Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Union City Community Foundation, established in 2003 by LaRue Ottaway, aims to enhance the quality of life for Union City residents through charitable endowments and community leadership. With over $800,000 awarded in grants and scholarships, the foundation supports local initiatives, including the Ottaway/Saint Vincent Health Center Fund, which is valued at over $1.5 million. Through donor generosity, it strengthens local organizations and addresses pressing community issues.

The Regional Scholar Travel Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), provides up to $1,000 to support travel for faculty and independent scholars from Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Applicants must present a paper at the ASEEES Annual Convention and meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency in eligible countries and ASEEES membership. This grant aims to promote scholarly exchange and foster participation among junior scholars and first-time presenters.

The ScanSource Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting underrepresented children, PreK-12 education, and community-based family support. The foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that provide essential resources and services to help these children thrive. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of meaningful volunteer opportunities, ensuring funds directly address community needs. Organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities and operate within the ScanSource footprint to be eligible for funding.

The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program invites applications for aviation research grants aimed at supporting innovative research for civil aviation growth. Eligible applicants, primarily colleges and non-profit institutions, can propose studies across various scientific disciplines. The program emphasizes advanced research in areas like air traffic control, communications, and human factors, promoting the development of technologies that enhance safety and efficiency in aviation and commercial space transportation.

The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation, established in 1999, aims to support charitable organizations in the Grand Traverse region. It honors the philanthropic legacy of Art and Mary Schmuckal, who dedicated their lives to community service. The foundation is managed by a volunteer board consisting of family members and friends, ensuring a commitment to wise stewardship of its resources. It welcomes applications from 501(c)(3) organizations throughout the year, focusing on making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Colcom Foundation Grant: National Giving (Carrying Capacity) aims to support projects that address the impacts of human population growth on the environment. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in family planning and sustainable immigration practices to stabilize and gradually decrease the US population by 2040. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for these funds, which seek to foster a sustainable environment and ensure a quality life for all Americans.

The Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation offers discretionary grants aimed at initiating or supporting projects that can be completed with a single grant in a short timeframe. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes emergency grants for urgent needs that threaten the existence of an agency or its programs. However, it rarely awards grants for ongoing support or projects outside the Greater Philadelphia area.

FCFP is North Central PA’s most established vehicle for local charitable giving. Our mission is a big one, and our work can seem complex. But ultimately, it comes down to inspiring community giving and investing in community good.

Our love for North Central PA runs deep. And our knowledge of these communities is broad.

While our efforts are focused in Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties, our work reaches into Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties through scholarships, as well as donors and their geographic area funds.

2026 Community Grant Program

• One $110,000 Grant for Greater Susquehanna Valley counties – Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union.
• One $110,000 Grant for Lycoming County.
• Programs/projects must either have a total budget of $110,000 or if over $110,000 the other funding sources must be committed by August 31, 2026

The InterLinc Family Foundation Grant focuses on improving community quality of life through strategic investments. It supports 501(c)(3) non-profits with proven effectiveness and sound financial management. Grants aim to address specific community needs, avoiding service duplication. Eligible projects should align with the Foundation's interests and demonstrate broad financial support. Applications are accepted year-round, fostering impactful initiatives that resonate with the Foundation's mission of community enhancement.

The Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship offers a $42,000 stipend plus $8,000 for project-related expenses to support early-stage doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. This fellowship encourages innovative dissertation research and aims to diversify academic methodologies and perspectives. Applicants must be PhD students in relevant fields, with certain eligibility criteria, including not having advanced to candidacy before January 2025. The fellowship promotes inclusive excellence, contributing to a diverse academic community.

The Convention Opportunity Travel Grant, offered by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), supports non-student members with incomes under $40,000 to present their research at the ASEEES Annual Convention. Established in 1948, ASEEES prioritizes first-time presenters and junior scholars lacking institutional support. The grant encourages diverse scholarly contributions and is aimed at enhancing the visibility of underrepresented voices in the field of Slavic and East European studies.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by Arconic Foundation, aims to expand STEM education in public and charter schools across several states. This grant will help cover costs for necessary equipment and training, focusing on high-need student populations. Eligible schools must implement PLTW's Advanced Manufacturing course by the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative is designed to ignite student interest in engineering and increase enrollment in STEM disciplines.

The SBB Research Group Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing unmet needs through sustainable strategies. Winners are selected monthly, receiving $5,000, while other finalists are awarded $1,000. The foundation collaborates with various partners and has a strong commitment to community service. Organizations are encouraged to apply early, as prior applicants can be reconsidered in subsequent months. This initiative aims to empower impactful initiatives across diverse sectors.

The PLTW Engineering grant, supported by the Arconic Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education by funding the implementation of PLTW Engineering courses in schools. This initiative prepares students for future careers by igniting their passion for engineering. Grants will cover startup costs for new programs or expansions of existing ones. Eligible schools must offer PLTW's Advanced Manufacturing course for the 2026-2027 school year, ensuring access to essential resources and training for educators.

The G. Scott & Bessie K. Guyer Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations and municipal agencies within a 10-mile radius of Shamokin Dam, PA. Funding is geared towards program development, special projects, and capital campaigns, with grants typically ranging from $500 to $3,000. The foundation prioritizes community-driven initiatives and reserves the right to initiate projects of interest. Applications should reflect the potential for community support and volunteerism.

The A. Ward Ford Memorial Research Grants, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, support innovative research projects. Applications are accepted through the ASLMS Research Grant application process. Interested applicants should fill out either the Standard Pre-Application or the Student Application to be considered for funding. This grant aims to foster research excellence and advance knowledge in relevant fields.

Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies

Established in 1948, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) – a nonprofit, non-political, scholarly society – is the leading international organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe in regional and global contexts.  

ASEEES Next Generation Dissertation Research Fellowship Program

Established in 2025, the ASEEES Next Generation Dissertation Research Fellowship Program provides a maximum stipend of $28,000 for doctoral students at US universities, regardless of citizenship, to conduct dissertation research in Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies. The program is open to students in any discipline whose dissertation topics are within Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies.

Fellowship Project Scope

• The dissertation topic must be in Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian studies
• Most of the proposed research should be conducted in Eastern Europe and/or Eurasia but the fellowship can be used to conduct research for a briefer period in secondary site(s) such as the U.S.; in cases of equally qualified applications, some preference may be given to research entirely in the region

The stipend can be spent on expenses incurred while conducting research, including living expenses, research expenses, international airfare, visa expenses, and evacuation and health insurance.

Cornerstone Grants

Do you volunteer with a nonprofit organization? Would you like additional funding to start or enhance a service project? Organize your own service project!

We know that as an Elks scholar, you already uphold the cornerstones of the Foundation: knowledge, integrity, charity and community. Now, we want to help you do more! The ENF is offering fifteen $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project. We are also offering six $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

Looking for project ideas?

Consider a cause that you are passionate about and partner with an organization addressing that need.

Talk to your sponsoring lodge about what sort of service project they’d like to see at the Lodge. Ask them about charitable projects they are currently involved with, and see if there are any projects they’d like to see enhanced. You can find contact information for a Lodge near you here.

Funding

• The ENF is offering twenty $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project.
• We are also offering fifteen $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

About Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC)

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and daily operations are managed by a small, professional staff. The foundation benefits Fayette County through personalized donor services and serves as a supportive community leader, grantmaker, and scholarship provider.What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities.About the Grant

• The Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund is accepting grant requests for reusable items that will enhance the classroom(s). 
• Any teacher, school counselor, or administrator in the Laurel Highlands School District or Uniontown Area School District is encouraged to apply.
• Requests from $750 up to $10,000 will be considered. A maximum total of $30,000 may be awarded this grant cycle.

The Ewalt and Jocelyn Maurushat Engineering Scholarship, established in memory of retired engineer Ewalt Maurushat, supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio high schools pursuing an Engineering major. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and may be renewed for up to three years, providing vital assistance to students. Preference is given to academically strong candidates with large families. The Erie County Community Foundation administers this scholarship, fostering educational opportunities and community growth.

The SBB Research Group Grant offers $5,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations with a focus on addressing unmet needs through sustainable strategies. The application process is streamlined, consisting of just ten questions. The evaluation includes a review by the Philanthropy Committee, which selects nominees for interviews and finalists for presentations. Winners receive funding and further opportunities, while all finalists receive $1,000. This grant aims to empower organizations with 5 to 49 full-time employees.

The FY26 US DOT Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program aims to enhance the use of drones for critical infrastructure inspections by eligible government entities. With $9 million available, the program supports innovative drone technologies and prioritizes projects that improve safety and operational efficiency. Grant funds can be used for purchasing drone systems and contracting services. The federal share may reach up to 75% in certain cases, fostering collaboration and technological advancement in infrastructure management.

The Willary Foundation Grant supports innovative and creative projects that benefit communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This family foundation encourages unique ideas and efforts, promoting development in the region. Interested applicants can review the foundation's grant history since 2002 through their official website. The foundation aims to foster growth and creativity among local groups, making it a valuable resource for those with imaginative initiatives.

The Miller Family Foundation Grant, established in 2014, focuses on philanthropic efforts that promote 'The Common Good.' This grant supports 501c3 organizations in good standing, particularly those with an annual budget under $500,000. Non-profits can apply for immediate financial assistance through the Angel Fund, with a maximum donation request capped at 10% of their annual budget. The Foundation aims to empower initiatives that foster community, national, and global betterment.

The MAA Tensor Grant Program, supported by the Tensor Foundation, aims to enrich mathematics education for underrepresented students. It encourages women and pre-college girls to pursue mathematics while also supporting historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American students. Each project can receive up to $8,000 in funding, with a focus on clear plans to achieve the program's goals. This initiative fosters a diverse mathematics community and enhances student engagement.

The Aviation Management Scholarship, offered by the AAAE Foundation, supports students enrolled in aviation programs at accredited colleges in the U.S. or Canada. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and active community participation. Up to ten awards of $2,000 each will be given, with at least two designated for ethnic minority applicants. The scholarship aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry.

The Youth in Philanthropy Grant, offered by the Community Giving Foundation, empowers over 225 high school students from various schools to act as grantmakers, allocating up to $5,000 for youth-related projects. This program fosters philanthropic values and community engagement, encouraging students to assess needs and review grant applications. By participating, students gain valuable insights into the importance of giving back and contribute to shaping the future of their communities.