Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Committed to Local

For 150 years, Univest has cultivated a philanthropic spirit and the strength of our Committed To Local giving program is one of the things that differentiates us. We know that Univest is only as strong as the communities we serve. Over the course of the year, we remained steadfast to our commitment to giving back. 

Commitment To Community

To better serve the communities where we live and work, we offer strong leadership, employee volunteerism, and financial support to organizations whose programs and services complement our brand and mission.

Philanthropic Giving

Whether it's serving longtime partnerships or building new relationships with registered 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations, we focus our giving, event sponsorships, and funding in the following areas:

• Youth and Education
• Health and Social Services
• Community and Economic Development
• Arts and Culture 

Event Sponsorships

Support is intended for Univest customers. You're in the right place if you're seeking support for an event sponsorship.

The Actions of Public Witness Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program, provides matching grants of up to $1,500 to Unitarian Universalist congregations engaging in timely actions of public witness. This initiative supports efforts in social and environmental justice, encouraging congregations to mobilize during critical moments. Grants are available on a rolling basis and are intended for urgent projects that extend beyond the regular grant timeframe. Notably, individual applications are not accepted.

The NeuroNEXT Small Business Innovation program invites small businesses to apply for exploratory clinical trials involving investigational agents, including drugs, biologics, and devices. These trials aim to gather critical data to support the design of future clinical studies, particularly focusing on diseases aligned with the NINDS strategic plan. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking to enhance the Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN) through the establishment of a Clinical Coordinating Center (CCC) and Data Coordinating Center (DCC). This initiative aims to improve emergency care outcomes by supporting trials that focus on effective treatments for non-stroke neurological and cardiovascular emergencies. Although applications are not currently being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare collaborative proposals.

The John Ben Snow Prize, awarded by the North American Conference on British Studies, recognizes the best book by a North American scholar focusing on British Studies from the Middle Ages to the eighteenth century. This prestigious annual award includes a $500 prize and encourages authors who are U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents to submit their works. Nominations can be made by authors or publishers, with discretion advised for multiple entries.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

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.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Timothy B. Snyder Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund provides financial scholarships to deserving young men and women from high schools in the counties of Botetourt, Halifax and Shenandoah.

Amount

• $1,000+

The Judith R. Walkowitz Article Prize, awarded annually by the North American Conference on British Studies, recognizes the best published article addressing gender and sexuality in British culture. This prize honors Professor Walkowitz’s significant contributions to the fields of gender and cultural studies. Open to scholars in North America, it encourages diverse perspectives across disciplines and time periods, with a cash award of $250 to support ongoing research and scholarship in British Studies.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

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.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, funded by the PhRMA Foundation, offers a $60,000 stipend annually for up to two years. This fellowship supports researchers, both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, engaged in innovative studies aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and value of healthcare interventions. Applicants must be within five years of postdoctoral study and hold a relevant doctoral degree. This opportunity fosters collaboration and patient engagement in health outcomes research.

The Musician Health & Services Program, funded by The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust, provides essential support for professional musicians facing financial hardships due to medical or mental health issues. This program offers navigation assistance to help applicants access healthcare resources and financial aid for living and medical expenses. Eligible participants include musicians and music industry professionals residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington. The program aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical treatments and living costs.

The Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research Predoctoral Fellowship, offered by the PhRMA Foundation, supports promising students in their advanced training and thesis research. This fellowship, aimed at U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, provides $30,000 in annual stipend support for up to two years. It encourages research proposals that address the effectiveness, safety, and value of healthcare interventions, emphasizing patient engagement and health equity in the evaluation process.

The Kors, Lois E., Educational Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support Beatrice High School graduates in pursuing higher education. With a strong commitment to academic achievement and civic involvement, the Foundation awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, citizenship, and academic merit. This scholarship encourages students to enter the teaching profession, providing essential funds to help them achieve their educational goals.

The M.A. Essay Prize, awarded by the North American Conference on British Studies (NACBS), recognizes exceptional original research by students in stand-alone M.A. programs in the U.S. and Canada. With a prize of $500, it encourages scholarly excellence and invites winners to submit their work for publication. Faculty nominations are required, ensuring deserving candidates receive recognition for their academic contributions, thereby fostering a vibrant academic community within British studies.

The Indigo Oak Fund, based in Colorado, is dedicated to enhancing education, the arts, and social justice, particularly through its Equal Justice Under the Law Grant Program. This initiative supports organizations that promote fairness in the justice system, rehabilitation, and civic engagement. By funding programs focused on personal empowerment and equal opportunities, the fund aims to foster lifelong learning and improve lives, particularly for women and children in need.

The Rebecca Hart Swartzlander Trust Grant supports public, charitable, educational, and welfare organizations in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Established by Mrs. Swartzlander's Last Will, the trust prioritizes grants for local initiatives, particularly those that benefit community welfare, with an average grant size ranging from $3,000 to $7,000. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities and be located in Doylestown to be eligible for funding. Preference is often given to women's organizations engaged in community betterment.

The NACBS Undergraduate Essay Prize, awarded by The North American Conference on British Studies, recognizes outstanding essays on British topics from undergraduates at U.S. and Canadian universities. Each year, up to eight prizes of $100 are given, encouraging submissions from diverse fields including History, English, and Cultural Studies. This initiative aims to promote scholarly engagement with British Studies, fostering a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural contexts during the 2023-24 academic year.

The Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research Faculty Starter Grant, offered by the PhRMA Foundation, supports emerging researchers at U.S. universities. With a funding of $100,000 for one year, it aims to advance studies on the effectiveness and value of healthcare interventions. The grant promotes innovative research in areas such as clinical outcomes, health equity, and patient engagement, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the evaluation of healthcare solutions.

The Sandusky-Firelands Alzheimer’s Scholarship provides financial support to residents of Erie County, Ohio, pursuing degrees in the Medical and Health Care fields, particularly those interested in working with geriatric patients. Established in 1995 by a dedicated non-profit organization, this scholarship aims to enhance community well-being and quality of life. Renewals for up to three additional years are possible, depending on financial need and the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee.

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Awards

The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.

NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award

This national award is in honor of the brave woman, Sybil Ludington, who in 1777, galloped on her horse one night to rally troops against the British. Now to honor her accomplishment and the accomplishments of modern heroines, the NRA bestows the prestigious Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award in her name.

The Douglas Dockery Thomas Fellowship in Garden History and Design, established by the Garden Club of America, supports graduate students in studying and researching garden history and design. This annual fellowship promotes the GCA’s commitment to gardening education and conservation. Research topics may include innovative garden restoration techniques and the impact of community gardens. The fellowship aims to nurture talent and address the growing importance of gardens in our environment.

The SC Ministry Foundation provides annual grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. These grants can be used for core programs, planning, and program expansion. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial sustainability and avoid duplication of services. The application process starts with a pre-application survey, and funding decisions are typically made by June 30. Priority is given to projects in education, healthcare, and social services.

The Wyomissing Foundation, established in 1926, is dedicated to creating community impact through grants to nonprofit organizations. It prioritizes funding for health and human services, education, arts, environment, and community development in Berks County. The foundation seeks to catalyze change by leveraging its resources and supporting projects that demonstrate critical need and measurable impact. Grants are typically for one year, with the possibility of multi-year support for impactful initiatives.

The Rachael and Ben Vaughan Foundation offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on animal rights, education, environmental preservation, poverty reduction, and religious initiatives. The foundation prioritizes local Texas projects but accepts applications from outside the state. Grants are awarded only to tax-exempt organizations, and projects should be completed within twelve months. The foundation aims to support initiatives that benefit local communities without duplicating existing efforts.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Easterby Family Scholarship ($7,000)

This renewable scholarship is for students from Laurens County, South Carolina who are pursuing graduate or post-graduate education in the fields of theology or medicine. 

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system.