Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Taylor Farms SoCal Award Program Fund

The Taylor Farms SoCal Scholarship Program was created to provide financial assistance to the children of employees who are looking to further their education. The scholarship is open to children of Taylor Farms employees located in Ontario, San Bernardino, CA.

Award Criteria

Scholarship:

• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Scholarship is renewable

The Independent Medical Education Program Grants provided by the Boston Scientific Foundation Inc aim to support educational, scientific, and policymaking programs that enhance medical knowledge. These grants are available to US-based healthcare institutions and organizations, promoting a wide range of educational initiatives. While they do not cover certain costs like faculty honoraria or travel for attendees, they encourage applications for various educational events. Please apply well in advance, as funding decisions are made monthly.

Emma Carter Browning Scholarship Education Plan Fund

Graduating or have graduated from High School in the following Texas Counties: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Hamilton, Shackleford and Stephens.

Awards

(3) $3,000.00

The Gloria Belle Memorial Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors pioneering bluegrass musician Gloria Bernadette Flickinger. This $1,000 annual scholarship supports students engaged in the bluegrass music community, either as performers or in supportive roles. With over $25,000 raised since June 2024, the scholarship aims to expand funding to $2,000 annually by 2025, promoting education and participation in bluegrass music.

About

Since awarding our first grants in 2002, the Lawrence Township Community Foundation (LTCF) has provided over $1,400,000 in grant funding for more than 50 local nonprofit organizations who serve the people of Lawrence Township. Operating with a completely volunteer board of directors, the LTCF serves as a careful clearinghouse for funds donated by corporate sponsors who have entrusted this significant funding to the Foundation.

In 2023, The Lawrence Township Community Foundation established the LTCF Community Service Scholarship to recognize outstanding Lawrence Township students with a history of volunteering in Lawrence Township.

Amount

$500 (two honorees will be selected and announced in late May)

The Dr. Alfred W. Stone Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in psychology, art, education, or technology. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a PA high school or cyber school and completed their first year at Allegheny College or Edinboro University with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three years, contingent upon academic progress.

Union County Foundation

For more than three decades, the Union County Foundation has been dedicated to serving the Union County, Ohio community as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to assist individuals and organizations with the accumulation, investment, and distribution of charitable dollars. We believe in enhancing the quality of life for all the citizens of Union County by promoting and facilitating charitable giving. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact that will benefit our community for generations to come. Join us in our mission and be a part of something truly meaningful.

John & Kandy Taylor College Expenses Grant

This program was established in 2019, to honor the memory of John and Kandy  Taylor. They were both strong supporters of helping the Union County community and higher education.

This grant awards one student recipient per academic school year (Autumn through Summer semester). The recipient would be reimbursed for school-related purchases (i.e. textbooks, classroom materials, supplies) each semester, for a combined total of up to $200.

The Dog Field Trips/Short-Term Fostering Grant from the Petfinder Foundation aims to support organizations in purchasing essential supplies for short-term foster and dog field-trip programs. Grants ranging from $500 to $1000 are awarded monthly until funds are depleted. Eligible organizations must be Petfinder members in good standing, provide contact information, and submit a grant report post-funding. This initiative helps ensure that adoptable pets do not face euthanasia due to a lack of resources.

The Arts for All Partnership Grant, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing arts accessibility for underserved communities in the Capital Region. This collaborative initiative, backed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, prioritizes nonprofit programs that promote cultural appreciation through free performances, ticket subsidies, and educational outreach. Grants of up to $5,000 are available, emphasizing projects that engage diverse audiences and ensure sustainable arts engagement.

The First Responders Outreach (FRO) Grant, provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation, supports essential resources for firefighters, police, and EMTs. This grant specifically targets First Responder Departments, allowing one application per year focused on equipment and training. It excludes funding for building costs and weaponry. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and preparedness of those who protect our communities during emergencies, ensuring they have the necessary tools and training to perform their vital roles effectively.

The National Art Education Foundation (NAEF) is currently on a strategic pause regarding grant proposals until fall 2025. NAEF is committed to enhancing visual arts education through innovative initiatives that support instructional practices, research, and leadership. By promoting professional development and advocating for the inclusion of visual arts in curricula, NAEF aims to enrich the educational landscape for art educators and students alike.

The Literacy Opportunity Fund, supported by the Nora Roberts Foundation and administered by ProLiteracy, provides grants ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that directly serve students with literacy programs. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of diverse literacy organizations, allowing them to effectively meet student needs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring timely support for eligible organizations that have not received funding within the calendar year.

The Alice R. Moomy Pennsylvania State University Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, awards funds to Erie County students pursuing degrees in STEM or nursing at any Penn State campus. With over $800,000 distributed in 2023, this scholarship aims to support academically promising individuals, particularly encouraging female applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation's President's Grants support educational projects that enhance health professional training. The foundation prioritizes diversity, collaboration, and ethical navigation in clinical learning environments. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis, primarily aligning with these priorities, and are capped at $25,000, including a maximum of 10% for indirect costs. Applications are accepted year-round from tax-exempt institutions focusing on medical and nursing education.

The Traveling Fellowship Program, managed by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), offers mid-career members a unique chance to attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and visit top research institutions. Participants will enhance their skills by observing surgeries, learning new techniques, and sharing their research experiences. The 2025 program runs from September 8-25, featuring visits to esteemed sites, including the University of South Carolina and the Rothman Institute.

The Morris Auto Parts 101 Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports motivated students in automotive trade programs in Philadelphia County. Celebrating 101 years, this fund enables students in grades 9-12 to participate in competitions like SkillsUSA. It aims to enhance skills in various automotive fields, fostering talent and opportunity for aspiring young mechanics. Through this initiative, TFEC promotes educational growth and community development in the region.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.” 

Arkansas Service Memorial Scholarship

For students who are children of Arkansans who lost their life in service in the state, nation or community.

Bill Boehlke Scholarship

Bill Boehlke worked for both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle SuperSonics as a creative member of their digital communications departments. His imagination, humor and positive personality were appreciated by everyone he worked with. In memory of Bill, his family established this scholarship fund in 2020. The fund will provide scholarships to high school seniors in the state of Washington who are pursuing a career in digital communications, including social media video production. Scholarships will help cover qualified expenses including tuition, books and other expenses necessary for their classes. Scholarships are not renewable. Special consideration will be given to students based on financial needs and the applicant’s history of good character and community service.

Amount:

$1,000 - $5,000

The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship aims to support U.S. veterans and train skilled tradespeople. With a commitment of $750 million by 2030, the Foundation has already trained over 44,000 participants. The program collaborates with industry leaders to address the skilled labor gap, offering resources and training in various trades such as carpentry and plumbing. By providing opportunities for high school seniors and graduates, this initiative fosters career development in the home improvement sector.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship

The Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship Fund is presented to students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree and have been accepted into an accredited Master’s Degree program majoring in school or mental health counseling.

The College Now Greater Cleveland Manufacturing Scholarship offers financial assistance to high school graduates pursuing training in manufacturing. Awarded funds, up to $2000, are sent directly to educational institutions for related expenses. Applicants must reside in specific Ohio counties and be enrolled in eligible programs. This scholarship aims to support individuals seeking vocational training, certifications, or degrees within a two-year timeframe, fostering career development in the manufacturing sector.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Ted Vanden Bosch Scholarship for the Children of Police Officers, Firefighters, and Rescue Personnel

• Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation or in Fennville, Hamilton, or Saugatuck
• Enrolling at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Child of a firefighter, police officer, or rescue personnel
• Special consideration given to candidates interested in pursuing a degree in the sciences

The Charles and Louis Lincoln Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to Erie High School students who are first- or second-generation Americans. This scholarship supports those with demonstrated scholastic ability and financial need, helping them pursue higher education. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, reflecting the foundation's commitment to educational access and support for diverse communities.

The Spanos Family Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to outstanding students who are active members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 500 students pursuing higher education. Applications are evaluated based on merit, academic performance, financial need, and community involvement, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational endeavors.

The Petco Love Foundation, previously known as the Petco Foundation, has been dedicated to animal welfare since 1999. With a mission to enhance the lives of pets and their families, they provide significant funding to nonprofit organizations for lifesaving initiatives. The 'Access to Care' program supports spay/neuter clinics and low-cost veterinary services, ensuring that more pets receive essential care. Petco Love remains committed to fostering healthier communities and improving the well-being of pets across the nation.

The Pay-It-Forward Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County residents enrolled as sophomores, juniors, or seniors at any Penn State University campus. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, submit a 350-500 word essay, and provide two letters of recommendation while also working part-time. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 500 students, helping them pursue their educational goals.

The BJS FY 2026 Annual Surveys of Probation and Parole (ASPP) from 2026 to 2030 will provide crucial insights into individuals under community supervision in the U.S. By collecting comprehensive data on probation and parole populations, this initiative aims to report accurately on the dynamics and characteristics of correctional supervision. The data collection process will address various challenges, ensuring that the information reflects the realities of both large and small supervising agencies across the country.