Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program (HDBA) in Pennsylvania aims to support the growth of small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Managed by the Department of Community and Economic Development, it collaborates with various organizations to provide essential technical assistance and resources. The program includes funding for Business Assistance Service Centers and microgrant initiatives to enhance economic empowerment and increase diverse business participation in government contracts.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with:

• Maintaining and protecting 125 state parks
• Managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land
• Providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources
• Establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas.

PA Community Tree Assistance Program

The PA Community Tree Assistance Program helps communities that need support caring for their trees. 

Trees in cities and towns can help manage stormwater, control sediment erosion, and help reduce the impacts of extreme heat by cooling neighborhoods and reducing energy costs.

Through the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will contract directly with trusted tree-care professionals who will perform the work in eligible and approved communities.

Eligible Community Tree Activities

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations can request help with:

• Planting new trees and caring for them as they grow
• Pruning and caring for existing trees to keep them healthy
• Inventorying trees and creating management plans
• Checking for tree hazards and making needed safety improvements

Projects must take place in public or community spaces like parks, street trees, cemeteries, and school grounds. After a project is approved, DCNR will hire pre-qualified tree-care professionals to complete the work at no cost to the communities.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Pittsburgh Foundation aims to foster a vibrant, equitable, and just community in the Pittsburgh region through its Foundation-Directed Grantmaking. Focus areas include Basic Needs, Equity and Social Justice, Arts and Culture, Economic Mobility, and Environmental Action. The Foundation prioritizes support for organizations serving low-income communities and those impacted by social injustices. By aligning grantmaking with community aspirations, they strive to ensure everyone can thrive and access essential resources and opportunities.

The IMPACT: Quality of Place - Special Events Grants, administered by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, aim to enhance community engagement and economic growth in Erie County. Grants support public events that foster inclusivity and attract visitors, ultimately boosting local economies and improving the quality of life. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and municipalities based in Erie County, demonstrating the potential economic impact of their events.

The Keystone Historic Preservation Construction Grants provide funding for construction activities aimed at rehabilitating, restoring, or preserving historic resources listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This program, supported by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is available to nonprofit organizations and local governments for small projects that enhance publicly accessible historic properties. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $100,000, requiring a 50/50 cash match.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Multi-Municipal Collaboration Grant, offered by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, supports innovative partnerships among local governments and organizations in Erie County. Launched in 2012, this program aims to enhance economic growth and foster cooperation among municipalities. Grants provide essential matching funds for projects that improve community resources, promote quality of life, and advance strategic initiatives in areas like small business development and municipal operations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 30, 2024.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

READY Communities grant program

The READY Communities Funding Collaborative is a new public-philanthropic pilot grantmaking program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA), coordinated by Grantmakers In Aging (GIA), and supported by Pennsylvania’s philanthropic organizations. 

The Collaborative will align state and philanthropic funding to support Pennsylvania’s communities in becoming accessible, inclusive, vibrant places for older adults, people with dementia, and neighbors of all ages.  

The Funding Collaborative will advance Aging Our Way, PA—the Commonwealth’s 10-year Multisector Plan on Aging (MPA). This plan serves as a roadmap for the state to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have the supports they need to age with dignity and independence.  

Grant applicants may propose small-scale, neighborhood-level projects or larger efforts with a regional reach. All projects must align with at least one of the Aging Our Way, PA priority areas listed below:

• Unlocking Access
• Aging in Community
• Gateways to Independence
• Caregiver Supports
• Education and Navigation 

The intention of this pilot grant program is to fund new and innovative programs, support the expansion of existing programs to serve new populations, and/or enhance the delivery of existing programs in new ways. Projects should demonstrate potential for scalability, shared learning, and cross-community benefit.

Examples of Projects That Can Be Funded:

• Hosting a memory café or social connection program
• Developing an intergenerational creative arts program
• Launching a new culturally appropriate community program for addressing end-of-life needs
• Developing or expanding a village, hub, or navigation model
• Scaling a community dementia awareness initiative
• Growing a coalition or multisector partnership to apply for the Age-Friendly Communities designation or improve age-friendly programs and design

Organizations can request $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000. 

The Rural Business Development Grants in Pennsylvania provide essential funding and technical assistance to small rural businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue. The grants prioritize smaller requests and support various projects aimed at enhancing local economies. Eligible uses include training, land acquisition, pollution control, and community development initiatives. Funded by USDA: Rural Development, these grants aim to stimulate growth and sustainability in rural areas.

About FCFP

Change Agents for the community

We’re on mission to improve North Central PA through the power of philanthropy.

Founded in 1916, First Community Foundation Partnership is the leading resource for philanthropists in North Central PA.

Drawing from a deep well of experience, we can help anyone who wants to make a difference make it happen. Whether through a modest donation or a substantial endowment, we help donors grow their contributions and reinvest the gains back into our region.

Our partnerships are as diverse as the public we serve. We oversee projects ranging from small, donor-directed funds to Raise the Region, our area’s largest and most celebrated charitable event. And the initiatives we sustain support causes from scholarships and fine arts to healthcare and food security.

We’re determined to broaden our reach and deepen our impact in the counties we serve. We’re committed to driving positive social change for another hundred years—and ensuring everyone who shares our vision can get involved.

To improve quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets

To create powerful communities through passionate giving.

2026 FCFP Birthday Grants for Lycoming County

Competitive grant program that supports nonprofit organizations with missions relating to arts and culture, education, health and human service, youth, environment, and economic development in Lycoming County.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) supports and manages the Commonwealth's vast transportation network, helping to enhance the quality of life in our communities and keep PA's economy moving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports, and waterways.

Over 75% of PennDOT's annual budget is invested in Pennsylvania's approximately 122,000 miles of state and local highways and 32,000 state and local bridges. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and roughly 25,400 bridges, a system first established in 1911. PennDOT also administers the state's 11.8 million vehicle registrations and 10.2 million driver's licenses and IDs, and oversees safety and emission inspection programs.

5310 Private Non-Profit Vehicle Grants

The Federal Section 5310 program funds vehicles to enhances mobility for seniors and/or individuals with disabilities. These federal funds support the purchase of vehicles for local public transportation providers who provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Shared Ride service in Pennsylvania.

In addition, Pennsylvania awards funds to Private Non-Profit (PNP) Organizations through a competitive process. PennDOT’s Bureau of Public Transportation (BPT) partially funds the procurement of accessible vehicles for awarded applicants. PennDOT provides awards to PNPs to fill gaps in service that cannot be provided by local public transportation providers.

Capital Expenses

Vehicles eligible as capital expenses under the Federal Section 5310 program include:

PNPs:

• Accessible small buses
• Accessible vans
• Accessible minivans

Passengers

Federal Section 5310-funded vehicles must transport passengers who are seniors and/or individuals with disabilities.

• Seniors: individuals 65 years or older.
• Individuals with Disabilities: individuals with a temporary or permanent disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Mission Main Street Grant Program, established by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, aims to revitalize Erie County's main streets by supporting small businesses and enhancing community development. With funding opportunities for planning and implementation, the program encourages local governments and nonprofits to improve streetscapes, promote tourism, and foster economic growth. Grants of up to $200,000 are available, emphasizing community engagement and adherence to historic preservation principles.

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 Community Voices Fund, established by the People’s Media Fund, supports innovative media projects that amplify marginalized voices in Greater Philadelphia. Prioritizing community-driven narratives, the Fund awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support storytelling efforts that challenge systemic oppression and promote social justice. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, focusing on projects that enhance community organizing and movement-building efforts.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds Grant Program supports local initiatives aimed at conserving and restoring Pennsylvania's vital water resources. Since 1995, the foundation has provided matching grants to nonprofit organizations, enhancing the health of local streams and ensuring clean water for future generations. Eligible applicants must be IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, focusing on areas from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River, while individuals and government agencies are ineligible for funding.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

The Philadelphia DAO Forfeiture Fund aims to utilize forfeited funds to support community organizations addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and anti-crime initiatives. This fund prioritizes grassroots groups with smaller budgets that help Philadelphians avoid crime and poverty. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Philadelphia and have a proven track record of relevant programming. Grants cannot be used for capital projects, and preference is given to programs supporting food access and housing resources.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

About FCFP

Change Agents for the community

Founded in 1916, First Community Foundation Partnership is the leading resource for philanthropists in North Central PA.

Drawing from a deep well of experience, we can help anyone who wants to make a difference make it happen. Whether through a modest donation or a substantial endowment, we help donors grow their contributions and reinvest the gains back into our region.

Our partnerships are as diverse as the public we serve. We oversee projects ranging from small, donor-directed funds to Raise the Region, our area’s largest and most celebrated charitable event. And the initiatives we sustain support causes from scholarships and fine arts to healthcare and food security.

We’re determined to broaden our reach and deepen our impact in the counties we serve. We’re committed to driving positive social change for another hundred years—and ensuring everyone who shares our vision can get involved.

Mission

To improve quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets

Vision

To create powerful communities through passionate giving.

Century Fund for Strong Neighborhoods Competitive Grant Program

The Century Fund was established in 2016 as a result of a development campaign to celebrate FCFP’s 100th birthday.

This Fund will support civic, economic development, recreational, and youth grant initiatives for the residents of Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union County. It will celebrate neighborhoods, showcase our environmental treasures, and guide our youth toward a positive future.

Program Focus

Positive Youth Development initiatives that support adolescents ages 13 through 17