initiatives within Hancock County. This grant supports innovative programs, matching grants, and one-time funding for direct human services. Organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status to apply, and applications are due by September 30 each year. The Foundation anticipates high demand for funds and will evaluate proposals based on community needs and organizational capacity.

The Welfare Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofits in Delaware and southern Chester County, emphasizing capital grants. With an annual budget of around $5 million, the Foundation has contributed approximately $130 million over 25 years. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and comply with non-discrimination policies. The Foundation prioritizes sectors such as social services, housing, health, education, environment, civic engagement, and the arts, while excluding annual support and political activities.

The Franklin County Community Foundation Grant supports innovative nonprofit projects in Franklin County, focusing on arts, education, community development, environment, and health services. It seeks applications that demonstrate sustainability and impactful outcomes for local individuals and families. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits or those with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs, particularly in music, health, and early childhood education, while not funding advertising or new staff positions without sustainability plans.

The Perry County Community Foundation Grant, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers competitive funding for nonprofit organizations in Perry County. Grants up to $3,500 support projects that enhance community quality of life through arts, education, health, and environment initiatives. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and align with PCCF's funding priorities. However, funding does not cover advertising, capital campaigns, or religious purposes, and organizations must demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant term.

The Mechanicsburg Area Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Mechanicsburg, PA, focusing on critical areas such as arts, education, and health. With grants up to $12,000, MAF prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable success and sustainability. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations serving zip codes 17050 and 17055. This grant aims to enhance community quality of life through innovative solutions, making a significant impact on local families and individuals in need.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Eastern Bank Foundation (EBF) is dedicated to empowering communities through its Neighborhood Donations initiative. By investing over $16 million in local organizations, EBF aims to support vital services and promote equity in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This program allows contributions to non-501(c)(3) organizations, reinforcing EBF's commitment to partnership and community-driven solutions, with donations typically ranging from $100 to $1,000.

The MTF Rolling Grants by Moses Taylor Foundation support projects under $40,000 throughout the year. Emphasizing collaboration, applicants must meet with Foundation staff before submission to ensure alignment with focus areas. The Foundation prioritizes health care access, older adult health, school-based health, and nonprofit effectiveness, aiming to enhance service delivery in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to pressing community health challenges, fostering sustainable improvements in well-being.

The Keystone Savings Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in the Lehigh Valley, focusing on education, health services, arts, community development, and economic revitalization. Grants of $25,000 or more are reviewed annually, with applications due by August 15. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and can apply for funding in various categories, but restrictions apply to consecutive funding years. The foundation does not support certain fundraisers or debt reduction efforts.

The Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in southeastern Pennsylvania, focusing on community needs in Delaware County. Grants are awarded in areas such as medical, educational, cultural, arts, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and provide a complete project budget. Average grant sizes range from $5,000 to $25,000, with no multi-year funding allowed. The foundation emphasizes responsive grant-making to adapt to local needs.

The Keystone Savings Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Lehigh Valley, focusing on education, health services, arts, community development, and economic growth. Grants under $25,000 are reviewed quarterly, with funding for programs, operations, and capital projects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations within specified counties and can only apply once per year. Ineligible projects include fundraising events and salary support. Visit the Foundation's website for more details.

The DSF Charitable Foundation offers health grants to support projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. Grant requests are reviewed three times a year, with initial inquiries recommended to be sent via email by the organization's executive director. The Foundation does not fund individuals or endowments and requires proof of tax-exempt status. Organizations must provide detailed project descriptions along with financial information for consideration, ensuring clarity on the funding purpose.

The DSF Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on health, human services, and education, primarily in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Foundation reviews applications three times a year and accepts inquiries anytime. Notably, organizations must wait two years after a grant period or declined request before reapplying. Eligible projects must benefit the Pittsburgh area, while requests for individual support or endowments are not considered.

The Montgomery County Foundation Grant supports nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $3 million in Montgomery County. It provides operating funds for diverse charitable purposes, including arts, education, and human services. Eligible organizations may apply annually unless they have received funding for three consecutive years. The Foundation prioritizes effective grantmaking to enhance community life and does not fund specific activities such as religious indoctrination or capital campaigns.

The Buhl Foundation Grant Program supports initiatives in Southwestern Pennsylvania that enhance community vitality and foster economic development. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, health, and employment, particularly those benefiting Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhoods. By focusing on resident-led initiatives, the foundation aims to empower local communities and ensure sustainable growth. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, with funding preferences for projects that revitalize neighborhoods and improve access to vital resources.

The Donald & Ruby Branson Foundation Grant aims to promote environmental, educational, and social progress in America. Established by the Branson family, it seeks to instill values of community involvement and charitable responsibility in future generations. The foundation primarily supports tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) and emphasizes the importance of education and environmental stewardship, ensuring a cleaner and more attractive world for all.