Best Youth Sports Grants in Pennsylvania

The Watershed Restoration and Protection Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to restore streams affected by nonpoint source pollution. Funded by the Marcellus Legacy Fund established under Act 13 of 2012, the program supports projects that improve watershed protection through Best Management Practices. This initiative is crucial for maintaining healthy water ecosystems and removing impaired waters from the Department of Environmental Protection's list.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program, established under Section 1721-A.2 of the Fiscal Code, aims to enhance Pennsylvania's tourism by attracting high-quality amateur and professional sporting events. This initiative seeks to boost year-round tourism, economic impact, and overall quality of life through sports, contributing to the state's economic development and community engagement.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

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.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Pay-It-Forward Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior attending Penn State University as a full-time student who is a permanent resident of Lackawanna county, who is employed full-time at Penn State through work-study or an outside employer and continues working as a full time student, and who has maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher. When the recipient is in a position to do so in the future, he or she must commit to offering a similar scholarship opportunity to others.

The KeyBank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities through education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Founded in 1969, the Foundation prioritizes diversity, financial capability, and sustainability. Their grants aim to empower individuals for success by improving access to resources, fostering economic inclusion, and creating safe environments. By partnering with community organizations, KeyBank Foundation seeks to make a measurable impact and ensure lasting positive change for families and small businesses.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

PPL Foundation offers sponsorships to support community-benefiting events and programs. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted at least two months prior to the event date. Organizations dedicated to enhancing local community well-being are encouraged to apply for funding through this program, which aims to make a positive impact in the community.

The Pitcairn-Crabbe Foundation Grant focuses on supporting religious work, Christian education, community welfare, and the overall improvement of humanity's condition, particularly in Pennsylvania. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes, address significant challenges, and show potential for leveraging additional support. Applicants must submit an online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to outline their organization and funding needs. Grants are typically limited to agencies within a 100-mile radius of Pittsburgh.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life in North East by building charitable endowments and philanthropic partnerships that fuel transformative change.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of members of the community, The North East Community Foundation has been helping make students’ dreams come true. Scholarships are awarded annually, in varying amounts.

James R. Meehl Memorial Scholarship

James Meehl was a lifelong resident of North East, owner of Eureka Electrical Products, and a founding member of Lakeview Country Club. He excelled in academics and graduated from Cornell University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

This scholarship is renewable for four years.

The R3 Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, offers up to $25,000 in funding to support initiatives that enhance fishing and boating education. This program aims to engage diverse audiences and promote environmental justice by facilitating hands-on experiences. Eligible projects must demonstrate innovation and a commitment to reaching underrepresented communities, ultimately fostering a greater appreciation for outdoor activities among all demographics.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds Grant Program supports local initiatives aimed at conserving and restoring Pennsylvania's vital water resources. Since 1995, the foundation has provided matching grants to nonprofit organizations, enhancing the health of local streams and ensuring clean water for future generations. Eligible applicants must be IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, focusing on areas from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River, while individuals and government agencies are ineligible for funding.

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 Main Street Matters program offers Accessible Housing Grants to enhance living conditions for individuals with permanent physical disabilities. This initiative promotes community revitalization by funding essential renovations, ensuring individuals can remain in their homes rather than institutional care. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits. The program emphasizes collaboration with local funding sources and prioritizes projects that address immediate community needs, helping to create inclusive and supportive environments for all residents.

The Main Street Matters program aims to revitalize downtown areas and surrounding neighborhoods through grants for planning, business support, and aesthetic improvements. Eligible entities include local governments, redevelopment authorities, and nonprofits. Funding supports various projects, such as building rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements, with a minimum 50% match required. This initiative promotes community development, safety, and sustainability, helping districts recover from disasters while fostering vibrant local economies.

The Main Street Matters program aims to enhance downtown areas and neighborhoods through targeted investment in revitalization and safety improvements. Eligible entities, including local governments and nonprofits, can access grants for business enhancement initiatives, which may include microgrants and forgivable loans. These funds support capital investments and operational costs for businesses, contributing to vibrant community development. The initiative emphasizes strategic planning and documented demand for funding, ensuring effective use of resources.

The Main Street Matters program aims to enhance downtown areas and neighborhoods through façade grants that encourage private investment and support revitalization efforts. Eligible local governments and organizations can apply for funding to improve exterior building aesthetics, ensuring vibrant and secure communities. The program emphasizes matching funds and adherence to design guidelines to maximize impact. With a maximum grant of $100,000, it serves as a flexible tool for community and economic development.

The Main Street Matters program supports downtown revitalization through grants that enhance community planning, business development, and safety improvements. Eligible applicants include local governments, redevelopment authorities, and non-profit organizations. Funding is flexible, aimed at initiatives such as planning activities and business improvement grants, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000 and a required 25% match. This initiative fosters vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods and encourages strategic investments to address community needs.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

The Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP) assists local governments in Pennsylvania by providing grants for hiring financial consultants to develop comprehensive financial and economic strategies. This proactive approach aims to avert fiscal crises and ensure long-term fiscal stability. By facilitating the creation of three to five-year financial plans, STMP empowers municipalities to enhance their managerial and economic development capabilities, ultimately strengthening their financial health and service delivery.

The Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) aims to provide grants and loans for developing competitive sites, enabling businesses to relocate or expand within the Commonwealth. With a focus on planning and construction grants, the program helps cover development risks and supports strategic investments that enhance site viability. Applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed quarterly, ensuring timely funding for eligible projects that promote economic growth across Pennsylvania.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The Local Share Account (LSA) funding program in Washington County, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance community and economic well-being. Established by the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, this program allocates portions of local share assessments from licensed gaming facilities to support various local initiatives. Interested applicants should contact the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County for further details on the application process.