Best Head Start Grants in Pennsylvania

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Caroline J.S. Sanders Trust 2 provides Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) organizations with grants of US $3,000 - US $7,000 for education, health, human services, and public benefit programs. Nonprofits offering preschool or early learning, youth, or family support services, including Head Start and similar initiatives, may be competitive, especially those serving elderly, youth, indigent, homeless, or disabled populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania working in early childhood education, conservation, health, or family empowerment can seek capital or special project funding that supports program expansion or capacity-building. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help communities where Cox Enterprises operates; applicants outside metro Atlanta need a local Cox manager endorsement and only one request per 12 months is considered.

Pennsylvania early learning and pre-kindergarten scholarship organizations can access funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development by qualifying for inclusion on the state’s approved list. Approved organizations receive contributions from business firms that earn state tax credits, supporting preschool scholarships and expanding access to early education opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, colleges, and public libraries offering family-focused literacy programs in Pennsylvania can receive funding for adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports sites within 15 miles of its stores, which may include Head Start or early learning programs that meet these criteria, with awards up to US $10,000.

The William Penn Foundation aims to enhance caregiver supports and early learning opportunities for families with young children (ages 0-8). This initiative seeks to engage caregivers through programs that promote child development and family well-being, emphasizing interactive and intergenerational activities. By funding projects that develop parental skills and offer essential resources, the foundation strives to create a positive impact on both short-term and long-term outcomes for children and their families in the Philadelphia region.

Stoneleigh Foundation

The Stoneleigh Foundation was founded in 2006 by John and Chara Haas to improve the life outcomes of our community's youth. We meet our mission by awarding Fellowships to exceptional leaders who advance change in the systems that serve these young people.

Emerging Leader Fellowship

The Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellowship cultivates the next generation of leaders advancing systems change to improve the lives of youth.

The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a two-year, hands-on learning opportunity for early career professionals in Greater Philadelphia. Fellows work collaboratively with a host organization to execute discrete projects that simultaneously advance the mission of the organization and enhance Fellows’ skills. These projects focus on improving policies and practices in youth justice, child welfare, education, and health.

Emerging Leader Fellows come from diverse educational backgrounds, such as law, social work, public administration, and education. All possess a deep commitment to social justice; are proactive, organized problem-solvers; and are poised to become leaders in their fields. They advance change by advocating for policy and practice improvements, conducting applied research, advancing new approaches to service delivery, employing legal advocacy strategies, and building coalitions and partnerships.

Funding

The Fellowship award goes directly to the host organization and includes funds for the Fellow’s salary, benefits, and taxes. Salary is $60,000 in Year 1, with a 3% increase in Year 2. Stoneleigh also provides up to $2,500 for professional development expenses annually. All final budgets are approved by Stoneleigh.

The Emerging Leader Fellowship lasts for two years.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

Pennsylvania early childhood and preschool education organizations, especially those offering STEM-focused or basic-needs support, can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, or qualifying foundations within AEP’s multistate service territory, including programs that advance social justice, housing, hunger relief, environmental stewardship, or arts and cultural enrichment.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving early learning, K–12 education, and broader youth outcomes can apply for Comis Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000 to pilot programs or build capacity. Organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Colorado Front Range, metro Washington, D.C., and select national groups may be eligible, including Pennsylvania Head Start-focused programs with national reach.

The PLTW Gateway program, backed by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities in local communities. Over the next decade, this initiative will support over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. The program focuses on fostering innovation and creativity through engaging STEM curricula, ensuring that educational resources are accessible and effective for all students.

Education providers offering early learning or K–12 programs in Pennsylvania and beyond can apply for the Yass Foundation for Education’s Yass Prize, awarding US $1,000,000 to a standout model of Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless education. Organizations advancing preschool access or Head Start-style innovation may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and government entities in Pennsylvania can apply for Cdv5 Foundation’s flexible funding to support early learning, youth development, family services, and community health initiatives. Grants may cover general operating, capital campaigns, or specific programs, so Head Start and similar early childhood providers may be eligible if their work aligns with the foundation’s priorities.

Early childhood education organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania can seek funding to support preschool-to-kindergarten transition activities such as parent orientations, summer camps, and classroom visits. Grants from United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania help Pennsylvania early learning programs and Head Start providers coordinate community transition teams that promote early literacy, quality preschool, and smooth kindergarten entry.

Pennsylvania nonprofit human service organizations running programs in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, or Westmoreland counties can seek multi-year support for basic needs, financial stability, and youth success initiatives. These United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania grants may benefit early childhood and preschool/early learning efforts, including family supports and out-of-school time programs, with funding tied to specific programs and related administrative costs.

Educators working with pre-K through 9th grade students in Pennsylvania classrooms can apply for Pets in the Classroom’s Petsmart Grant, awarding up to US $50 to purchase and maintain small classroom animals. Public and private school teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, resource officers, and daycare providers in the U.S. and Canada may be eligible.

Title I pre-K–12 classrooms in Pennsylvania can receive up to US $1,000 to fund park-based field trips and learning experiences, including program fees, transportation, and hands-on materials. National Park Trust supports student-driven projects that visit parks or public lands and include stewardship plus outdoor recreation, environmental education, or history components.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth in Pennsylvania can apply for the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation’s grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for arts, education, health, and welfare programs. Early learning and Head Start-style initiatives for children up to age 21 may be eligible if funds are used within one year.

Pennsylvania early learning and education nonprofits, especially those running preschool or Head Start-style programs, can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share their community impact. Registered 501(c)(3)s or aligned for-profits in preservation, education, or wellness may receive more than US $50,000 to elevate mission-driven storytelling.

Pennsylvania early childhood and preschool education organizations serving Allegheny or Westmoreland counties can access funding through the Richard King Mellon Foundation to advance economic mobility. Eligible nonprofits and public-sector agencies may request general operating or program support for early learning, family services, and related initiatives that improve long-term opportunities for young children and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing Pre-K or early learning programs in Pennsylvania, especially Elk County, can apply for the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies’ Elk County Society for Special Services grants; awards US $1,000 - US $3,000 to enhance or develop Pre-K programs. Funding supports program improvements rather than general operating expenses.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

The Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership Grants aim to enhance early childhood services for low-income families across GA, NC, and VA. With approximately $7.7 million in federal funding, this initiative will provide comprehensive support to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, fostering family stability and community prosperity. The program reflects the Administration for Children and Families' commitment to improving economic and social well-being through accessible, high-quality early education services.

About PLTW Launch PLTW Launch (PreK-5) taps into students’ exploratory nature, engages them in learning that feels like play, and encourages them to keep discovering – now and for any future they choose.Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements: 

• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional module for the 2028-2029 academic year (two different modules in two years).
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Launch modules of their choosing.
• Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $20,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000
  • 2028-2029: $10,000

About PLTW Launch PLTW Launch (PreK-5) taps into students’ exploratory nature, engages them in learning that feels like play, and encourages them to keep discovering – now and for any future they choose.Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements: 

• Grantees must use these grant funds to expand their program.
  • Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Launch module not previously offered, and/or offering existing PLTW Launch modules to more students
  • and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher Training or PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training for the 2027-2028 academic year.
• Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

The TFEC Community Impact Grants, including the Benjamin Franklin Trust Fund, support nonprofits in South Central Pennsylvania. Emphasizing community sustainability, these grants address diverse local needs such as education, health, and housing stability. Priority is given to projects aiding Mifflin and Juniata counties, with a focus on measurable impact and lasting outcomes. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits, and funding decisions depend on the number of qualified applicants and available resources.