Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The ASMS Postdoctoral Career Development Awards provide five $5,000 grants annually to support the professional growth of postdoctoral fellows in mass spectrometry. Eligible applicants must be ASMS members and postdoctoral fellows within three years of their Ph.D. These awards can cover costs for conferences, workshops, travel to labs, or purchasing essential professional items, fostering career advancement in this specialized field.

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 Laura M. Smedley Trust Fund Grant supports community-focused projects in Venango County, PA, emphasizing year-round programming and direct services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate community needs, collaboration, and measurable outcomes. The fund prioritizes initiatives with proven sustainability and diversified funding. Notably, projects must have a complete year of measurable impact data prior to application. The Trust Fund seeks to benefit underserved populations while avoiding duplication of efforts already established by other nonprofit entities.

The Statistics Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes research in statistical theory and methods applicable across various scientific and engineering domains. It supports projects ranging from individual investigators to interdisciplinary teams, fostering advancements in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The program emphasizes the importance of statistical methods in modeling uncertainty and enhancing scientific discovery. For more information, please visit the NSF's official website.

The Charles L. Suhr Charitable Foundation Grant supports projects in Venango County, PA, focusing on year-round programming, direct services, and addressing community needs. It emphasizes measurable outcomes, financial accountability, and collaboration with other organizations. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate three years of operation. The foundation does not fund general operating costs or for-profit organizations. This grant aims to benefit underserved populations and ensure sustainability in community initiatives.

The Warehime Project Grant, offered by the J. William Warehime Foundation, supports time-limited, project-specific expenses for charitable organizations, educational bodies, and government agencies. It particularly favors initiatives that promise a significant, lasting impact, foster new partnerships, and leverage resources to meet community needs. However, grants are not available for unrelated projects, budget shortfalls, or organizations with discriminatory practices, ensuring funding aligns with the Foundation's mission of enhancing public well-being.

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.

CSX Charitable Investments offers Community Service Grants to organizations that significantly impact their communities. These grants aim to support entities with tax-exempt status, government agencies, or educational institutions. The application process is open year-round, with responses expected within 30–45 days. The foundation prioritizes projects that serve military families and first responders, reflecting CSX's commitment to community service and support for local needs.

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 Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics, offered by the Simons Foundation, supports exceptional Ph.D. students in their final years of study. This fellowship, honoring co-founder Jim Simons, provides $19,200 annually for research support and departmental funds, commencing September 1, 2025. Eligible candidates must be full-time Ph.D. students in a U.S. mathematics department, entering their third year. The program emphasizes research quality, significance, and potential impact.

CFWC Community Grant

Community Grants provide short term project and program support to organizations that are making a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and families living in poverty and/or investing in the revitalization of targeted towns. These time limited awards are intended to help nonprofits respond to near term opportunities that will occur within the next six months.

Total Funding Available:

• $125,000

Grant Size:

• Up to $15,000 in project funding

Frequency:

• Every year

The ACLS HBCU Faculty Fellowships provide financial support ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 for faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to advance their research projects. The fellowships encourage innovative research outcomes, including scholarly articles and community-engaged projects. Awardees also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, with additional funding for their institutions to support humanities programming. This initiative promotes diverse scholarship and collaboration across disciplines, enhancing the academic landscape for HBCU faculty.

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 ACLS Project Grants for HBCU Faculty provide up to $10,000 to support early-stage project design and development over a 12- to 15-month period. This funding facilitates exploratory research and the advancement of existing projects, while offering networking and mentorship opportunities. Applicants must be employed at an HBCU and possess an MA or PhD in humanities or social sciences. The initiative encourages innovative research methods and community engagement, with a focus on higher education outcomes.

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.

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 NCEES Foundation Grant, provided by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, aims to promote engineering and surveying licensure in the U.S. This philanthropic initiative prioritizes proposals that support the public's health and safety through education and awareness of licensure value. The foundation encourages programs that build a robust pipeline for future engineers and surveyors, ensuring their success from K-12 through higher education.

The AMS Young Scholars Grant Program, offered by the American Mathematical Society, provides grants of up to $15,000 to support summer mathematics programs for talented high school students. Designed to aid established programs, funding should be allocated equally between student scholarships and program expenses. Programs must exist for at least a year, involve a minimum of 20 students, and focus on problem solving or research in mathematics, fostering the next generation of mathematicians.

State Farm Companies Foundation offers marketing sponsorships to organizations that align with their mission of building safer, stronger communities. They are open to partnerships that enhance their marketing strategies on both local and national levels. Interested parties can expect a review of their proposals within 2-3 weeks. This initiative aims to foster collaboration with various brands and causes that resonate with State Farm's vision.

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 Computational Mathematics program supports research that integrates computation with mathematical analysis, encouraging innovative algorithm development and application. Proposals may range from individual projects to interdisciplinary teams, focusing on new computational techniques to address significant application challenges. The program also emphasizes training for junior mathematicians through hands-on research. Conference proposals must adhere to strict submission timelines to ensure review and funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within the mathematical sciences.

The Harold M. Greaney Trust Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations serving Perry County, focusing on programs that benefit local citizens. Established by Harold Greaney, a dedicated community member, the fund aims to continue his legacy of philanthropy. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor. Projects can occur between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, adhering to the fund's guidelines to ensure sustainability and community impact.

The James L. Bass Legal Scholarship, established by the Foundation for Rural Service, honors the legacy of James Bass, who significantly impacted rural telecommunications. This scholarship supports students entering their first year of law school with a focus on rural communities. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens. Through this initiative, the scholarship aims to foster new legal talent committed to enhancing the quality of life in rural America, continuing Mr. Bass's dedication to community service.

The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) of Berks County Community Foundation engages 35 high school students from 15 districts to lead impactful service projects each school year. YAB manages a youth philanthropy fund, granting up to $15,000 annually to local agencies in areas chosen by youth. This initiative empowers students by amplifying their voices in community service, fostering leadership and philanthropy among young individuals.

About the IP Law Foundation

For nearly two decades, the Foundation—originally established as the American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation—has championed expanded access and opportunity in the intellectual property (IP) law profession. In 2020, reflecting the growth and impact of its mission, the organization adopted a new name: the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law. This change accompanied an expansion of its long-standing programs to attract, support, and empower students committed to careers in IP law.

In 2025, to further clarify its mission and identity, the Foundation streamlined its name to what it is today: The IP Law Foundation.

Jan Jancin Award – AIPLA Past Presidents Award

The Jan Jancin Award is a merit-based award that honors Jan Jancin, who served with extraordinary distinction in numerous IP bar leadership roles throughout his career, including both as president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and as the chair of the Section on Intellectual Property Law of the American Bar Association. The Jan Jancin Award is made possible through the generosity of AIPLA and the ABA IPL Section. The AIPLA Past Presidents Award is a merit-based award that is made possible through the contributions to the Foundation each year by past presidents of the AIPLA.

Award

The winner of the Jan Jancin Award receives a $5,000 cash honorarium, as well as reasonable travel expenses to attend the presentation of the award in person, which is made each year during either the AIPLA Annual Meeting or a meeting of the ABA IPL Section. The winner of the AIPLA Past Presidents Award receives a cash honorarium of $2,500, and is invited to attend the presentation of the award in person at the AIPLA Annual Meeting.

Nomination Process

The dean (or another appropriate faculty member) of a law school has the opportunity to select and recommend a single 2L or 3L student as the law school’s nominee for both the Jan Jancin Award and the AIPLA Past Presidents Award. The recommending faculty member must provide a description, based on personal knowledge of the nominee, of the nominee’s relevant achievements, using criteria such as (1) best grades in IP courses overall, (2) outstanding achievement in specified IP courses, (3) best IP paper written by a student, (4) faculty consensus, and (5) leadership in student IP organizations.

The Robert J. Sullivan Fund supports Bradford County residents by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations. The grant review process is competitive, focusing on creative, preventative solutions to community needs. Proposals should maximize modest funding and encourage collaboration among providers. Notably, grants do not cover endowments, capital projects, or individual assistance, ensuring that funds are directed towards impactful community initiatives.

The Methodology, Measurement, and Statistics (MMS) Program by the National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes innovative analytical and statistical methodologies for social, behavioral, and economic sciences. It offers various funding mechanisms, including Regular Research Awards, Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement (DDRI), and Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grants. The program aims to enhance the utility of official statistics through collaborative research and supports early career development initiatives.