Best Public Policy Grants in Pennsylvania

Eligible Pennsylvania nonprofit creative organizations with annual revenue between $100,000 and $2,000,000 can seek support for programs advancing asset and workforce development, community development, visibility, or policy in the creative sector. Grants from Pennsylvania Council on the Arts may benefit groups whose public policy work promotes opportunities for creative industries statewide.

Scherman Foundation provides Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on public policy and democracy with US $40,000 - US $200,000 for BIPOC-led civic and political power-building. Eligible efforts include voting rights, integrated voter engagement, statewide civic infrastructure, rural and small-town organizing, and arts and culture strategies that advance racial and ethnic justice.

Public policy and research-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania can seek funding for pollinator health, ecologically responsible agriculture, and related advocacy and education projects. With a mission to promote pollinator health, One Hive Foundation provides up to US $75,000 for initiatives linking science, public policy, and community engagement across the U.S. and Canada.

Public charities and government units in Pennsylvania can seek funding for education, STEM, and environmental stewardship projects that strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education initiatives, environmental programs, and efforts involving employee volunteerism in areas where the company operates, which may include public policy components around environmental or education issues.

Harvard Kennedy School provides Pennsylvania public policy students with fellowship support for Master in Public Policy study, combining merit and financial need. The John Berger Fellowship is for Harvard College graduates entering the MPP who plan careers in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs, which may appeal to policy-focused emerging leaders.

Graduate students focused on public policy, science, and technology in Pennsylvania can access funding through the Charles Edison Fund Fellowship, supporting study in Harvard Kennedy School’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. Grants from Harvard Kennedy School help future policymakers deepen expertise that can benefit public policy work in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Nonprofits and educational institutions in Pennsylvania working on food system public policy, farmed animal protection, or food justice can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups focused on systemic food systems transformation may benefit.

Muslim undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students in film, television, acting, or theater at accredited U.S. universities, including those from Pennsylvania, can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s film scholarships, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for their studies. Eligible applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

Law students in Pennsylvania focused on public interest and public policy can receive funding for unpaid judicial internships through the Islamic Scholarship Fund. This U.S.-wide program offers a US $3,000 stipend to American Muslim 1L or 2L students interning at least eight weeks with state or federal judges, including those serving Pennsylvania courts.

Undergraduate seniors and law students focused on public policy or law in Pennsylvania can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 scholarships to advance access to justice for Muslims in America. With a mission to increase American Muslim representation, Islamic Scholarship Fund supports full-time U.S.-based students or professionals studying in its supported fields.

Pre-graduate individuals pursuing careers in community economic development and public policy can access fellowship support through the Nowak Fellowship, including opportunities in Pennsylvania. Grants from Reinvestment Fund help fellows explore work in economic development, financial literacy, and policy-related fields, which may benefit organizations and communities in Philadelphia County and beyond.

Pennsylvania public policy and international affairs nonprofits can access funding through the Japan-United States Friendship Commission for U.S.-Japan research, education, exchanges, and public affairs projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must focus on arts and culture, exchanges and scholarship, education and public affairs, or global challenges that strengthen U.S.-Japan people-to-people ties.

Pennsylvania public policy and early childhood nonprofits can access funding through Ohio Children’s Foundation to support innovative programs for at-risk children ages 0–5. Grants up to US $20,000 back early learning, literacy, and advocacy initiatives that promote school readiness, healthy development, and expanded access to high-quality early childhood education.

Public policy professionals in Pennsylvania with PhDs in agronomy, crop, soil, or related sciences can access this year-long Congressional Science Fellowship to work in a U.S. legislative office. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help fellows apply scientific expertise to national policy while receiving a stipend, relocation support, and specialized policy orientations.

Researchers evaluating social programs and policies with quasi-experimental designs can apply for funding to study higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, reproductive health, public finance, and related areas. Grants from Arnold Ventures help Pennsylvania public policy and research organizations conduct rigorous causal studies that inform evidence-based policy solutions across the U.S.

Researchers conducting randomized controlled trials of social programs and policies in the U.S., including Pennsylvania, can seek funding to rigorously evaluate public policy and governance interventions. Arnold Ventures supports RCTs that build evidence on what works across social policy areas, helping inform government decisions and improve outcomes through evidence-based reforms.

Graduate students in Earth system sciences attending universities in North America, including those in Pennsylvania, can receive US $40,000 over two years for research, public policy, workplace culture, or convergence projects through the UCAR Next Generation Fellowship. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research also provides funded research visits, conference travel, and professional development with UCAR/NSF NCAR mentors.

The Rapid Response Fund for Community Power, launched by HealthSpark Foundation, offers quick, flexible funding to Montgomery County organizations facing urgent challenges. With a budget of approximately $50,000, grants range from $500 to $5,000, supporting community-led initiatives that enhance civic engagement and social equity. This fund aims to empower local voices and strengthen community influence over policies affecting their lives, aligning with HealthSpark's mission to foster healthy and equitable communities.

The Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School provide opportunities for both U.S. and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, ensuring support for diverse applicants. The school is committed to improving public policy and leadership, making a significant impact on societal challenges. Apply for these prestigious awards after completing your admission application.

The Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, supports students committed to issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in public policy and leadership, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster a just and prosperous society. It is accessible to both U.S. and international students, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based funding.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.