Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Gough Family Scholarship, established in 2021 by The Dayton Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific Dayton zip codes who exhibit a strong work ethic and plan to pursue education in a STEM-related field or business. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a history of successful employment. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering education and enhancing opportunities for youth in the community.

The What’s Your Gap Grant, provided by BreatheStrong CF in partnership with the Closing the Gap Foundation, supports teens and adults living with cystic fibrosis. This grant alleviates financial barriers, allowing recipients to pursue health and wellness opportunities tailored to their individual goals. It aims to empower applicants who envision a healthier lifestyle but face challenges in achieving it, serving as a catalyst for positive change in their lives.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to refurbish existing plumbing and HVAC skills labs in middle and high schools across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on preparing students for vital trade careers, the grant provides $10,000 in equipment to enhance hands-on learning. This initiative supports schools with technical training resources, promoting the growth of skilled labor in these essential fields. Schools that have not received a Skills Lab award in the past 24 months are eligible to apply.

The Barbara Berger Clark Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The family of Barbara Berger Clark created this scholarship in her memory to support the next generation of nurses who share her commitment to public health and to serving their communities. Open to all nursing students, including those entering the field later in life or as a second career, this scholarship especially honors those who share Barbara’s commitment to public health nursing, prevention, and advancing health equity.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and individual total award amounts vary annually. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Award renewability varies and is dependent on the length of the recipient’s program of study. Minimum award size $5,000.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to support middle and high schools in the U.S. and Canada by providing equipment and resources to establish plumbing and HVAC skills labs. With a growing demand for skilled trades, this program encourages educational institutions to equip students with vital trade skills. Grant recipients will receive $25,000 worth of products and equipment, along with access to SkillCat's technical training platform, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to head-of-household, single parents for post-secondary education to help them improve their lives and those of their children.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and amounts vary; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

A former St. John Fisher College professor who understood and greatly admired the hard work and challenges of single-parent students created this scholarship to support their higher education endeavors and to improve their employability, their lives, and the lives of their children.

The Esther Roth Gillette Registered Nurse Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2017, supports students enrolled in accredited nursing programs. This scholarship aims to empower future nurses by providing financial assistance to those demonstrating community service and financial need. The Dayton Foundation, serving Greater Dayton since 1921, is dedicated to enhancing local philanthropic efforts and addressing pressing community issues, making this scholarship a vital resource for aspiring healthcare professionals.

The Urological Epidemiology Research Career Development Program (UroEpi K12) supports junior faculty in advancing research on non-malignant urologic conditions. This program encourages diverse applicants with medical or doctoral degrees to explore areas like epidemiology and related disciplines. UroEpi scholars gain essential training and resources to lead impactful studies on conditions such as urinary incontinence and chronic pelvic pain, fostering innovative approaches to urologic health challenges.

The Gerry & Sherry Fortner Education Endowed Scholarship, established by former teachers Gerry and Sherry Fortner, supports Hamilton County students pursuing a degree in education. This scholarship reflects the Fortners' commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring that every student has access to resources necessary for their academic success. Preference is given to students from Hamilton Heights, Noblesville, Sheridan, and Westfield High Schools, continuing the legacy of the Fortners' passion for education.

The Numotion Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility disabilities by supporting IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. By fostering partnerships with various charities, including national and local organizations, the foundation raises awareness and funds for necessary research and support services. Contributions are made for each new wheelchair sold, ensuring a coordinated approach to charitable giving while prioritizing programs that specifically assist those with mobility-related challenges.

The Conagra Brands Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in the USA that address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. Eligible organizations must align with core focus areas like food access, nutrition education, and cooking skills. Grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and provide entrepreneurial skills. Nonprofits must uphold a non-discrimination policy protecting various characteristics. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Intent from January 1 to February 15, 2025.

The CLIMB Near Peer Mentorship Program by John Muir Health offers a year-long mentorship initiative aimed at developing family medicine learners into community-engaged providers. This program supports high school, undergraduate, and medical students by pairing them with mentors in the healthcare field. Participants engage in weekly virtual meetings and receive guidance throughout their educational journey, fostering a diverse and inclusive future in healthcare professions.

The Dollie Lane Harp Memorial Scholarship Fund for Classical Music, established by Ruth Harp Gibson, honors her mother’s legacy through music. This scholarship is available for students majoring in classical music at accredited U.S. universities or conservatories. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors from specific Texas high schools who have participated in music during their studies. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments made directly to educational institutions.

The Frederick Douglass Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial support to deserving students of African-American descent graduating from Erie High School or NW PA Collegiate Academy. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to help more than 500 students pursue their post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to empower young individuals in their educational journeys and promote diversity in higher education.

The PERF: Infrastructure/Registry Research Grant focuses on developing new multicenter infrastructures or enhancing existing programs in pediatric neurology. It aims to advance clinical research, particularly in pediatric epilepsy, supporting projects that train and mentor young investigators. The grant offers up to $300,000 for a duration of three years, with an emphasis on mentorship for both senior and early-stage investigators, ensuring the growth of expertise in the field.

The Health Career Connection Internship, offered by John Muir Health, is a 10-week full-time program aimed at empowering underrepresented college students in healthcare. This internship provides valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world experience, focusing on diverse backgrounds. It encourages participants to explore careers in health professions, particularly those from low-income and first-generation college student backgrounds. The program is designed to inspire and motivate interns as they embark on their professional journeys.

The BRAIN Initiative aims to support clinical studies that advance next-generation devices for recording and modulation in the human central nervous system. This initiative encourages small clinical trials to gather crucial data for developing devices that address central nervous system disorders. Investigators are invited to explore both Non-Significant and Significant Risk studies to enhance understanding of brain function, paving the way for future clinical trials and market approval.

The BRAIN Initiative invites proposals for innovative devices aimed at recording and modulating the human central nervous system. This program supports efforts in developing therapeutic and diagnostic devices through clinical prototype implementation, safety testing, and small clinical studies. The goal is to gather critical data on device functionality and design, which may not be achievable through traditional non-clinical studies. This initiative requires NIH collaboration in project planning and progress monitoring.

The Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health, established by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation in 2003, aim to honor community organizations that promote mental health awareness in underserved minority communities. These awards recognize efforts to improve access to quality mental health services, enhance treatment quality, and address cultural barriers. Organizations must have been operational for at least two years and demonstrate innovative approaches to mental health challenges.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship

The Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by Jonathan Culler, his high school classmate and teammate, Andrea Ault, his devoted mother who never left his side, and the River Valley Class of 2017, after he lost a 3-year battle to childhood cancer, osteosarcoma.     

The Cooper Fund supports seniors and graduates from the River Valley Local Schools district. Alex’s scholarship gives special consideration to students active in River Valley athletics, especially football or baseball, and/or music. To honor Alex’s untimely passing, the Cooper Fund seeks to assist students who have been diagnosed with cancer personally, those with an immediate family member with the disease, and those who demonstrate financial need resulting from cancer treatment.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Legal Reform Grant Program aims to empower American Indian nations by addressing systemic barriers to land ownership and control. This initiative promotes collaboration on projects like estate planning, land policy reform, and engaging government leaders in discussions about tribal sovereignty. By focusing on legal reforms, the program seeks to rectify longstanding inequities and enhance the ability of tribes to manage their land effectively.

The ON Semiconductor STEAM Education Grant Program aims to support educational institutions and charitable organizations that promote STEAM education for underserved youth. Through initiatives like employee giving and community revitalization, the program seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators. Eligible organizations must operate within onsemi's communities, align with its values, and adhere to local laws. The foundation prioritizes previous grantees who have demonstrated positive outcomes in their educational efforts.

The Rooted Pathways Program, initiated by First Peoples Fund, offers essential support to Native-led arts organizations, fostering their growth and stability. This funding empowers these organizations to thrive in their missions, providing unrestricted operating support and participation in a Learning Cohort. Eligible applicants include Native nonprofits and collectives with budgets under $500,000, and the program aims to uplift artists from U.S. federally recognized tribes. This initiative is part of the Wallace Foundation's broader commitment to enhancing well-being in the arts.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to advance the identification and evaluation of candidate biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders. By facilitating the clinical development of neurotherapeutics, the FOA encourages research that includes both animal studies and preliminary human evaluations. The ultimate goal is to produce biomarkers ready for rigorous analytical and clinical validation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice.

The SAVC Presentation Award, offered by the Society for Vascular Surgery, recognizes vascular surgeons who have completed clinical research in office-based or ambulatory surgical center settings. This award encourages innovative research on topics such as drug-eluting technology, patient safety, and health disparities. Three recipients will present their findings, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in vascular care. Applications are welcomed from SVS members and eligible trainees, emphasizing community engagement and impactful health projects.

The Women’s Service League of North Central Washington Scholarship, established in 2013, aims to support female students from various high schools in the region. This scholarship prioritizes applicants who demonstrate community involvement, leadership skills, and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Special consideration is given to those who have faced significant challenges and to children or grandchildren of League members, fostering a commitment to volunteerism and community improvement.