Best Public Policy Grants in Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving adults with workforce or small business programs in Pennsylvania can apply for Truist Foundation support; awards are more than US $15,000. Funding backs career pathways to economic mobility and strengthens racially and ethnically diverse and women-owned small businesses, which may include public policy work around employment and entrepreneurship systems.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

The William Penn Foundation's Responsive, Accountable Local Government RFP aims to enhance civic engagement in Philadelphia by fostering a local government that is more responsive to residents' needs. The initiative seeks to build trust and participation among underrepresented communities, addressing the low voter turnout in local elections. By encouraging collaboration between citizens and government, the Foundation hopes to ensure that the voices of Philadelphians are heard, ultimately leading to better governance and accountability.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?