Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Asheville Wilbert Vault Service Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, offers financial aid to residents pursuing a career in funeral services. This scholarship is aimed at individuals from the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. Eligible applicants must be seniors in secondary school or graduates and can apply funds to any relevant post-high school educational program. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to supporting local communities.

The Wagner Catholic Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports graduating seniors from local Catholic parishes who are pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and faith commitment through a personal essay. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, with a decreasing award amount after the first year. This initiative aims to empower students to further their education while fostering community values.

The Society of the Order of the Southern Cross Grant aims to support charitable projects that preserve and restore Southern heritage artifacts and locations. Eligible projects may include military artifacts, monuments, and historical sites. Organizations typically need to secure 50% of necessary funding before applying. The Order encourages discussions for projects that may not meet standard funding levels, emphasizing their commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

The Detroit Economic Club Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students from Detroit and surrounding counties pursuing undergraduate education. Each year, two renewable scholarships of $2,000 are awarded to incoming college freshmen. Recipients can reapply for up to three additional years. The program is supported by the Detroit Economic Club Education Endowment Fund, dedicated to helping local students achieve their educational goals. For more information, visit the FAQs on the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan's website.

The Society of American Archivists Foundation Catalyst Grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support complex archival projects that advance the strategic goals of the SAA. This program prioritizes projects that foster best practices, such as processing and digitization of archives, and is open to non-profit archival repositories and individual archivists affiliated with member organizations. It aims to benefit the archival profession as a whole.

Selkirk Pickleball Growth Program

At Selkirk, we are committed to growing the sport of pickleball by making it accessible to everyone. The Selkirk Growth Program enables schools and community programs worldwide to access Selkirk equipment.

Our original goal was to give away 3,000+ paddles a year; we have now given away more than 40,000 paddles since we started in 2019. As part of our Growth Program, we are donating gently-used paddles to:

Schools.

• First responders.
• Senior centers.
• Churches.
• Parks & recreation departments.
• Other community organizations looking to expand their programs.

We will also provide a discount on additional paddles, balls, and nets for schools and charities involved in the program.

The Beckman Center Fellowships offer 12-month postdoctoral research opportunities at the Science History Institute, aimed at scholars who have completed their doctoral studies. With a stipend of $50,000, fellows engage in research, contribute to scholarly programs, and benefit from a vibrant academic community. Applicants must reside within 20 miles of Philadelphia, ensuring active participation in institute activities. This unique fellowship promotes the historical study of science, medicine, and technology, fostering global collaboration among researchers.

The Beckman Center Fellowships support graduate students conducting research for their doctoral dissertations for nine months. Offered by the Science History Institute, these fellowships include a stipend of $27,500 and up to $2,500 for health insurance. Recipients must engage in the fellowship community by participating in writing groups and lectures. Applicants must have their dissertation proposals accepted and reside within 20 miles of Philadelphia, fostering a collaborative scholarly environment.

The Miller Trust Grants, managed by EveryCat Health Foundation, support innovative feline health research. With a focus on projects that enhance knowledge of feline diseases and treatments, the grants offer up to $50,000 for 1-2 year projects. Eligible applicants include principal investigators from specific partner institutions. EveryCat has a rich history of funding over $11 million in research, promoting the health and well-being of cats globally. Proposals are welcomed in Spring and Fall grant cycles.

The Michael Aurbach Fellowship for Excellence in Visual Art, awarded by the College Art Association, supports artist members with an MFA or equivalent who teach studio classes. This fellowship provides a $7,500 award and conference registration to a qualifying artist, focusing on their artistic work rather than a proposal. It aims to recognize and empower visual arts professionals in academia.

The Cheryl Wojtas Memorial Scholarship Program honors Cheryl Wojtas's commitment to education by offering scholarships to deserving graduates from Port Huron Area Schools and Gaylord Community Schools. Each recipient will receive a one-time award for their freshman year at a nonprofit post-secondary institution, aimed at supporting their educational journey. Financial need is a key consideration, and funds will cover tuition, fees, and essential expenses related to their studies.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on pediatric nutrition, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of infants and young children. Key areas of interest include applied research on nutritional issues, benefits of specific nutrients, and innovative treatment regimens. The foundation prioritizes projects that promise significant advancements in health outcomes for children from birth to age three, ensuring that grant dollars effectively address critical development challenges.

The Presidential Global Scholarship at Northeastern University offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 for over 400 undergraduate students seeking global co-op opportunities. This scholarship helps cover essential expenses such as travel, meals, and housing, enabling students to fully engage in their international experiences. Eligible applicants must exhibit a commitment to academic success and maintain a full-time enrollment status. The selection process considers GPA, financial need, and the duration of the co-op.

The Regional Foundation Responsive Grants provide urgent financial support to current or former grantees facing unforeseen, time-sensitive challenges. Grants, up to $25,000, are intended for tactical or strategic needs arising from emergencies, disasters, or critical changes within communities. Examples include natural disasters impacting neighborhoods or sudden leadership transitions. However, requests for ongoing operational costs or event sponsorships are not eligible. The application process is designed for quick turnaround, typically within one week.

Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship

The mission of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Kids’ Chance of PA) is to provide scholarship grants for college and vocational education to children of Pennsylvania workers who have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident resulting in financial need.

The hardships created by the death or serious disability of a parent often include financial ones, making it difficult for deserving young people to pursue their educational dreams. That's where we come in - helping those dreams become a reality!

We are dedicated to supporting the higher education of the children of seriously injured or killed Pennsylvania workers. Since our inception in 1997, we have provided over 1,150 scholarships totaling more than $3.2 million to deserving students! If you are one of these children, we encourage you to take the time to fill out this application. Additionally, if you receive a KCPA scholarship, you may be eligible to receive supplemental grant money through an agreement with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency/Pathways to Higher Education (PHEAA/PATH) Program

Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and must be reapplied for each year. 

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

The Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship

Sponsored by the MG Dream Foundation, the Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship was established in memory of a friend and daughter who lost her battle with cancer in 2014. Maria cared about her community, giving her time and talents to make the world a better place. Through this scholarship, the MG Dream Foundation honors Maria by supporting college-bound youth in pursuit of higher education. Our vision is to set forth a ripple effect and create a positive generational change in students' lives.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging is designed for early-stage physicians and health professionals committed to aging research. This initiative, supported by the NIH, aims to cultivate leadership skills and advance research in geriatrics. Eligible candidates must demonstrate prior research support and leadership in their field. While applications are not currently being accepted, this NOFO encourages potential applicants to develop collaborative and impactful projects in aging research.

The PA Local Share Account (LSA) – Category 4 Facilities Program supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties. Funded by gaming revenues under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, this initiative aims to invest in community-driven projects that benefit residents and businesses alike, fostering a resilient and thriving local economy.

The Association of American Educators Foundation offers classroom grants of up to $500 for full-time educators to support various educational projects and materials. These funds can be used for items such as books, software, and art supplies. Grants must be utilized within one year of approval, and competition is strong due to high application volumes. Note that applicants from specific states will not be eligible for national funding.

The URF Scholars Graduate School Fund Award at Northeastern University aims to support undergraduate students pursuing advanced research and graduate studies. This award provides financial assistance, up to $500, for application fees to students who complete the Making a Graduate School Plan Canvas course and demonstrate financial need. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time and applying for graduate programs for fall 2026, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and support for their academic journey.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship

These $5,000 college scholarships are awarded annually to female-identifying students in the graduating senior class at Mercer Island High School (MIHS), Chief Sealth International High School (CSIHS), and Rainier Beach High School (RBHS). Students should demonstrate commitment to the values and goals embodied in the life and work of Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham, a 1960 Mercer Island High School graduate, anthropologist, and mother of the 44th President of the United States, Barack H. Obama, and Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng.

The Association of American Educators Foundation offers the National Teacher Scholarship to promote professional excellence among educators. This scholarship provides funding for various professional development opportunities, including conferences and learning materials, with awards up to $500. Available to full-time educators who haven't received AAE funding in the last two years, the scholarship aims to enhance the quality of education across the nation while supporting educators' growth and collaboration.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Richard F. Freeman Scholarship Fund

The Richard F. Freeman Scholarship Fund is designed to provide financial assistance for deserving students from Southeast Michigan who are afforded the opportunity to earn a college degree. 

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Doug Struthers Memorial Scholarship

Doug Struthers taught at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary in the Lake Washington School District for more than two decades. His hard work, commitment and perseverance made a difference in the school and the community. This scholarship fund was created in his memory to help young people learn skills to serve their communities. Four Lake Washington School District students every year are chosen to receive this $5,000 renewable scholarship.

The PA Local Share Account (LSA) Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance community well-being through projects that improve the quality of life. Established under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, this grant allocates 2% of gross terminal revenues from licensed gaming facilities to support local initiatives. It fosters economic development and resilience within Luzerne County, ensuring that the benefits of gaming positively impact the community.

Eastern Colorado Scholarship

The Eastern Colorado Scholarship is designed to support post-secondary pursuits of students throughout the region and is funded through contributions from many community members and legacy gifts. 

The Eastern Colorado Scholarship is available to students attending school in Eastern Colorado (Logan County, Morgan County, Phillips County, Washington County, Sedgwick County, and Yuma County). The scholarship is open to students pursuing any kind of secondary education including four-year degrees, two-year degrees, trade schools, etc. 

Scholarship amount:

• $3,000

Number of awards:

• 4

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to provide scholarships to seniors graduating from any public high school in Carroll County, Maryland. The Carroll County Food Services Association Scholarship will be awarded one or more students who have successfully completed high school; been accepted at an accredited college, university or culinary arts school; and met the criteria established for this award.