Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The LAMPS Bob Judd Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2021 by the Maine Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Robert L. Judd, a cherished member of Lubec. This annual $1,000 scholarship supports Washington County residents pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in music, continuing Bob's tradition of generosity towards students and local musicians. The fund exemplifies community support and encourages the next generation of musical talent.

Steve's Foundation Grant is a small private funding opportunity providing grants between $500 and $5,000, averaging $2,600. It supports organizations that empower disadvantaged individuals, focusing on cost-effective programs that yield significant impacts. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profits that directly assist those in need, especially children and marginalized communities. Applications are evaluated annually in May or June, but due to high demand, the foundation cannot respond to every inquiry.

The Watson - James Legacy HBCU Scholarship, provided by The R.O.S.E. Foundation, supports African American public high school students from Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, who are pursuing higher education at select HBCUs. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to academic achievement. This scholarship aims to empower students by facilitating their transition to college, thereby enhancing their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The BRAIN Initiative invites proposals for innovative devices aimed at recording and modulating the human central nervous system. This program supports efforts in developing therapeutic and diagnostic devices through clinical prototype implementation, safety testing, and small clinical studies. The goal is to gather critical data on device functionality and design, which may not be achievable through traditional non-clinical studies. This initiative requires NIH collaboration in project planning and progress monitoring.

The BRAIN Initiative aims to support clinical studies that advance next-generation devices for recording and modulation in the human central nervous system. This initiative encourages small clinical trials to gather crucial data for developing devices that address central nervous system disorders. Investigators are invited to explore both Non-Significant and Significant Risk studies to enhance understanding of brain function, paving the way for future clinical trials and market approval.

The Butler County Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, aims to support graduating African American seniors from Georgiana School, Greenville High School, and McKenzie School. Annually, one scholarship is awarded, with the amount determined each year. Recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, provided they submit a high school transcript and references during the application process. This initiative underscores a commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funding opportunity aims to enhance safety on roads for all users by supporting planning, infrastructure, and operational initiatives. For fiscal year 2026, funds will be awarded competitively to projects that prevent fatalities and serious injuries among pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, motorists, and commercial vehicle operators. This initiative underscores the commitment to creating safer road environments.

The Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have an IEP or 504 plan. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to help more than 500 students pursue their educational goals. Preference is given to those with a current Autism Society NWPA membership, ensuring that resources are directed to those who need it most in their journey towards higher education and job training.

The University Center at Harrisburg Grant Fund supports non-profit organizations focused on skill and workforce development in specific Pennsylvania counties. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or partner with them. The fund prioritizes projects that directly benefit local communities. However, it does not support advertising, capital campaigns, or projects with insufficient sustainability plans. Grant seekers can apply for projects that align with their needs and the fund's guidelines.

The Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors from southern Beaufort County pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences. This scholarship honors Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. and aims to assist students with outstanding achievements, a minimum GPA of 3.2, and a focus on marine sciences. The foundation has invested over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community.

The Greenwall Foundation's Making a Difference in Real-World Bioethics Dilemmas Grant seeks proposals for innovative research addressing pressing bioethics issues in healthcare, policy, and practice. Projects should focus on topics such as trust in science, healthcare bias, public health crises, and healthcare access. The Foundation aims to support inclusive bioethics that incorporates diverse perspectives, promoting impactful solutions to real-world dilemmas while ensuring that bioethics remains central to decision-making in health-related fields.

The Marc Chary Scholarship Program, established in 2025 by Mr. Marc Chary, aims to support African American high school seniors from Southern Beaufort and Jasper Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship is focused on those with financial need pursuing post-secondary education. With a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry continues to empower students to achieve their academic goals, fostering a thriving community through dedicated philanthropic efforts.

The Parsons Family Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies, established by the Parsons family, supports Maine graduating high school seniors of any gender identity or sexual orientation. The scholarship awards $2,000 and is aimed at LGBTQ+ students and their allies pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Recipients will be notified by the selection committee in late May, with funds disbursed in December for the spring semester. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse youth.

About Us

Children’s Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Our main focus is to support the research of bright scientists across the country whose ideas can make the greatest impact for children fighting cancer. We also fund resources and programs that help kids and families as they navigate the difficult experience of cancer treatment and survivorship.

Since 1981, we’ve contributed over $235 million to research, support programs for children and families, and awareness and education outreach. In 2024, over 81 percent of funds raised went directly to these program services areas.

Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national nonprofit committed to finding safer, more effective therapies for kids battling cancer. Thanks to donors and partners around the country, we have contributed over $235 million to research, education and awareness, and quality-of-life programs for childhood cancer families. We believe kids deserve safer, less toxic treatments, and we’re committed to funding groundbreaking research and services that enhance healing and care.

In 2026, Children’s Cancer Research Fund will focus our research funding efforts on three main areas:

• Hard-to-Treat Cancers
• Survivorship
• Health Disparities

Accelerating Hope: Clinical Trials for Hard-to-Treat Cancers Award

This funding opportunity is limited to support for clinical trials focused on hard-to-treat cancers, prioritizing Phase 0 – Phase 2 studies. Learn more about eligibility criteria and other key details below.

The Richard H. and Ann M. Gerken Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support qualified students pursuing post-secondary education in nursing or medicine. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hilton Head Island, graduating from a local high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enriching the lives of Lowcountry citizens through education and healthcare.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The Joyce Bytof Memorial Cancer Survivors Scholarship, established by Joyce Bytof in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, supports childhood cancer survivors graduating from specific Wisconsin high schools. This scholarship aims to assist them in pursuing higher education despite the financial and academic challenges posed by their experiences. Joyce's legacy continues to inspire hope and resilience among young survivors as they strive for academic success and a brighter future.

The AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator seeks innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. This program empowers nonprofit organizations by providing mentorship, resources, and financial support, including a $10,000 stipend for participants and a $50,000 grant for the best solution. By fostering community-led initiatives, the accelerator aims to address health disparities and improve the quality of care through tailored, grassroots approaches. Applications are encouraged from organizations rethinking care delivery models.

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care Physician Fellowship is a one-year program by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society aimed at training neurologists and physiatrists in specialized clinical care for MS patients. Eligible candidates include PGY3 or PGY4 residents from U.S. programs. The fellowship focuses on supervised patient care, multidisciplinary team activities, and professional development, preparing fellows to provide high-quality care and to engage as future leaders in the MS community.

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Frederick Douglass Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial support to deserving students of African-American descent graduating from Erie High School or NW PA Collegiate Academy. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to help more than 500 students pursue their post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to empower young individuals in their educational journeys and promote diversity in higher education.

The Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support innovative projects aimed at enhancing housing opportunities. These grants are designed for initiatives that involve collaboration with non-REALTOR® partners and require significant REALTOR® involvement. Eligible projects should demonstrate potential for community impact and cannot include activities previously funded by Housing Opportunity grants. This initiative aims to foster growth and diversity within communities.

The National MS Society's Institutional Clinician Training Award supports the training of neurologists and physiatrists in comprehensive MS care. This program enhances the skills of postdoctoral fellows through mentorship and specialized training, ensuring they are equipped to provide personalized, high-quality care. The Society aims to foster a community of leaders in MS clinical practice, encouraging active participation in research and volunteer opportunities to improve outcomes for individuals with MS.

The Margaret Ferris Scholarship for Hard of Hearing Students, established by Margaret Ferris, a dedicated teacher, supports hard of hearing students from Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties. It aims to assist graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education. This scholarship honors Margaret's impactful career and commitment to the deaf community, emphasizing aural/oral training over American Sign Language. By providing financial aid, it continues her legacy of fostering educational opportunities for hard of hearing individuals.

The Healthy After Cancer Award, offered by the Children's Cancer Research Fund, focuses on enhancing the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors. This funding supports research aimed at addressing the long-term effects of cancer therapy, prioritizing survivorship interventions over new treatment development. With a commitment to improving health outcomes for young survivors, this award underscores the importance of addressing unique challenges faced by this population.

Drs. Keith and Monica Taylor's Family Scholarship, established in 2021, aims to support qualified African American students facing financial hardships in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship fund prioritizes those who demonstrate a need for assistance and encourages applicants who have overcome challenges. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry manages this initiative, ensuring that deserving students receive the financial support necessary to achieve their educational goals.

Presser Foundation

Passionate about music, Theodore Presser wanted to give back to it. When he died in 1925, he had been widowed twice without any children. The bulk of his fortune was left to The Presser Foundation, which was formally established 14 years after his death. From 1995 to June 2021, The Presser Foundation gave more than $80 million to music organizations, undergraduate and graduate music students, and retired music teachers.

Originally, the Foundation sought to promote the causes of musical education and musical philanthropy by providing scholarships for promising students, supporting the construction of buildings for music organizations, and directing aid to retired music teachers. Over time, the Foundation has evolved to support a broad array of music genres, expand its grantmaking areas, convene its nonprofit partners at special events, and collaborate with fellow funders, while continuing to follow the original intent and wishes of Theodore Presser.

Assistance to Music Teachers

Theodore Presser, mindful of his own early struggles in the profession, was committed to the support of music teachers. He also felt a sense of gratitude for the thousands of teachers who were the primary customers of his music publication business. In 1906, he established the Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers in Philadelphia. When it was no longer practical to maintain an independent facility, the Foundation created the Assistance to Music Teachers Committee to carry on its basic mission of financial support for retired teachers with financial need.

Typically, the Foundation provides modest financial assistance and/or help with the cost of medical insurance. Awards are made to individuals living in the United States whose primary occupation was as a teacher of music. To be considered for Assistance, applicants must be nominated by a music institution for consideration.