Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

George F. and Asha W. McMillan Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial support to an individual in order for him or her to receive a degree in Christian education or related studies or to advance his or her Christian vocation.

The Henry Luce Foundation's Asia: Responsive Grants program supports initiatives that enhance understanding of East and Southeast Asia. With a focus on academic research, cultural exchange, and public education, the program seeks to promote collaboration between American and Asian institutions. Grants are awarded primarily to U.S.-based non-profits, fostering innovative teaching, resource development, and policy engagement, while prioritizing projects that bridge diverse disciplines and geographic divides.

Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants support the creation of new operas by women composers, promoting gender parity and diversity in the field. These grants assist composers in exploring opera as an art form, funding activities like libretto readings and workshops. OPERA America is committed to enhancing the operatic repertoire with diverse perspectives, and these grants are made possible through the support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

The Les and Anne Biederman Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund (Central, West)

In keeping with the visions and determinations that were held by the late Les Biederman, this scholarship is available to students who endeavor to pursue careers in nursing or business.

One scholarship awarded annually at each Central and West for a student pursuing a career in business and one scholarship awarded annually at each Central and West for a student pursuing a career in nursing.

The Home Builders' Association of the GT Area Scholarship, offered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports residents from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties. This scholarship targets individuals pursuing education in the home building industry. Applicants must provide a letter of reference from a member of the Home Builders Association, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate community involvement or leadership.

The CART Fund Grant supports innovative Alzheimer’s Disease research projects in the U.S. with funding up to $500,000 for a two-year period. It invites full-time faculty from public and private institutions to submit Letters of Intent, emphasizing novel concepts that advance biomedical knowledge. Selected finalists will be invited to apply for standard grants. The initiative aims to foster groundbreaking research initiatives lacking extensive preliminary data, ensuring a focus on projects with transformative potential.

The Classics for Kids Matching Grant Program, established by the Classics for Kids Foundation, aims to enhance music education for at-risk and rural youth by providing matching grants for fine stringed instruments. Since 1998, over $2 million has been allocated to support more than 300 programs across all 50 states. Schools and non-profits demonstrating need and commitment are encouraged to apply, fostering lifelong benefits of music participation and education.

The Buckley Schools Marie Guyton Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers three scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Buckley Community Schools. These include the Marie Guyton Valedictorian Scholarship and the Eleanor Smith Salutatorian Scholarship, both of which require no application, as well as the competitive Marie Guyton Leadership Scholarship. This initiative aims to recognize and support the academic achievements and leadership potential of local students.

The Benzie Central Legacy Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Benzie County Central Schools pursuing postsecondary education. This scholarship emphasizes character, citizenship, and community service, while financial need and academic achievement are considered secondary. It aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals, fostering a spirit of giving back to the community that nurtured them.

The Beattie Family Foundation offers educational scholarships aimed primarily at medical and nursing students facing financial challenges. These scholarships, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, support individuals currently enrolled in accredited institutions who demonstrate strong academic capabilities. Additionally, limited funds are available for vocational or trade school tuition for those aspiring to enter skilled labor professions. The foundation prioritizes applicants based on financial need and academic performance.

LaVern Smith Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to members of a 4-H or a FFA chapter within Calhoun County. Applicants must be seniors in high school or enrolled in a technical school or college, and under the age of 19 at the time the application is submitted. GPA is not a determining factor.

Marshall Bowling Council Smith/Dannenberg Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to an active, certified member of the Marshall Youth Bowling Association/United States Bowling Council (USBC) who plans to further his/her education in a college or vocational school. Applicants must be an amateur as defined by the USBC. Service in USBC state, local and league offices will be considered. Civic, curricular and co-curricular activities; grade point and hobbies outside of bowling may be determining factors. DO NOT submit a Marshall Community Foundation Scholarship Application.

Kari Hamaker Performing Arts Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a student in Marshall, Olivet or the surrounding area, during school or upon graduation, seeking a degree in Performing Arts or for additional enrichment opportunities in performing arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. GPA is not a qualifying factor; however, transcripts and test scores are required. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years.

The Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award, offered by the Parkinson's Foundation, supports early-career scientists in Parkinson's research. With $300,000 in funding over three years, it aims to bridge the gap for junior faculty transitioning to independent research. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD and be U.S. or Canadian faculty members. This award promotes innovative research proposals that advance understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease, fostering the next generation of scientists in this critical field.

George Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor.

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) offers Donor Designated Grant Programs aimed at funding innovative projects addressing childhood cancer. These grants support researchers dedicated to finding cures, enhancing treatment, and improving care. With an annual commitment to extraordinary researchers, PCRF ensures funds are directed towards promising advances in prevention and treatment. Since 1982, PCRF has raised over $51 million, significantly impacting survival rates and striving to eliminate childhood cancer through collaborative efforts and cutting-edge research.

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) offers the Emerging Investigator Fellowship Grant to support post-doctoral fellowships and clinical investigator training for promising pediatric cancer researchers. This grant aims to accelerate advancements in childhood cancer treatment by funding innovative research ideas. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years in their fellowship or be within two years of their junior faculty role. This initiative fosters the next generation of researchers dedicated to combating childhood cancer.

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) is dedicated to funding innovative research aimed at curing childhood cancer. With a focus on collaborative efforts, PCRF has contributed over $51 million since 1982, significantly improving survival rates for childhood cancers. The Translational Research Grant supports cutting-edge clinical trials and therapeutic approaches, enhancing the journey from laboratory discoveries to patient care. This initiative underscores the urgent need for effective treatments, offering hope for children diagnosed with cancer and their families.

The Maternal and Child Health Encounters Networks (MCHEK) program, funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration, aims to enhance maternal and infant health by preventing exposure to harmful substances throughout pregnancy. Through a national expert call center, it provides evidence-based guidance on medications, nutrition, and environmental factors. By translating complex scientific data into accessible information, MCHEK empowers families and healthcare providers to make informed choices that improve health outcomes.

The ADDF-Harrington Scholar Program aims to transform academic discoveries into effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With funding of up to $600,000 annually, this program prioritizes innovative drug targets and supports research from hit-to-lead optimization to IND-enabling studies. Eligible applicants include academic investigators with a strong potential to advance meaningful therapeutics. The program emphasizes collaboration with industry experts, making it a significant opportunity for advancing dementia research.

The Trans Justice Funding Project (TJFP) provides grants to grassroots trans-led organizations in the U.S. and territories, focusing on those with budgets under $250,000. TJFP supports initiatives that address varying needs within trans communities, including health, legal aid, and mutual aid projects. The organization prioritizes groups led by trans people of color and emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized voices in the fight for trans justice.

The Shubert Foundation provides unrestricted grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S. Its focus is on organizations with a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Eligible applicants must have a minimum annual budget of $150,000 and demonstrate financial stability, strong community engagement, and the ability to generate income. The foundation does not fund individuals, project-specific requests, or organizations without 501(c)(3) status.

The Fetal, Infant, and Child Death Review Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of fetal, infant, and child death review teams across state, local, and tribal levels. By providing essential leadership and technical assistance, the program ensures standardized practices for conducting quality fatality reviews and collecting vital data. These efforts will facilitate the dissemination of findings, ultimately informing prevention strategies and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Marion Community FoundationMarion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Tasha Jones Memorial ScholarshipThe Tasha Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2020 to honor the young life of Tasha Jones (1985-2020), a long-time and faithful employee of Edgefield Animal Care Center in Marion. The Tasha Jones Memorial Scholarship, created by her colleagues at Edgefield Animal Care Center, supports students pursuing a career in animal science, veterinary medicine, veterinary technician, or veterinary technology, who will be grateful, happy, and hardworking and pursue a goal of making life better for the animals and people they meet every day.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Kannan Family ScholarshipThe Kannan Family Scholarship is open to students from any high school in Marion County, with preference to seniors or graduates of Pleasant High School where the Kannan’s children attended. Their scholarship supports students pursuing a career in a STEM field – science, technology, engineering, or mathematics – or health care and special consideration will be given to those with demonstrated financial need.

The OREF/Goldberg Arthritis Research Grant aims to support innovative research proposals focused on arthritis treatment, particularly arthroplasty. It seeks to foster new investigators by providing seed funding for projects that demonstrate clinical relevance and potential for practical application. Proposals must highlight their orthopaedic significance and aim to advance research that could lead to larger scale funding opportunities, enhancing the field of orthopaedics.