Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant, established by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife Irene, honors their son Tommy, who had cerebral palsy. This grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and aims to positively impact their lives. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a successful history of programming for individuals with disabilities. The grant prioritizes programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals and may only fund applicants once every five years.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 in startup funding for community-driven groups in small towns to adopt the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month, with funding decisions made the following month. This initiative aims to empower residents to engage in local development and foster community connections.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI) program. This funding opportunity focuses on advanced pre-clinical research aimed at developing nanotechnology-based cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. TTNCI awards will support the maturation of innovative nanomedicines using nanoparticles and nano-devices, enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. Successful projects will progress towards further NCI translational programs, such as the NExT initiative.

The Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) offers short-term Digital Knowledge Sharing Fellowships, inviting global applications to support digital projects that connect archives with Indigenous communities. Selected fellows will participate in a workshop at the American Philosophical Society in July 2026 to share their progress and collaborate on challenges. This initiative seeks to enhance access to archival materials, promoting community engagement and preserving cultural knowledge for future generations.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) offers research training programs aimed at advancing education research through two key initiatives: the Early Career Development and Mentoring Program and the Methods Training Program. These programs support emerging researchers in developing their skills and enhancing their research capabilities to address vital education issues. The funding is designed for early career investigators and current education researchers, fostering rigorous and relevant research that informs education policy and practice.

The Amy Clampitt Poet Residency Program, established by The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers a six-month residency for poets at Amy Clampitt's former home in Lenox, Massachusetts. This program aims to foster the study and promotion of poetry, providing a peaceful retreat for a poet to focus on their craft. Selected poets receive a monthly stipend of $4,000 and are encouraged to make their creative work a priority during their stay.

The Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching, established by the American Geosciences Institute, honors educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in earth science education. This prestigious award includes a $2500 prize for the winning teacher and a $1500 grant to attend the National Science Teaching Association's annual conference. The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., promoting innovation and excellence in teaching for future generations.

About Spirit of Blue

Our Vision

To become the nation’s leading supplemental provider of law enforcement safety equipment and training across the county.

Our Mission

Spirit of Blue is dedicated to the enhancement of officer safety throughout the law enforcement community by fulfilling unfunded safety equipment and training needs.

Safety Grant Program

Spirit of Blue’s primary initiative is the granting of safety equipment and training to municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies in an effort to protect their sworn personnel. 

Most grants are 100% funded, meaning that no match is required. In the majority of cases, Spirit of Blue conducts the procurement of the goods or services being granted so that the recipient agency isn’t burdened with having to negotiate prices, place orders or track delivery. Rarely, if ever, does Spirit of Blue provide cash awards. Once selected, Spirit of Blue will provide the recipient agency with an official grant award letter outlining everything that is contained in the award. The recipient agency must gain acceptance of the grant, whether on the authority of their agency head or by working with their local governing authority as their policy may dictate. There are no reporting requirements after the award of the grant, but agencies are asked to submit a photo to be used in the announcement of their grant.

Grant Application

The Spirit of Blue Safety Grant Program is designed to award equipment, or in some cases training, that will protect officers serving on duty. You should only request items that you can articulate will have a positive impact on officer safety.

The ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grant aims to enhance chemistry education by providing funding for innovative teaching ideas. Since its inception in 2008, over 700 teachers have benefited from grants of up to $1,800. Eligible applicants are U.S. high school chemistry educators, and the funding can be used for laboratory supplies, instructional materials, professional development, and student-led field studies, fostering a deeper understanding of chemistry.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is funding Cycle 3 to enhance patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). This initiative targets critical methodological gaps, focusing on improving the use of artificial intelligence, study design, data research networks, and ethical protections. By addressing these areas, PCORI aims to strengthen the quality of evidence in CER, thus promoting better outcomes in healthcare decision-making.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is offering funding up to $750,000 for studies aimed at addressing critical methodological gaps in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. This initiative focuses on enhancing the quality of evidence in clinical research by prioritizing areas such as artificial intelligence, study design improvements, support for data research networks, and ethical considerations. Successful proposals will contribute to advancing research methodologies and improving patient outcomes.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Funding Announcement aims to enhance methods for conducting patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. This initiative seeks to address critical methodological gaps, focusing on improving the use of artificial intelligence in clinical research, study design, data research networks, and ethical protections in patient-centered CER. With a budget of up to $750,000, successful proposals will contribute to the quality and strength of evidence generated in CER studies.

The Dressage Foundation

The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to cultivate and provide financial support for the advancement of dressage in the United States.

In 1989, Lowell Boomer founded The Dressage Foundation (TDF) with a vision: to empower dressage across the country. Since then, we've awarded millions of dollars in grants, helping people across our sport, and across the country, achieve their dreams. From grassroots initiatives to high-performance endeavors, we aim to create a strong, inclusive, and vibrant dressage community.

We strive to cultivate dressage excellence by reducing some of the financial barriers of dressage training and education, and we believe that every aspect of our sport deserves help.

George Williams Young Professional Fund

The George Williams Young Professional Fund supports dressage professionals, ages 25-35, who are committed to the sport and have established businesses as instructors and trainers.   

The George Williams Young Professional Fund was established in 2018 to honor his lifelong commitment to dressage. Applicants should have a strong desire to participate in continuing education opportunities, in order to provide higher-quality instruction to their students. 

The Wilbur Awards, presented annually since 1949 by the Religion Communicators Council, celebrate excellence in communicating religious values and themes in secular media. Open to individuals and organizations, entries must have been published or broadcast in 2024. Categories include audio, audio-visual, images, and written works, allowing for both English and non-English submissions. The awards emphasize professionalism and respect in highlighting uplifting religious narratives within diverse media platforms.

The Sarah Bradley Tyson Memorial Fellowship, established in 1928, honors Sarah Tyson's commitment to women's agricultural education. It offers an annual scholarship to a full-time graduate student in agriculture or horticulture at an accredited U.S. institution. Eligible candidates must have relevant experience in these fields. This fellowship not only supports academic advancement but also aims to empower women pursuing careers in agriculture, reflecting Tyson's legacy of fostering education and community involvement.

The Florence Y. Flach Music Fund Grant, established in 1978, aims to enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of music among Allentown, Pennsylvania residents. The fund supports organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) entities, offering grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to foster arts and culture. Typically, four grants are awarded annually, promoting a deeper understanding of music and its cultural significance within the community.

The Verna O. Canova Foundation, established in 2013, supports health, education, human services, and community projects primarily in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. The foundation awards grants annually for capital projects and operational expenses, evaluating based on merit and need. Applicants must submit their forms by the end of February to qualify for consideration in that year, with decisions communicated by June. Recipients must adhere to specific conditions regarding fund usage and reporting.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Jeanette Elmer Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Jeanette Elmer.

The purpose of the Jeanette Elmer Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in library science.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The National Urban Indian Health Program aims to enhance behavioral health services for Urban Indian communities by fostering awareness, advocacy, and collaboration across the nation. By providing technical assistance and training to Urban Indian Organizations, the program seeks to improve access to culturally relevant behavioral health care for American Indian and Alaska Native populations residing in urban areas, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and community support.

Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Archives Training Fellowship

The American Philosophical Society's Library & Museum (APS) in Philadelphia invites applications for a two-year, residential Archives Training Fellowship for applicants at any stage of their careers who would like to develop or advance their professional skills in collections care and best practices surrounding Native American and Indigenous collections in archives, libraries, and museums. This funding opportunity is part of the Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI), supported by the Mellon Foundation. An award will be made pending availability of funding.

The Fellow will be based at the APS Library & Museum’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR). Over the two years, the Fellow will spend 80% of their time as a contributing member of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, working alongside archivists and other staff on tasks and projects relating to CNAIR’s work promoting access and use of the APS Library & Museum’s archival collections relating to Indigenous peoples and languages of the Americas, which is one of the largest such archival collections on the continent. The other 20% of the Fellow’s time will be devoted to pursuing an independent project of their own proposing.

This opportunity is intended to give the Fellow broad exposure to and direct experience working with archival collections in a professional context through working in parallel with archivists, curators, and other staff at CNAIR. The makeup of the Fellow’s work may include multiple areas of archival practice, such as processing, digitization, metadata work, resource development, exhibition planning, and reference, with the combination of tasks and responsibilities constructed partly in light of the Fellow’s experiences and interests, and partly in light of CNAIR’s current project priorities. The Fellow will also work on a significant, sustained project with CNAIR focused on one of the above areas.

This 24-month residential fellowship is intended for a master’s degree graduate in archives or library/information science, a recent doctoral graduate in any field, or an independent postdoctoral scholar. The applicant should be working or planning to work with Native American and Indigenous collections in an archive, library, or museum setting. Applications from those who have lived experience or sustained personal engagement with Indigenous communities, including as a member of an Indigenous community, are particularly encouraged. Key criteria for evaluation include the nature of the applicant’s past work and the articulated goals of professional training in relation to the applicant's career development.

The purpose of this fellowship is to provide information professionals and scholars with training and experiences that will diversify their skillset by working alongside archivists and staff at CNAIR, as well as to the opportunity to do an independent project of their own on the side.

The Fellow will also be expected to participate in the vibrant intellectual community at the Society, including monthly lunches at the Library with visiting scholars, daytime workshops and programming with other residential fellows, and evening programs with specialists in a wide range of fields.

Terms

• Compensation is $50,000 a year plus benefits, along with additional funds for research support, travel, and relocation. The Fellow is expected to be on site full time for the duration of the fellowship, excepting approved travel for professional development. The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with any other fellowship or grant.
• 24 month residential fellowship
• $50,000 annual salary
• $5,000 travel/research fund
• $750 relocation cost

The Brice and Teresa Moczygemba Engineering Scholarship Fund, established by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from accredited programs in the U.S. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students residing in Bexar, Karnes, or Wilson counties, with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community well-being.

The Air Force Fiscal Year 2027 Young Investigator Program (YIP) is designed to support early career scientists and engineers who have recently obtained their Ph.D. This initiative aims to promote innovative basic research in science and engineering while enhancing the professional growth of promising investigators. Awards are available to U.S. institutions where the principal investigator is a full-time employee. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

The Louisville Institute offers the Grant for Researchers to support academic research in North American Christianity and related fields. Grants of up to $55,000 are available for sabbatical leaves, research projects, and necessary resources. This flexible program combines previous grants to meet contemporary academic needs. Applicants can apply individually or as teams of up to three, provided they are based in the U.S. or Canada. Projects bridging scholarship and church life are of particular interest.

The David S. Miller Young Scientist Scholarship awards $1,500 to undergraduate and graduate students in geo-environmental sciences or engineering. This scholarship seeks individuals who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to leveraging their scientific education for societal benefit. One winner is selected annually, and while recipients are encouraged to apply for travel grants for AGU’s Fall Meeting, they do not automatically receive them.

The Collins Medical Trust Grant, established in 1956, supports health-related research and professional education for tax-exempt organizations. Eligible applicants include institutions with approved tax status and a commitment to equal opportunity. Early career investigators are encouraged to apply, but funds cannot be used for individual benefits or political activities. The Trust prioritizes projects in Oregon and does not support product development for industry. Applications are accepted thrice yearly, with specific deadlines for timely consideration.

The Jason Reynolds / Simon & Schuster Travel Grant supports five black/African American youth and teen services librarians annually. Each grant, ranging from $1500 to $3000, covers expenses for travel, housing, registration, and attendance at the ALA Annual Conference, including the Coretta Scott King Awards Breakfast. This initiative aims to empower underrepresented librarians in their professional development and community engagement.