Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Pennsylvania

The Lippert-Sizemore Scholarship Fund, established by the PFLAG – Greater Harrisburg Chapter in 2023, acknowledges the contributions of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community from Central PA. This scholarship supports their pursuit of post-secondary education and promotes a positive societal image of LGBTQ+ persons. With over 190 scholarship opportunities provided by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, students can apply for up to three consecutive years, highlighting the importance of education and community involvement.

The PA AmeriCorps Grant, administered by PennSERVE, supports local service initiatives in Pennsylvania. This grant seeks to empower individuals and communities to address pressing social issues through service. Focus areas include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and support for veterans and military families. By fostering collaboration and innovative solutions, the grant aims to enhance the impact of national service and improve lives across the state.

The PA Agriculture and Youth Program Grant offers funding to youth-centered organizations and projects that promote agricultural, leadership, and vocational skills. With a total of $500,000 available, grants can be direct, non-matching up to $7,500, or matching grants up to $25,000 for capital projects. Eligible applicants include agriculture and youth organizations focused on education, safety training, and community development.

The Leon Lowengard Scholarship, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors the late Leon Lowengard and supports students from Harrisburg City Public Schools and nearby districts, especially those of Jewish faith. With over 190 scholarships available, TFEC is the largest scholarship provider in South Central Pennsylvania, awarding more than $1.7 million annually to local students. Recipients may reapply, ensuring continued support for their educational journeys.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is inviting applications for funding under the Endowment Act, aimed at distributing $48 million in NCAA penalties to support programs preventing and assisting victims of child sexual abuse. This funding specifically targets Multidisciplinary Investigative Teams (MDITs) to establish Children's Advocacy Centers in counties lacking such resources, thereby enhancing the support for victims and promoting community safety.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) invites applications for funding under the Endowment Act, distributing $48 million from NCAA penalties to support child sexual abuse prevention and victim assistance. This funding specifically targets Multidisciplinary Investigative Teams (MDITs) to develop satellite Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) in counties lacking sufficient cases. The goal is to enhance support for child abuse victims and improve response capabilities across the Commonwealth.

The Leon I. Lock and Barbara R. Lock Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports high school graduates from specific Pennsylvania counties attending Harrisburg Area Community College for health careers. This scholarship is renewable for three consecutive years, aiming to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrated financial need. With over a century of philanthropic history, TFEC continues to empower local students through its extensive scholarship programs.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Established by law in 1978, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) serves as the justice planning and policymaking agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By bringing together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions, PCCD coordinates the collective examination of problems, proposes solutions, and evaluates the impact of those solutions.

Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools

The goal of this solicitation is to make school entities and nonpublic schools within this Commonwealth safer places. To support that goal, priority considerations under this competitive funding announcement include:

• Supporting nonpublic schools seeking to meet Level 1 Baseline Criteria (revised and adopted by the SSSC, May 2023), which are standards that assist school entities in guiding their decisions about their physical security and behavioral health needs.2
• Supporting expenses related to gaps identified within a professionally completed assessment (e.g. physical security assessment conducted by Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Team (RVAT) or an individual on the SSSC’s school safety and security assessor registry). 

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.

Preckel-McAuley Scholarship Fund

The Preckel-McAuley Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students pursuing a master's degree in Archives and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Computing and Information.

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

Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP)

Overview The Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) helps local and county governments, along with municipal partner organizations, plan, prepare, and implement strategies that support long-term growth and development. 

The Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) helps local and county governments, along with municipal partner organizations, plan, prepare, and implement strategies that support long-term growth and development. Whether updating ordinances, scoping a larger study, or moving a completed plan into action, eligible applicants receive hands-on, tailored support from experienced planners. C-TAP helps communities move confidently from idea to implementation, with up to 400 hours of technical assistance available per project.

Funding

This program does not provide funding. C-TAP helps communities move confidently from idea to implementation, with up to 400 hours of technical assistance available per project.

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.

Wayne Rawley Fund

The Wayne Rawley Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide engineering scholarships (either Civil, Mechanical or Electrical) for students enrolled in Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.

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

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 Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

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 Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Mary Sachs Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports female graduating high school seniors from Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, or Lancaster County. Eligible candidates must pursue studies in fashion, fashion design, or business while demonstrating community involvement. This scholarship honors Mary Sachs, a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose legacy continues to inspire young women to achieve their educational and career aspirations.

Catholic Foundation of Northwest PA

The Catholic Foundation provides a permanent and secure funding stream to strengthen and grow the Church’s mission and ministries in Northwest Pennsylvania by

Helping donors establish permanent charitable funds to create long-lasting support for the causes they care about.

Offering parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations cost-effective, socially responsible investment management to keep endowment assets growing.

We identify ways to better support our Catholic mission and ministries, choose socially responsible investments that align with our core Catholic ideals, steward donors’ charitable gifts of any size, honor donor intent, distribute funds to sustain the Catholic church, and assist Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in meeting their long-term financial needs.

Education Grant

Grants are available for funding towards religious education projects and ministry training/spiritual formation opportunities that benefit people within the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie. Projects must fit at least one of the following four categories:

• Religious education and faith formation projects
• Technology for parish faith formation programs and for Catholic schools (NOTE: Two (2) bids/proposals are required when applying for technology funding in excess of $5,000).
• Lay ministry education, training and worship formation including education toward obtaining professional ministry certifications, attending workshops, conferences, ministry formation and spiritual formation opportunities (NOTE: If multiple people from your organization are seeking funding to attend a ministry opportunity, please submit one application for the entire group).
• Diocesan-wide scholarship and tuition-assistance programs (NOTE: Applicants limited to the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Erie.)

Requirements

• Pastor, school principal/president, or diocesan office supervisor must be aware of the grant request and give their approval by signing the project endorsement form included in the application.
• Funds are released to the parish, school or diocese only with an executed grant agreement on file at the Foundation.
• A follow up grant report from the grantee is required for every grant awarded by the Foundation.

Catholic Foundation of Northwest PA

The Catholic Foundation provides a permanent and secure funding stream to strengthen and grow the Church’s mission and ministries in Northwest Pennsylvania by

Helping donors establish permanent charitable funds to create long-lasting support for the causes they care about.

Offering parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations cost-effective, socially responsible investment management to keep endowment assets growing.

We identify ways to better support our Catholic mission and ministries, choose socially responsible investments that align with our core Catholic ideals, steward donors’ charitable gifts of any size, honor donor intent, distribute funds to sustain the Catholic church, and assist Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in meeting their long-term financial needs.

Faith Formation Grant

Grants are available for parish and/or diocesan-based parish faith formation projects that focus on:

• Projects that promote life-long faith formation activities
• Projects that welcome absentee and/or non-Catholics into the church
• Projects that promote faith formation through technology
• Projects that provide spiritual support to families, singles, youth and young adults

Requirements

• Pastor or diocesan office supervisor (if not the applicant) must be aware of the grant request and have given their approval by signing the project endorsement form included in the application.
• Parishes or diocesan offices may only submit one Faith Formation Grant application per year. If more than one application per parish/diocesan department is submitted, all will be rejected.
• Funds are released to the parish or diocese only with an executed grant agreement on file at the Foundation.
• A follow up grant report from the grantee is required for every grant awarded by the Foundation.

The Dan Trant Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports Westfield residents who are student athletes. This fund is part of a broader initiative, offering over 160 scholarships to assist students pursuing diverse fields of study. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited institutions. Awards can reach up to $3,000, with students advised to consult financial aid offices regarding any potential impacts on their aid packages.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Helen Hamilton Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire County pursuing degrees in Social Services, Housing Studies, Urban Design and other related fields with a preference for students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

• MyPath- Trumbull County Scholarship Fund for MVCAP
  • Awarded to Trumbull County students participating in MyPath programming or advising. 

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Frank W. Jendrysik, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Tom Adams, Jo Hunger, George Lamotte Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created for York County students studying to become a dentist, a dental specialist, or a dental hygienist.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

George H. McDonnell Scholarship Fund

To support South Hadley residents who are studying civil or environmental engineering at a four-year college.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship

The S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship provides financial assistance to medical students, dental students, and master's of nursing students.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Melissa Wroblewski Scholarship

The Melissa Wroblewski Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Melissa Wroblewski, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. This award is presented annually to a graduating senior from Kalamazoo Central or Loy Norrix High School who desires to pursue studies in the visual arts.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.