Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) works every day to ensure Pennsylvania is a premier state to do business, where we adopt and innovate the next generation of breakthroughs in a diverse mix of industry clusters, where we cultivate a resilient economy, and where we invest in our people and our communities to build a stronger Pennsylvania that works for all the residents, workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs that call our Commonwealth home.

Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program: Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations

Introduction and Purpose

Tax credits may be awarded to business firms that make contributions to Scholarship Organizations and/or Educational Improvement Organizations and/or PreKindergarten Scholarship Organizations contained on a list published by the Department. The current list of qualified organizations can be found at dced.pa.gov/pre-kindergarten-scholarship-organizations. 

A business firm may receive a tax credit equal to 100% of the first $10,000 contributed to a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization during the taxable year, and may receive a tax credit equal to 90% of any additional amount contributed during the taxable year, up to a maximum of $200,000 per taxable year. Agreeing to a two-year commitment will have no impact on the tax credit calculations outlined in this section.

The purpose of these guidelines is to establish the process whereby a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization may be included on the list of organizations published by the Department. 

Initial Application

For Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations completed applications will be reviewed by the Department and the applicant will be notified within 60 days from date of receipt whether or not the application has met the requirements of the Article and guidelines. If the Department determines that the application meets the requirements, the applicant's name will be included on the Department's list of Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations for the fiscal year in which the application was received. 

Renewal Applications

For each state fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) following the fiscal year in which a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization has been initially included on the Department’s list of approved Opportunity Scholarship Organizations, the organization may submit a renewal application to the Department to ensure that the organization continues to be included on the Department’s approved list. A renewal application may be submitted to the Department anytime on or after November 1.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

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.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

The Raoul Wallenberg and Carol Rittner Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a current or forthcoming student of Keystone College who demonstrates characteristics of good citizenship and community service.

The Hispanic Center Scholarship Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, awards scholarships annually to residents of Berks County pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate academic achievement, involvement in community activities, and financial need. The fund aims to support individuals of Hispanic heritage from various Latin American countries, enabling them to succeed in their educational pursuits. Past recipients can reapply each year, fostering a commitment to ongoing academic excellence and community engagement.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program offers funding to enhance and protect Pennsylvania's coldwater ecosystems. With two grant types—Planning Grants and Implementation Grants—this program aims to foster understanding of watershed dynamics, identify areas of concern, and support conservation efforts. Planning Grants provide up to $10,000 for developing conservation plans, while Implementation Grants offer up to $25,000 for executing approved projects. Eligible applicants include watershed associations and local conservation entities.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

PADDC Community Grants Program

Our Community Grants Program brings together people, with and without disabilities, in a local community initiative to influence social change and improve the lives of everyone in the community. We support ideas that develop generic change, providing benefits to people with disabilities in settings that are the same as those available to community-at-large. If necessary, projects also change that generic community to meet the needs of people with disabilities, affirming the status of people with disabilities as full and equal members.

The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) uses the federal definition of developmental disabilities, as it appears in Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (The DD Act). This definition is based on substantial physical or mental impairment function in three or more major areas of life activity and the age of onset when the disability occurred.

Act 101, Section 901, Household Waste (HHW) Education Grants. Counties are eligible for 80 percent reimbursement for educational programs on household hazardous waste and pollution prevention.

The Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program aims to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas by providing technical assistance to organizations such as critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. By focusing on planning and implementing healthcare service improvements, the program seeks to strengthen the operational performance and quality of care within these communities, ultimately benefiting the residents served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The Kaufman Foundation's New Initiative Research Grants aim to foster interdisciplinary collaborations among experienced researchers in Pennsylvania. By encouraging partnerships that blend expertise across biology, physics, and chemistry, this program seeks innovative approaches to fundamental research questions. Up to four grants of $300,000 over two years will be awarded to proposals that showcase transformative intellectual advancements. Investigators must be affiliated with Pennsylvania institutions and reflect diverse scientific backgrounds to effectively address pressing research initiatives.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Kaufman Foundation's New Investigator Research Grants support innovative scientists in Pennsylvania transitioning to independent academic roles. Proposals should tackle fundamental questions in biology, physics, and chemistry, aiming for transformative advances. Up to six awards of $150,000 over two years are available. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a recent terminal degree, and have not received substantial NIH funding. Preference is given to those without major external research awards.

The ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees in HVAC&R fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. Eligible institutions include those hosting an ASHRAE student branch or accredited engineering programs. This scholarship promotes academic excellence and sustainable practices in the built environment, aligning with ASHRAE's mission to advance technology and human well-being.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Nora Roberts Foundation, established in 2001 by best-selling author Nora Roberts, prioritizes literacy as a fundamental human right. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to literacy, the arts, children, social justice, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically average $5,000, with recommendations for first-time applicants to request between $3,000 and $5,000. Preference is given to local groups in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC, particularly those with 501(c)(3) status.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Agency Mission

Empowering, connecting, and amplifying creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Agency Vision

Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.

Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program

The Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program supports small- to mid-sized creative organizations that deliver services, products, and/or programs that align with one or more of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ strategic plan focus areas:

• Asset Development (e.g., creative organizations, entrepreneurial ecosystem, technical assistance, regional networking)
• Workforce Development (e.g., creative skills, career awareness, and employment pathways)
• Community Development (e.g., creative placemaking, engagement with local governments, and networking for practitioners)
• Visibility (e.g., promotion of creative industries, products and services, and of the contributions and opportunities within our commonwealth’s creative sector)
• Policy (e.g., creation of policies that promote and foster relevancy and opportunity for creative industries, within governmental and non-governmental agencies and businesses)

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

The Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Program aims to protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s waterways.

The program - administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation - provides technical and financial assistance to partners to carry out activities that improve watershed health and/or provide water-based outdoor recreation opportunities.

Although the program name emphasizes rivers work, it supports initiatives that benefit all types of waterways and significant water resources.

Initiatives included in the DCNR Rivers Conservation Program are:

• Grants for projects to restore and protect rivers and watersheds, and provide waterway access and recreation
• Scenic Rivers
• Rivers Registry
• River of the Year and sojourns
• Water trails
• Stream and wetland restoration
• Small dam removal
• Boat launch, boardwalk, and fishing access installation

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The PA Health and Wellness (PHW) Grant Program is designed to strengthen community-based organizations working to address social and environmental factors that influence health across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PHW entered the Pennsylvania healthcare market in 2018, and since that time we have strived to be more than a community partner. We have worked closely with local organizations, providers, and advocates to improve health outcomes across the Commonwealth.

Through the partnership, the program aims to:

• Expand access to essential community services
• Strengthen organizational capacity among local nonprofits
• Promote equitable health, economic stability, and community wellness
• Create a measurable and sustainable community impact

Consideration is given to requests that address:

• Health Access and Stability – conditions, systems, and supports that enable individuals and families to consistently obtain and maintain the resources necessary for good physical, mental, and behavioral health over time.
• Economic Opportunity – ability of individuals and families to access the financial resources, affordable housing opportunities, education, and supportive systems necessary to achieve long-term economic stability and improved health outcomes.
• Workforce Development and Education – programs, pathways, and support systems that help individuals gain the skills, credentials, experience, and employment opportunities needed to secure stable, quality employment and achieve long-term economic health and stability.
• Community Wellness and Support – the social, environmental, and community conditions that help individuals and families experience safety, connection, stability, and overall well-being.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) employs more than 5,000 workers in 200 offices statewide. Established in 1913, the department originally inspected the working conditions in factories around the state. Over time, the department's responsibilities expanded.

L&I administers benefits to unemployed individuals, oversees the administration of workers' compensation benefits to individuals with job-related injuries, and provides vocational rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities. The department prepares job seekers for the global workforce through employment and job training services for adult, youth, older workers, and dislocated workers. In addition, L&I enforces various laws and safety standards in the workplace and administers the commonwealth's programs for community service by young Pennsylvanians. L&I also promotes economic development and an improved business climate through a variety of initiatives and programs to help Pennsylvania's workforce remain world-class and globally competitive.

Pennsylvania’s Workforce Professionals in Digital Infrastructure (WPDI)

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $2 million in funding through the Workforce Professionals in Digital Infrastructure (WPDI) Grant. One grant will be awarded through a competitive process. L&I developed this grant opportunity as part of a broader, collaborative framework to align workforce strategies with both regional economic development goals and statewide priorities. The WPDI Grant is designed to support the development of a comprehensive investment plan focused on building regional capacity and creating industry-led solutions to ensure Pennsylvanians have the appropriate skills and experiences essential to the construction, power, supply and operations of Pennsylvania’s digital infrastructure—particularly in the data center sector.

Training and workforce strategies funded through this grant will be data-informed and guided by labor market insights. The goal is to ensure that the resulting employment opportunities are high-quality—offering strong wages, benefits, career advancement potential, and alignment with industry standards for worker protections and long-term stability—including those commonly associated with union-covered roles. The selected awardee will create a regional response team of dedicated partners with the expertise, experience and capacity to jointly address the in-demand workforce needs of a data center located in Salem Township, Luzerne County.

PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 (the "PHARE Act") to provide the mechanism by which certain allocated state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside sources, would be used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth. 

PennDOT provides traffic safety grants to local governments, PA state-related universities and PA State System of Higher Education universities, and nonprofit organizations to improve highway safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes. First-time applicants must be pre approved by first submitting a letter of interest to RA-PDSHSO_GRANTS@pa.gov. Letters must be written on agency letterhead and include the organization’s FEIN, a summary of the proposed project, a budget estimate, and the specific local grant opportunity listed below that the agency intends to pursue.Statewide DUI Program coordinates technical services in support of the Commonwealth's Impaired Driving Program, including specialized training and statewide coordination of the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program.

The Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust Grant supports social welfare agencies in Philadelphia, enhancing community welfare through targeted programs. Established in 1963 by Joseph Kennard Skilling, the trust embodies his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. The foundation prioritizes effective programs, professional management, and community needs, while favoring organizations that assist vulnerable populations. Eligible nonprofit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) are encouraged to apply, particularly those addressing issues like elder care, youth at risk, and rehabilitation of the homeless.