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Search Through Public Policy Grants in Pennsylvania

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation promotes human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania by providing strategic charitable resources. The foundation focuses on education and economic development, prioritizing projects that enhance teacher quality, support early childhood education, and foster innovative economic initiatives. By investing in programs that bridge geographical boundaries and encourage collaboration among sectors, the foundation aims to cultivate leadership and sustainable growth in the region.

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 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 Stoneleigh Fellowship offers visionary leaders funding to transform systems serving youth, focusing on innovative research and policy changes. It supports individuals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to pursue impactful projects over two to three years. With awards ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, the fellowship emphasizes collaboration among agencies and aims for sustainable outcomes that enhance the lives of young people in Philadelphia.

The John J. Snyder Fund for Historic Preservation supports the restoration and maintenance of historical structures in Lancaster and Cumberland counties. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $114,600, funding is available for essential repairs such as roof replacements and electrical system updates. This initiative aims to preserve local heritage for future generations. Eligible applicants include community benefit organizations with a current 501(c)(3) designation, ensuring that grants are directed towards impactful projects.

The Staunton Farm Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in southwestern Pennsylvania. By supporting evidence-based practices and collaborations among stakeholders, the foundation seeks to eliminate stigma and improve treatment outcomes. Priority areas include innovation, advocacy, and public communication to foster understanding and acceptance of behavioral health issues. This initiative focuses on measurable impacts and sustainable community partnerships to drive positive change.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The Clean Water Fund's Community Conservation Grant aims to enhance Lancaster County's water quality through collaborative education and outreach projects. This initiative encourages creative solutions, ranging from art installations to water quality monitoring, without funding implementation projects. The grant supports community engagement and aims for significant improvements in water quality by 2040, aligning with the county's action plan to reduce pollutants effectively.

The Clean Water Fund: Small Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration for water quality improvement in Lancaster County by 2040. It supports diverse, watershed-scale projects, such as agricultural conservation and stormwater management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve county residents. Grants do not require a match, and funds can cover administrative costs. This initiative is critical for reducing pollution and ensuring healthy water systems in the community.

The Pittsburgh Foundation aims to foster a vibrant, equitable, and just community in the Pittsburgh region through its Foundation-Directed Grantmaking. Focus areas include Basic Needs, Equity and Social Justice, Arts and Culture, Economic Mobility, and Environmental Action. The Foundation prioritizes support for organizations serving low-income communities and those impacted by social injustices. By aligning grantmaking with community aspirations, they strive to ensure everyone can thrive and access essential resources and opportunities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation's Environmental Action Grants prioritize community-centered projects that enhance environmental health and decision-making. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the foundation supports initiatives that involve participatory research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The focus is on empowering communities, particularly in Allegheny County, to address environmental challenges. The foundation seeks to bridge gaps in social justice and promote equitable access to a healthy environment, fostering collaboration among local stakeholders.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing education and community welfare in the Easton Area of Pennsylvania. It supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing quality educational experiences, promoting self-sufficiency, and fostering community engagement. With over $60 million awarded since 1989, the foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and results-oriented programs that enrich the lives of individuals and strengthen community ties. Funding is limited to tax-exempt organizations aligned with the foundation's mission.

The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), provides crucial funding for diverse transportation projects. These include pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improvements for public transportation access, environmental enhancements, and safe routes to schools. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program continues to support innovative community projects aimed at enhancing mobility and safety. The funding ensures the growth and maintenance of Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure through 2026.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Building Community Power Fund, launched by HealthSpark Foundation, aims to empower nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County, PA, by enhancing their advocacy efforts. With a budget of approximately $140,000 for 2025, the fund will support initiatives that foster civic engagement, social equity, and community empowerment. Grants of up to $20,000 will be available to help organizations integrate advocacy into their missions, ensuring they can effectively address community needs and influence policies that impact health and well-being.

The Coastal Zone Management Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, supports projects that protect coastal resources in Pennsylvania's Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie. Open for applications from September 9, 2024, to October 21, 2024, the program promotes initiatives focused on coastal hazards, public access, and ecological preservation. Eligible applicants include local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Grants help fund planning, construction, and research projects essential for sustaining coastal ecosystems and enhancing public access.

The AAUW State College Centre County Community Action Grant aims to support non-profit organizations in Centre County, Pennsylvania, that empower women and girls. Founded in 1881, AAUW advocates for gender equity and economic security through research, education, and community programs. Grants are awarded to initiatives that align with their mission, focusing on education, advocacy, and economic opportunities. Applicants must ensure that over half of the beneficiaries are women or girls, fostering a collaborative approach to equity.

The Stanley V. and Mary G. Mahalick Scholarship Fund, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, provides financial assistance to deserving high school seniors from Mahanoy Area High School and Marian Catholic High School. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and financial need. Scholarships are available for students attending accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, promoting equal opportunity in education.

School Safety and Mental Health Grants

Overview:

The School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications under the 2025-26 School Safety & Mental Health Grants solicitation, which is a noncompetitive, formula-based funding announcement to provide grants to eligible school entities to support physical security enhancements and/or mental health initiatives.

This noncompetitive, formula-based solicitation is specifically for eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.2-B of the PA Public School Code (i.e., a school district, area career and technical school, intermediate unit, charter school, regional charter school, and cyber charter school).

The objective of the 2025-26 School Safety & Mental Health Grants solicitation is to offer an opportunity for school entities to use funding to address school safety needs. To assist schools in guiding decisions about their behavioral health and physical security needs, the SSSC convened experts across Pennsylvania to develop Baseline Criteria Standards to organize policies, programs, activities, equipment, and trainings into a multi-leveled chart from Level 1, which are the most basic elements a school entity should have in place, to Level 3, which are the most advanced elements. A priority focus of the SSSC is to ensure that all school entities, at a minimum, meet a basic, Level 1 standard of safety for students and staff.

School entities are strongly encouraged to review the Baseline Criteria in advance of submitting their grant application under this solicitation to determine what criteria their school entity currently meets and where additional investments may be needed. Per 24 P.S. §13-1314.2-B, Level 1 criteria must be satisfied prior to school entities utilizing these funds for other Eligible Program Activities and Expenses within each respective physical security or mental health section.

Funding Availability:

A total of $100,000,000 in FY25-26 state School Safety and Security Grant Program funds is being announced to support this initiative. Funding is based on the formula included in 24 P.S. §13-1314.2-B, which stipulates school districts are to receive a $100,000 base amount for their grant, and an additional amount based on their 2023-24 Adjusted Average Daily Membership (AADM). All other eligible school entities (i.e., intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, regional charter schools, and cyber charter schools) are to receive $70,000.

Funding can be spent on physical security enhancements, mental health improvements, or both – at the school entity’s discretion. School entities should consider the results of completed physical security and/or behavioral health support assessments in determining how to spend funding.

The Advocacy for Child-Serving Systems RFP by the William Penn Foundation aims to enhance educational equity in Philadelphia by increasing the number of certified, diverse teachers. This initiative addresses the significant gap between the racial demographics of students and teachers. By funding strategic outreach and educational efforts, the foundation seeks to mobilize stakeholders to advocate for improved funding in early childhood and K-12 education, ensuring that all children have access to quality education and support.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grants provide funding for nonprofit organizations and local governments in Pennsylvania to support projects aimed at preserving and promoting historic resources. This program focuses on planning and development for publicly accessible sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, encouraging applicants to engage in cultural resource surveys, national register nominations, and community planning. It aims to enhance public access to historic sites while revitalizing local communities.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.

The LGBTQ+ Giving Circle Grant aims to empower community-based organizations (CBOs) in Lancaster County to enhance visibility and support for LGBTQ+ communities. Priority is given to initiatives addressing the needs of the most vulnerable groups affected by systemic injustices, including racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Eligible organizations must serve residents without discrimination and hold a current 501(c)(3) designation. This grant fosters inclusivity and addresses pressing social issues within the local LGBTQ+ community.

The Edna W. Andrade Fund, a donor advised fund of the Philadelphia Foundation, offers grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to support local and national museums or nonprofit art organizations that benefit visual fine artists from Greater Philadelphia. Established in memory of Edna Andrade, a prominent artist of the Op Art movement, this fund aims to foster artistic initiatives and exhibitions, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.