Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Lancaster Thrives Together Grant, offered by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, allocates $375,000 to support community benefit organizations in Lancaster County, PA. This competitive funding aims to foster economic stability by addressing root causes of poverty and assisting underserved populations. Projects focusing on financial literacy, job training, healthcare access, and supportive services are encouraged. The initiative emphasizes innovation and holistic approaches to empower vulnerable communities and promote long-term self-sufficiency.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is offering up to $10 million in relief to Pennsylvania fruit growers whose crops were damaged by freezing temperatures between April 1 and April 21, 2026.

Governor Josh Shapiro secured funding for the program through the 2026-27 state budget to help growers recover from significant losses caused by the late-April freeze.

At the close of the application period, grants from the program will be awarded on a per-acre basis according to the total number of acres of eligible specialty crop trees, bushes, and vines in production on an applicant’s eligible acreage between April 1, 2026 and April 21, 2026.

The percentage (amount) of funding awarded to each applicant will be pro-rated based on the number of applications received and the amount of funding available (total qualified acres ÷ $10M).

 

The Ear, Nose, and Throat Foundation of Central Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing patient care, research, education, and innovation in the field of otolaryngology. Grants are provided to support initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s mission, particularly within the areas of ENT health, medical research, technology, education, global health, and community outreach.

Grants may be issued directly to healthcare physicians and allied health care professionals, medical institutions, clinics, or academic departments at the discretion of their leadership. Any research grants provided through such offices may be subject to specific terms and conditions, including limitations on the use of funds (e.g., restrictions on covering indirect costs).

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Phoenixville Health Care Foundation (PCHF) offers an Annual Grant Cycle aimed at enhancing health and human services in the Greater Phoenixville region. This initiative focuses on equitable access to quality services, mental health and substance abuse support, housing security, and capacity-building for nonprofits. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations operating within designated townships in Chester and Montgomery Counties. PCHF seeks to foster community well-being through strategic investments and collaborative efforts.

The DCED Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provides funding and technical assistance to eligible municipalities in Pennsylvania for various community development activities. Key uses include housing rehabilitation, public services, and infrastructure improvements. The grant has two application deadlines: October 31, 2025, for entitlement submissions and February 6, 2026, for competitive applications. The competitive program requires a minimum request of $100,000, with no ceiling limit, and mandates that 70% of funds benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Alice L. Johnson Charitable Trust Grant provides vital support to the needy and deserving poor of Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania. Founded under the will of Miss Johnson, this grant aims to enhance community welfare by assisting eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of March 1 for review in April. This trust ensures that Miss Johnson's legacy of generosity continues to benefit the community for years to come.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust Grant, administered by Bridge Builders Community Foundations, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, community development, and the arts. While it serves a broad area, priority is given to organizations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The Trust aims to address needs in health, education, youth, and community projects, ensuring that local organizations can thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

The Erie Women's Fund Grant aims to empower women and families in Erie County by providing financial support to local nonprofits. Since its inception in 2007, the fund has awarded over $1.1 million to organizations that share its mission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits, with a focus on collaborative projects. This grant promotes community engagement through educational forums and gatherings, fostering a strong network of support for local initiatives.

Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives

This 2026/27 JAG Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives requests applications from eligible governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations seeking to implement projects and programs that directly address the objectives and goals outlined in PCCD’s approved 2026-2030 Strategic Framework. 

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

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.This grant supports a qualified individual with expertise in traffic safety education to serve as a liaison between the Pennsylvania State Highway Safety Office (SHSO) and the traffic safety education community, particularly Community Traffic Safety Projects (CTSPs). This role will also function as the SHSO’s Public Participation and Engagement (PP&E) Coordinator. Proposals should include a budget that designates funding for sub-grants to support smaller traffic safety education projects.

The Grundy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Bucks County, particularly in Bristol Borough, focusing on capital projects and specific programmatic support. Established through the will of Joseph R. Grundy, the foundation prioritizes projects that benefit the community and comply with 501(c)(3) regulations. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funding sources and seeks innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the community while avoiding regular contributions for operating costs.

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. 

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.

Enterprise Zone Program Designations

Offers communities the opportunity to designate areas of a municipality or region for targeted investment and development for a period of five years. Designation includes the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and/or implementation of a strategy to address those needs. Applicants may request designation for an Enterprise Zone (EZ). An EZ focuses on the deteriorated, distressed, and blighted industrial or manufacturing areas of a community.

This program does not provide funding but does offer eligibility consideration for the Neighborhood Assistance Program and a variety of other DCED programs.

The Wawa Foundation offers in-kind support to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within its six-state area, focusing on health, hunger, and everyday heroes. Organizations can request product donations, such as Wawa brand beverages, or gift baskets for fundraising events. Requests must be made at least four weeks in advance, and support is subject to availability. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and enhance local philanthropy through meaningful contributions.

The Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development provides vital funding to local governments for effective planning and implementation of shared services and community development projects. With a focus on intergovernmental cooperation, MAP supports initiatives that enhance efficiency and innovation in local governance. Funding covers up to 50% of project costs, encouraging collaborations that foster economic growth and resilience in communities across Pennsylvania.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE), initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance access to natural gas by funding the construction of pipelines to business parks and industrial sites. This initiative is designed to create new economic base jobs and support the growth of local economies, ensuring that residents and businesses benefit from affordable energy solutions. PIPE reflects Pennsylvania's commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative economy.

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.