Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The NASPGHAN Foundation/NASPGHAN George Ferry Young Investigator Development Award supports promising clinical, quality improvement, translational, or basic science research focused on gastrointestinal tract diseases, liver, pancreas, and nutritional disorders in children. Eligibility includes being a NASPGHAN member for at least two years, having a recent fellowship, and holding a junior faculty position. This award fosters innovative research to enhance pediatric gastroenterology and improve child health outcomes.

The National Endowment for Financial Education Grant supports innovative research aimed at enhancing the public's financial well-being. This grant prioritizes studies that address financial literacy, systemic inequality, and the effectiveness of financial education among U.S. youth. Eligible applicants include researchers from nonprofit organizations or educational institutions. The funding process involves multiple phases, including evaluations and proposals, ensuring that impactful projects receive necessary support. NEFE aims to foster rigorous research that contributes significantly to financial education.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Monroe County and intends to pursue a degree in a field related to environmental science in a school of higher education.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation/NASPGHAN IBD Young Investigator Award supports early-career researchers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This three-year grant offers mentorship and funding up to $60,000 annually, plus additional support for research-related expenses. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD, demonstrate relevant research experience, and commit at least 65% of their time to the project. The award also facilitates access to IBD Plexus resources, enhancing research capabilities in the field.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Alberta Muzzin Chamber Alliance of Mason County Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce, which established the Alberta Muzzin Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Alcon Foundation Grant aims to enhance eye care services and improve patient access, with a focus on educational and training programs. The foundation also supports cultural and community development initiatives that uplift the quality of life in areas where Alcon operates, including cities like Fort Worth, Houston, and Irvine. However, it does not fund non-501(c)(3) organizations, athletic leagues, or fundraising events, among other exclusions.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Jacqueline A. Bello Friend of the AMA Foundation Award

Honors volunteers, AMA staff and donors for their active engagement and unwavering support of the AMA Foundation. Recipients are those who inspire hopefulness and encourage others to join them in giving their time and personal resources to further advance the Foundation’s mission.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for traditional and non-traditional students to assist with expenses for college, university or trade school to any youth member or youth who participates in church senior high youth activities (or has participated within the past 7 years) of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism

Honors senior physicians (55+ years old) who are committed to providing medical care to those without access to health care in the U.S.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

CBC Charities Scholarship

Continental Building Co. (CBC) is a full-service construction management firm headquartered in Columbus, OH, with an office in Pittsburgh, PA. During our 35 year history, CBC has grown and evolved dramatically, investing in our people and the most effective technologies for communication and construction – while spanning geographically from coast to coast. We work with national developers and private clients to build facilities that affect lives daily … places where people live, work, stay and shop.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Mary Siberell Rader Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide awards to deserving students from Ross County, Ohio, or surrounding counties, who are pursuing post-secondary academic or vocational training to allow themselves to become self-sustaining.

The 14th Quartermaster/Operation Desert Storm Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports Westmoreland County High School students pursuing military careers or whose parents are veterans. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and articulate the impact of military service on their family dynamics. This scholarship does not consider financial need, but applicants are encouraged to provide financial information. It aims to foster academic growth and honor military service within the community.

The FY 2027 DURIP program invites universities to submit proposals for purchasing essential research equipment and instrumentation that aligns with the Department of War's research priorities. This initiative aims to enhance educational experiences through research in fields crucial to national defense, supported by agencies such as the Army Research Office, Office of Naval Research, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Proposals should demonstrate the potential impact on student education and research capabilities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund

The Pittsburgh Advertising Federation Scholarship Fund was created to provide scholarships for undergraduate students who are pursuing a curriculum suited for careers in communication, marketing or advertising.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) aims to enhance the capabilities of U.S. higher education institutions by providing funding for essential research equipment. This initiative supports the education of scientists and engineers in fields critical to national defense. However, for-profit organizations are not eligible for participation, ensuring that funds are directed towards accredited educational institutions.

The Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP) for FY 2026 aims to bolster the sheep industry in the U.S. by enhancing production and marketing initiatives. It supports innovative projects that address long-term challenges and improve infrastructure, business practices, and resource development. The program fosters collaboration among industry organizations to maximize benefits for sheep producers while minimizing duplicated efforts, ultimately strengthening the economic viability of the sector.

The SPFFA Educational Scholarship provides financial support of $5000 for university candidates aiming to teach French in primary and secondary schools. To be eligible, applicants must be American citizens or resident aliens, preferably enrolled in a School of Education and pursuing a Master in Teaching with a focus on French. Additionally, applicants need to maintain a GPA above 3.00, ensuring commitment to their educational goals.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Carnegie-Collier Rotary Scholarship Fund

The Carnegie-Collier Rotary Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students entering post-secondary education programs from the Carnegie-Collier area.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Charles J. Lieberth Scholarship Fund

The Charles J. Lieberth Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for City of Pittsburgh employees completing an undergraduate or graduate program in government or public service.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Innovative Project Award by the American Heart Association supports groundbreaking research in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular fields, with a focus on innovative ideas that do not require preliminary data. Awarding up to $200,000 over two years, it encourages proposals that challenge existing paradigms and explore new avenues of investigation. Eligibility is open to qualified researchers holding advanced degrees, emphasizing the importance of a well-justified budget and innovative project design without overlaps with existing funding.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) by the Department of Defense aims to enhance research capabilities at U.S. higher education institutions. It provides funding for the acquisition of essential research equipment to support education in fields critical to national defense. This initiative specifically excludes for-profit organizations, ensuring that the resources are directed towards accredited educational institutions committed to advancing scientific knowledge and engineering expertise.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Karen R. Dobbs Music Fund

The Karen R. Dobbs Music Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide private lessons for two talented students in the Pittsburgh Public School System each year, one for flute and one for trumpet, who would not otherwise be able to afford such instruction.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The American Heart Association's International Visiting Professorship Award aims to enhance global research experiences by bringing international scientists to the U.S. for one week. This initiative promotes scientific exchange and collaboration, aligning with the AHA's mission. With a budget of up to $10,000, the program supports various travel-related expenses, fostering valuable connections and advancing research in critical medical fields.

The Mearl K. Gable II Memorial Grant, established by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., supports fiber artists by providing grants of $100 or more for non-accredited programs. Since 2000, the grant honors Mearl K. Gable II and promotes educational opportunities for all skill levels. Recipients must report their findings within six months, ensuring accountability and continued support for the fiber arts community.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant supports programs and research that enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It welcomes applications from nonprofit organizations and rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on projects that foster independence, community participation, and capacity-building. Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate broad impact and involve individuals with SCI, ensuring their needs and perspectives shape the proposed activities.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program aims to train veterinary specialists focused on canine athletes and working dogs. This program supports applicants from U.S. training programs accredited by the ACVSMR, promoting initiatives in canine health, fitness, and recovery. The funding of up to $300,000, including indirect costs, encourages innovative research and mentorship to enhance the quality of life for dogs. Applications are invited for three-year resident training programs.

The Peggy Lee Songwriter Award, presented by the ASCAP Foundation, honors lyricists of original songs who exhibit a sophisticated command of language and demonstrate significant talent. This prestigious award recognizes contributions to jazz and popular music, with a prize of $2,500 shared among co-writers. Eligible entrants must be U.S. citizens or residents, at least 18 years old, and ASCAP members in good standing. This award celebrates the legacy of Peggy Lee, a pioneering figure in music.