Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Pennsylvania

The Robert Estabrook Moeller Research Fellow Award supports graduate students, post-docs, and faculty conducting ecological research utilizing the natural resources of Lacawac Sanctuary. Established in memory of Dr. Robert E. Moeller, a dedicated limnologist, this award prioritizes new users of Lacawac and those starting innovative projects. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with full consideration given to submissions received by April 15th. This funding opportunity encourages impactful scientific exploration in ecology and environmental science.

The Kenneth G. Robinson, APR Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports undergraduate students in Pennsylvania pursuing communications or public relations degrees. This one-time scholarship is aimed at civic-minded individuals with financial need, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and a demonstrated passion for volunteerism. With over 190 scholarship opportunities available, TFEC continues to impact local students and communities positively.

The Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Music Scholarship, funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers support to students pursuing classical music in composition, teaching, or performance. With over 100 years of philanthropic history, TFEC provides more than 190 scholarships annually, totaling over $1.7 million. Applicants must demonstrate a serious interest in classical music, apply for financial aid, and maintain residency in specified Pennsylvania counties. This renewable scholarship encourages talented individuals to continue their education in accredited institutions.

The JEM Group Diversity in Construction Scholarship Fund, established by a woman-owned firm in Central Pennsylvania, aims to encourage young women and minority students to pursue careers in construction. With over 190 scholarships available, the fund supports students from Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County, emphasizing financial need and a strong academic record. Recipients can reapply for up to three consecutive years, ensuring ongoing support for their educational journeys in construction-related fields.

The Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Architecture Scholarship, supported by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial assistance to students from specific Pennsylvania counties pursuing architecture degrees. With over 190 scholarship opportunities available, TFEC aims to empower local students in their educational endeavors. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in accredited architectural programs. The scholarship is renewable, allowing recipients to reapply each year for continued support.

Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program

The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program helps fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm—designed to enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's farms through business planning, efficient transitions of ownership, strategic expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for farmers.

Grants support projects like these:

• Enhancing a farm's long-term success with business and management strategies.
• Transitioning farm ownership and operation to new people.
• Passing ownership and operation within the family.
• Diversifying agricultural production with new plans.
• Expanding or seeking financing for growth.
• Ensuring farms with conservation easements remain profitable and protect public investments.

Funding opportunities

• The grant is $15,000, covering 75% of project costs.
• It's a reimbursement grant.
• The repayment is based on approved costs. These are for approved projects by the applicant, during the grant's fiscal year.
• Grants are given based on available funds.
• In-kind support won't count as part of the applicant's contribution.
• The Department of Agriculture will give up to $500,000 for program grants in 2026-2027.
• Costs from July 1, 2026, to the grant agreement must be in the work plan for reimbursement.

Tut Toth Memorial Scholarship

The Tut Toth Memorial Scholarship Fund is supported by family and friends through an annual memorial baseball tournament. At the time of his death in 2011, Douglas "Tut" Toth was the league's player agent and manger/coach for a softball and baseball team. He was active in many local non-profits and youth sports programs, but was dedicated especially to New Bethlehem Little League. He is still the only person in NBLL to have been on a District Championship team as a player and then as an adult to be the manager of a District Championship team. Tut was instrumental in the beginnings of Little League softball in New Bethlehem and led that team to the first D7 softball win for New Bethlehem. 

Applicant must:

• Be a graduating senior from the Redbank Valley High School or resident of Redbank Valley School District (or successor), or cyber school/home school senior who meets high school or School District requirement.
• Have been a former New Bethlehem Little League (or successor) organization player (includes softball and baseball)
• Enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school, as approved by the Community Foundation Board of Directors

The WIIN 2107 Grant, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, provides funding to schools and child care facilities for lead reduction in drinking water. Eligible applicants must demonstrate lead levels exceeding 5 parts per billion in fixtures, and the grant supports projects like hydration station installation and point-of-use devices. This initiative aims to ensure safer drinking water for children in Pennsylvania, addressing lead contamination effectively.

The Suzanne M. Lynch Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by friends and family to honor a cherished individual, supports students in Western Pennsylvania pursuing degrees in interior design or architecture. This fund, part of The Pittsburgh Foundation, emphasizes the importance of education and community engagement. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be U.S. citizens. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering talent and creativity in the region.

The Pittsburgh Foundation's Environmental Action Grants prioritize community-centered projects that enhance environmental health and decision-making. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the foundation supports initiatives that involve participatory research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The focus is on empowering communities, particularly in Allegheny County, to address environmental challenges. The foundation seeks to bridge gaps in social justice and promote equitable access to a healthy environment, fostering collaboration among local stakeholders.

The Environmental Action: Equitable Access to Land, Water and Air Grants by the Pittsburgh Foundation aim to support community-centered projects that enhance access to natural resources and promote environmental justice. The program prioritizes initiatives that engage local communities in decision-making, address climate change impacts, and improve public health. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, emphasizing sustainable stewardship and equitable access to greenspaces for underserved populations in Allegheny County and surrounding regions.

The Sister Mary Daniel Ruffing Nursing Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports graduate and undergraduate nursing students in Western Pennsylvania. This fund aims to aid those demonstrating financial need, with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. Preference is given to undergraduate students, ensuring that future nurses are equipped to meet the healthcare demands of the community. The foundation's commitment to local stewardship enhances the scholarship's impact on the region.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship

The Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by the Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Gordon Kirkland Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded biennially by the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society, honors mid-career or later professionals for their exceptional contributions to wildlife ecology and conservation in Pennsylvania. This peer-nominated award recognizes individuals for their achievements and dedication through wildlife-inspired artwork, emphasizing their impact on conservation efforts. Support letters are crucial in the nomination process, highlighting candidates’ academic, professional, and community engagement in wildlife-related initiatives.

Who We Are

A national organization with a local feel.

Founded in 1992, The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers, and policymakers across the country to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all.

Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative

A statewide public-private financing program administered by The Food Trust, PA FFFI helps business owners open or expand healthy grocery outlets in communities throughout the commonwealth.

Overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the PA FFFI is administered by The Food Trust in partnership with Pennsylvania-based community development financial institutions (CDFIs).

The program provides grants and technical assistance to nonprofit, for-profit and cooperative food businesses that help increase access to healthy, affordable food and improve economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents of urban, suburban and rural areas of Pennsylvania. Grant awards will range from $5,000 – $200,000.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants for graduate students to research sustainable agriculture under faculty supervision. Proposals should address relevant issues for Northeast farmers and agricultural professionals. Projects should align with themes of stewardship, profitability, and quality of life. The aim is to support diversified and profitable agriculture in the Northeast, enhancing community and environmental well-being through effective resource management.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Professional Development Grant

The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Northeast SARE’s definition of a service provider is a professional who assists farmers as part of their work. Typical audiences include extension educators, consultants, agency personnel, and not-for-profit organization staff. Project audiences may include realtors, bankers, attorneys, or farmers who help other farmers.

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.

The Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.

The A-E SOT Maryanne Stock Student Research Award, offered by the Society of Toxicology, supports student research in toxicology with grants up to $1,000. Open to student members, this award encourages innovative research projects and requires a presentation at an AESOT Spring Meeting. The funds must be used solely for research purposes, ensuring that the topic is original and relevant to toxicology. Applicants are evaluated on the quality of their proposals, and previous awardees are not eligible.

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 Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program supports Pennsylvania's public school districts and area career and technical schools by funding facility improvement projects. Grants range from $500,000 to $5 million, covering essential upgrades such as roof repairs, HVAC systems, plumbing, and energy-saving initiatives. This program aims to create safer, more accessible learning environments, enhancing educational opportunities for all students in the Commonwealth.

The Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE), initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance access to natural gas by funding the construction of pipelines to business parks and industrial sites. This initiative is designed to create new economic base jobs and support the growth of local economies, ensuring that residents and businesses benefit from affordable energy solutions. PIPE reflects Pennsylvania's commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative economy.

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 LMC Legacy Foundation Grants aim to promote hope and healing through innovative behavioral healthcare resources. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in Southeast PA, these grants are designed to improve mental health, resilience, and community well-being. By funding initiatives that foster measurable and sustainable outcomes, the foundation seeks to inspire change for individuals and families facing mental health challenges. For further details, please refer to the FAQs on their website.

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.