Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

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.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

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.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The American Bible Society (ABS) Research Grant invites Christian higher education scholars to explore ways to enhance Bible engagement among young adults aged 18-35. With $50,000 in funding, this grant encourages innovative proposals that promote meaningful interactions with Scripture, evaluate engagement strategies, and cater to diverse Christian traditions. Research teams or individual faculty members with expertise in spiritual formation and discipleship are encouraged to apply, aiming for scalable solutions that positively impact spiritual well-being.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.

The Joe Booker Endowed Scholarship, administered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports students in Indiana who advocate for limited government based on Judeo-Christian values. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to achieve their educational goals, promoting a community where everyone has equitable opportunities. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preference is given to residents from Arcadia or Cicero, IN. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering civic responsibility and community engagement.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

The Gianforte Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Montana that empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable improvements in their lives. With a focus on education, family strengthening, and relationship restoration, the foundation encourages projects that directly benefit Montanans. Since its inception in 2004, it has contributed over $130 million to various initiatives. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and reapply annually, as the foundation does not automatically renew grants.

The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, established in 1951 in Oklahoma, aims to support charitable organizations across the U.S., with a focus on education and local initiatives. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects that align with the foundation's mission in areas such as education, health, arts, and literacy. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for funding, ensuring alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Rossin Foundation, established in 1989 by Peter C. and Ada E. Rossin, is dedicated to supporting qualified nonprofit organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The foundation focuses on five key areas: arts, culture, healthcare, education, and religion. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and are reviewed semi-annually, although applications are accepted year-round. The foundation’s mission is to give back to the community and empower children and families.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve the west side of Salt Lake City. Grants of up to $10,000, with an average of $5,000, support initiatives in health, shelter, education, economic self-reliance, and cultural enrichment. Applications are reviewed monthly. Organizations must be registered as nonprofits and align with the Foundation's focus areas to be eligible for funding.

The John C. Lasko Foundation Trust Grant supports the construction of worship spaces across the nation, requiring churches to fund at least 50% of the project costs. Established by John C. Lasko, the foundation aims to build enduring churches that adhere to its mission. Grants are specifically for sanctuary construction, and applicants must own the land designated for the church. Notably, funds are not available for debt repayment or non-sanctuary areas.

The Tuttleman Foundation, established in Philadelphia in 2003, provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 to 501c3 organizations. Guided by the legacy of Stanley and Edna Tuttleman, the foundation focuses on areas such as education, community building, health care, arts and museums, basic human services, and spirituality. Their engaged philanthropy aims to support enduring benefits for the communities they serve, reflecting the founders' commitment to impactful giving.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations engaged in religiously supported work, care for the sick or aged, or education in South Florida, including those in Pennsylvania, can seek funding for general welfare and social services projects. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund provides US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support these charitable efforts, including work benefiting Israel.

The William E. Dean III Charitable Foundation, established in 2009, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and D.C. with a focus on animal welfare, education, human services, and religious initiatives. Grants are specifically aimed at programs aiding canines and veterans transitioning to civilian life, as well as preventing animal cruelty. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring a fair distribution of funds to various causes.

The Robert W. Knox, Sr. and Pearl Wallis Knox Charitable Foundation Grant Program, established in 1964, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit Harris County, TX, and surrounding areas, focusing on charitable, religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring fair distribution of funds. This commitment reflects the foundation's legacy of community service and support for various humanitarian causes.

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 Rachael and Ben Vaughan Foundation offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on animal rights, education, environmental preservation, poverty reduction, and religious initiatives. The foundation prioritizes local Texas projects but accepts applications from outside the state. Grants are awarded only to tax-exempt organizations, and projects should be completed within twelve months. The foundation aims to support initiatives that benefit local communities without duplicating existing efforts.

The Rebecca Hart Swartzlander Trust Grant supports public, charitable, educational, and welfare organizations in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Established by Mrs. Swartzlander's Last Will, the trust prioritizes grants for local initiatives, particularly those that benefit community welfare, with an average grant size ranging from $3,000 to $7,000. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities and be located in Doylestown to be eligible for funding. Preference is often given to women's organizations engaged in community betterment.

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 First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania brings together people, partners and places to grow local giving and investment, strengthen area organizations and results, and take on the critical issues and efforts needed to build vibrant communities and a thriving north central Pennsylvania region. We guide the philanthropic gifts of donors by investing and administering funds to charitable programs and purposes via grants, scholarships, endowments and more. While our efforts are focused in Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties, we also reach into Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Potter, Sullivan and Tioga Counties through donors and their geographic area funds and scholarships.

Margaret E. Waldron Memorial Fund

The Margaret E. Waldron Memorial Fund was created in 1976 to support the charitable, educational, religious or health care purposes in and around the Borough of Muncy. The Fund provides grants annually through a competitive grant process to nonprofit organizations serving the residents of the Muncy Area. 

The Lindig Lewisburg Foundation Fund, established by Charles F. Lindig, supports projects that enhance the religious, charitable, educational, cultural, recreational, or economic welfare of the Borough of Lewisburg. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and local government units. The fund emphasizes innovative solutions, measurable goals, and collaboration with other organizations. Ineligible requests include endowments, annual campaigns, and operating deficits. This initiative ensures community-driven projects receive essential funding to thrive.

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 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 McClure Family Foundation Grant honors the legacy of Charles and Dorothy McClure by supporting nonprofit organizations that strengthen families and communities. The foundation aims to promote the arts, historic preservation, education, faith-based initiatives, and the well-being of mankind. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and established churches. The foundation values personal connections with applicants and encourages endeavors that foster community responsibility and individual leadership.

The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation Grant supports Philadelphia-area organizations working on innovative projects in arts, culture, education, and human services. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration with grantees to achieve measurable results and prefers funding discrete programs that address significant community challenges. Organizations eligible for funding must demonstrate strong leadership and a strategic plan, while the Foundation does not provide operating support or consider applications outside the Philadelphia region.