Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The DCNR All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Grant Program supports projects that enhance Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include municipalities and pre-qualified organizations focused on ATV and snowmobile trails. The grant covers land acquisition, planning, development, maintenance, and educational programs, promoting safety and environmental protection. Funding is sourced from the ATV and Snowmobile Management Restricted Accounts, encouraging community conservation and responsible enjoyment of natural resources.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant provides crucial financial support to elderly blues musicians, ensuring their well-being during emergencies. This grant, part of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's mission, offers assistance for medical expenses, home care, and essential living costs. Eligible applicants must be professional artists aged 50 or older with a household income below $35,000. By addressing these needs, PAL plays a vital role in preserving the legacy and care of blues musicians.

The Keystone Savings Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Lehigh Valley, focusing on education, health services, arts, community development, and economic growth. Grants under $25,000 are reviewed quarterly, with funding for programs, operations, and capital projects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations within specified counties and can only apply once per year. Ineligible projects include fundraising events and salary support. Visit the Foundation's website for more details.

2025-27 Violence & Delinquency Prevention Programs

Overview

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications under the 2025-27 Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs (VDPP) solicitation. The primary purpose of this competitive solicitation is to advance state and local projects that align with priorities and needs articulated in Pennsylvania’s 2025 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Plan (“2025 Plan”) and PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework. The 2025 Plan includes recommendations and strategies identified by PCCD’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee (JJDPC) as essential for improving the Commonwealth’s prevention, diversion, intervention, and juvenile justice system infrastructure.

The goal of this initiative is to strengthen community-based strategies that prevent youth violence, delinquency, and other problem behaviors, expand diversion and deflection opportunities, and support successful reentry in accordance with Balanced and Restorative Justice guiding principles.

VDPP funds will focus on priorities identified within the 2025 Plan, especially activities/needs that cannot be addressed meaningfully using other available PCCD funding streams.

The anticipated impacts resulting from this solicitation may include: 

• Improved effectiveness of local early prevention programs and practices;
• Increased use of diversion and deflection practices to reduce unnecessary or deepened juvenile justice system involvement;
• Reduced recidivism by youth coming out of the juvenile justice system through the development of improved competency and life skills;
• Increased youth engagement and direct involvement in improving policies, practices, and the programming provided across the entire continuum of care from early prevention through reentry/aftercare; and
• Improved cross-system collaboration and innovation to increase coordination of services and programming available to youth and families in all communities of the Commonwealth.

The DCNR Community Recreation and Conservation Planning Grants support planning projects aimed at enhancing parks and recreational facilities. Eligible applicants, including municipalities and qualified organizations, can develop comprehensive plans for land conservation, indoor facility feasibility, and site development. The program emphasizes community involvement and requires a 50% match for funding. It fosters sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring a balanced approach to conservation and recreation.

The PA AmeriCorps Grant, administered by PennSERVE, supports local service initiatives in Pennsylvania. This grant seeks to empower individuals and communities to address pressing social issues through service. Focus areas include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and support for veterans and military families. By fostering collaboration and innovative solutions, the grant aims to enhance the impact of national service and improve lives across the state.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project - Capital Grants Application Fall 2025 by the Open Space Institute aims to enhance conservation across the Appalachian Mountain region. With a focus on biodiversity, climate resilience, and community benefits, this initiative supports the acquisition of land and conservation easements. As a vital climate refuge, the Appalachians play a crucial role in safeguarding habitats and providing public recreation opportunities for the 26 million residents living in this area.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Pittsburgh Foundation's Environmental Action Grants prioritize community-centered projects that enhance environmental health and decision-making. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the foundation supports initiatives that involve participatory research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The focus is on empowering communities, particularly in Allegheny County, to address environmental challenges. The foundation seeks to bridge gaps in social justice and promote equitable access to a healthy environment, fostering collaboration among local stakeholders.

The Charles A. and Leona K. Gruber Foundation, established in 1969, supports educational, charitable, religious, scientific, and literary causes primarily in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, with a focus on organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3). Applications are accepted year-round, with a preference for submissions by September 15 for consideration at the annual meeting in October.

The Main Street Matters program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods. It offers grants for planning, business support, and aesthetic enhancements, fostering vibrant communities. Eligible applicants can pursue designation as a Main Street or Elm Street, focusing on targeted investments and strategies for local development. This flexible funding supports various initiatives, including façade improvements and accessible housing projects, contributing to overall community well-being.

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Joseph L. and Vivian E. Steele Music Scholarship, funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers support to students pursuing classical music in composition, teaching, or performance. With over 100 years of philanthropic history, TFEC provides more than 190 scholarships annually, totaling over $1.7 million. Applicants must demonstrate a serious interest in classical music, apply for financial aid, and maintain residency in specified Pennsylvania counties. This renewable scholarship encourages talented individuals to continue their education in accredited institutions.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grant Program, established under Act 13 of 2012, allocates funds for the effective plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. With hundreds of thousands of such wells in the state, this program addresses critical health, safety, and environmental concerns by funding projects aimed at plugging these hazardous wells. Eligible projects include cleaning, plugging, and implementing stray gas mitigation systems.

The DCNR Land Acquisition and Conservation Grants support projects aimed at purchasing or donating land for parks, recreation areas, greenways, and critical habitats. Eligible applicants include county and municipal governments, educational institutions, and prequalified land trusts. The grants promote public access to community spaces and protect essential ecosystems, ensuring sustainable land use for future generations. For more details, applicants should refer to the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act guidelines.

The Andersen Corporate Foundation, established in 1941, aims to enhance lives and strengthen communities where its employees reside. It has contributed over $65 million to various causes, focusing on housing, healthcare, hunger relief, and education. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, primarily supporting nonprofit organizations that align with these areas, particularly in communities where Andersen operates, ensuring a lasting impact on local initiatives.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Robert Estabrook Moeller Research Fellow Award supports graduate students, post-docs, and faculty conducting ecological research utilizing the natural resources of Lacawac Sanctuary. Established in memory of Dr. Robert E. Moeller, a dedicated limnologist, this award prioritizes new users of Lacawac and those starting innovative projects. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with full consideration given to submissions received by April 15th. This funding opportunity encourages impactful scientific exploration in ecology and environmental science.