Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Pennsylvania

The Washington Biologists' Field Club (WBFC) Research Awards Competition offers grants to support field research focused on the Mid-Atlantic Region's natural history. This includes studies on biodiversity, ecology, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on organisms from Plummers Island and the Potomac River. The WBFC encourages proposals that enhance understanding of lesser-known taxa and has funded diverse research topics, such as fish behavior and conservation genetics.

Certified Local Government Grant Program

The CLG Grant Program provides financial support to participating communities to develop the tools, products, programs, and services they need to administer their local preservation programs effectively and in accordance with the CLG Guidelines and Procedures.

Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Program: Mini-Grants

The CLG Mini-Grant program is intended to provide Certified Local Governments with grant funds to solve problems and build capacity for the local preservation program in a timely and targeted fashion. Projects and issues often arise outside of established annual grant cycles, requiring communities to either defer action and wait for the next open grant round, spend money from the annual budget, or seek funding from other sources. Often, important projects languish and never get done because the resources aren't available or something more pressing takes precedence. Sometimes, there's a project or a property that requires a timely response and the community cannot wait for another grant round to open.

General Conditions

• CLG Mini-Grants will be made in the amounts of $100 - $7,500.
• All Mini-Grants require a minimum cash match equal to 25% of the grant award.
• All grantees will receive 10% of the grant award for administrative overhead, consistent with Federal guidelines.
• All Mini-Grants will be awarded under the CLG Master Grant Contract between the Commonwealth and the CLG.
• Mini-Grants are reimbursement grants.

Maximum Number of Awards

• Awards are made on a first-come-first-served basis until all available funds have been committed.
• A CLG may only receive one Mini-Grant at a time. When a Mini-Grant is closed, the CLG may apply for another Mini-Grant. A CLG may have an open Project Grant, Mini-Grant, and Scholarship at the same time, provided each grant is for a different project.

Matching Requirements

• CLG Mini-Grants require a minimum cash match equal to 25% of the grant award.
• The cash match may come from any non-Federal source (i.e. municipal funds, state funds, or private funds). The only eligible Federal source for matching funds are Community Development Block Grants.
• Applicants do not need to have the minimum match secured at the time of application. Upon notification that of a successful grant award, applicants will have 60 days to secure the required match and provide verification of its immediate availability to the PA SHPO. After 60 days, the PA SHPO cannot guarantee that the grant funds will still be available.

The Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Program offers financial assistance to Pennsylvania's Certified Local Governments for projects that enhance local preservation efforts. Funding amounts range from $3,000 to $25,000, with a required cash match of 10%, 25%, or 50% of the total project cost, depending on the project type. Eligible projects include design guidelines, historic resource surveys, and revitalization plans, aimed at producing tangible benefits for communities.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs offer the Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG) to support projects enhancing public access to waterways. Grants of up to $30,000 are available, with a required 1:1 match. This initiative prioritizes non-profit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions focused on improving recreational access and advancing the mission of fostering stewardship of Pennsylvania's waterways. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 1, 2025.

The Certified Local Government (CLG) Scholarships program supports Pennsylvania's Certified Local Governments by providing funding for training and education of preservation decision-makers. Scholarships, up to $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for community-hosted programs, can cover registration, travel, and educational materials. This program ensures that local governments have the necessary resources for effective preservation practices, fostering community engagement and education in historical preservation efforts.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, specifically the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grants, aim to enhance outdoor recreation and resource conservation. By partnering with various state agencies, grants of up to $7,000 are available for projects that promote sustainable use of water trails, ensuring inclusive access and community engagement across Pennsylvania's designated trails. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the program's guiding principles, including stewardship and community vitality.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs offer funding for educational paddling events through the Pennsylvania Sojourn Mini Grants. These grants, funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, support public engagement in outdoor recreation and resource conservation. Eligible applicants include non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions. Grants provide $1,000 per on-water day, requiring a 1:1 match. This initiative promotes community involvement and environmental stewardship.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, including the River of the Year initiative, aim to enhance public awareness and conservation efforts for designated rivers. Local organizations can apply for a $15,000 grant to support year-long activities celebrating the honored river. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions, with a focus on engaging communities in outdoor recreation and resource protection. This program has recognized rivers since 1983, fostering environmental stewardship and community involvement.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The David M. Dolan Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students engaged in applied environmental statistics and modeling related to the Great Lakes. The scholarship provides a $3,000 award, complimentary conference registration, and IAGLR membership. Recipients must present their research at the annual IAGLR conference. Eligibility is limited to those whose research aligns with Dr. Dolan's work, and previous awardees are not eligible.

The AIPG Pennsylvania Section Scholarships support undergraduate geology students in Pennsylvania, helping cover educational costs and encouraging their involvement with the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores, enrolled in accredited institutions, and be AIPG student members. This initiative not only promotes academic achievement but also fosters a commitment to professional standards and advocacy within the geological sciences community.

The Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries, support public libraries in planning, acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating their facilities. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible costs for projects like ADA upgrades and energy-efficient renovations. Matching funds are required, and grants are awarded competitively based on established criteria. This program aims to enhance library services and resources for Pennsylvania residents.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Lozier Foundation

Formed in 1986, The Lozier Foundation is a family foundation funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The foundation’s focus is education, social services and issues involving women and children with an emphasis on the inner city and underrepresented populations.

Our Mission: The Lozier Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the underrepresented communities in the Omaha/Metro area.

Grants

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation Education Application

The Education Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance economic development through improved transportation systems. This grant supports municipalities, businesses, and public agencies in rehabilitating and developing transportation assets to ensure safe and reliable transit. With a focus on pedestrian safety and community connectivity, the program encourages innovative solutions that foster a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is accepting applications for the FY 2025-26 Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program. This initiative aims to support restrictive probation conditions to divert individuals from incarceration and provide essential treatment for those with substance use or mental health issues. By doing so, it seeks to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety, fulfilling PCCD's mission to improve the criminal justice system and community safety.

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.

The Samuel L. Abrams Foundation, established in 1966, supports deserving graduates and faculty of the Harrisburg School District in their pursuit of higher education. With over $1.7 million awarded in scholarships, it stands as the largest scholarship provider in South Central Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants include graduates from various local high schools with plans for post-secondary education and demonstrable financial need. Renewability is permitted, encouraging ongoing educational growth among recipients.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Roberta L. Houpt Scholarship, established by Lyndell S. Houpt in 1998, honors her daughter, a Vietnam War nurse and Pennsylvania's first Nurse Practitioner. This scholarship aids students from Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties pursuing nursing degrees at their chosen institutions. TFEC, a leading scholarship provider in South Central Pennsylvania, supports local students through over 190 scholarship opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to community enhancement and educational advancement.

The Harry John Erbe Charitable Trust provides grants to tax-exempt organizations in support of charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational initiatives. Focused primarily on organizations in Pennsylvania, particularly Harrisburg, the trust emphasizes areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible groups must comply with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This funding opportunity aims to enhance community services and promote cultural and educational development.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Continuing College Education Scholarship Fund

The Continuing College Education Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for rising college sophomores, juniors or seniors living in Western PA for continued study at a 4-year college or university.

Award Type: Single Year Award. 

The Jack R. Luskay Memorial Scholarship supports practicing or prospective school librarians in Pennsylvania to attend the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association conference. Established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, this scholarship covers essential expenses such as transportation, registration fees, and accommodations. It aims to enhance the professional development of librarians dedicated to improving educational resources and library services in schools. Eligible applicants must reside in Pennsylvania and be enrolled in a school library certification program.

The Caroline J. S. Sanders Trust 2 Grant provides funding primarily to 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania, focusing on education, health services, and social welfare programs. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, with around 30 awards given annually. The trust prioritizes requests from educational institutions and agencies assisting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and homeless. While there are no strict geographic limitations, support is mainly directed towards organizations based in Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Leonard and Annette Silverman PITT Pharmacy School Fund

The Leonard and Annette Silverman University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy School Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students who are currently enrolled in the Doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. The Fund is in memory of Leonard Silverman, a graduate of the School of Pharmacy in 1951.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.