Best Youth Sports Grants in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) employs more than 5,000 workers in 200 offices statewide. Established in 1913, the department originally inspected the working conditions in factories around the state. Over time, the department's responsibilities expanded.

L&I administers benefits to unemployed individuals, oversees the administration of workers' compensation benefits to individuals with job-related injuries, and provides vocational rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities. The department prepares job seekers for the global workforce through employment and job training services for adult, youth, older workers, and dislocated workers. In addition, L&I enforces various laws and safety standards in the workplace and administers the commonwealth's programs for community service by young Pennsylvanians. L&I also promotes economic development and an improved business climate through a variety of initiatives and programs to help Pennsylvania's workforce remain world-class and globally competitive.

Pennsylvania’s Workforce Professionals in Digital Infrastructure (WPDI)

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $2 million in funding through the Workforce Professionals in Digital Infrastructure (WPDI) Grant. One grant will be awarded through a competitive process. L&I developed this grant opportunity as part of a broader, collaborative framework to align workforce strategies with both regional economic development goals and statewide priorities. The WPDI Grant is designed to support the development of a comprehensive investment plan focused on building regional capacity and creating industry-led solutions to ensure Pennsylvanians have the appropriate skills and experiences essential to the construction, power, supply and operations of Pennsylvania’s digital infrastructure—particularly in the data center sector.

Training and workforce strategies funded through this grant will be data-informed and guided by labor market insights. The goal is to ensure that the resulting employment opportunities are high-quality—offering strong wages, benefits, career advancement potential, and alignment with industry standards for worker protections and long-term stability—including those commonly associated with union-covered roles. The selected awardee will create a regional response team of dedicated partners with the expertise, experience and capacity to jointly address the in-demand workforce needs of a data center located in Salem Township, Luzerne County.

The John Crain Kunkel Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals in Pennsylvania. Focused on charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, the foundation prioritizes projects in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Perry, and Juniata Counties. Grants may extend to organizations outside Pennsylvania that benefit communities within the state. Applications are accepted from January 1st to September 1st, with specific eligibility requirements including proof of tax-exempt status.

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.

Martin and Anna Orlando Kopa Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna county who is matriculating to either Penn State University or Johnson College in Scranton, PA.

PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 (the "PHARE Act") to provide the mechanism by which certain allocated state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside sources, would be used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth. 

The DCED Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) provides funding and technical assistance to eligible municipalities in Pennsylvania for various community development activities. Key uses include housing rehabilitation, public services, and infrastructure improvements. The grant has two application deadlines: October 31, 2025, for entitlement submissions and February 6, 2026, for competitive applications. The competitive program requires a minimum request of $100,000, with no ceiling limit, and mandates that 70% of funds benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

The Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) aims to enhance regional collaboration in economic development, ensuring efficient service delivery to businesses. With $7.38 million available for FY2019-20, PREP supports consortia of economic development service providers to create a coordinated and responsive system. This initiative aligns with Pennsylvania's Ten-Year Strategic Plan, promoting business growth and recovery in communities affected by unemployment. The program is crucial for fostering partnerships that drive economic prosperity across the state.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides critical funding aimed at rapidly rehousing homeless individuals and preventing homelessness through outreach and emergency shelter activities. This federal initiative, governed by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and enhanced by the HEARTH Act of 2009, supports various programs including maintenance of homeless management information systems, ensuring comprehensive assistance to those in need.

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.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

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.

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 AIPG Pennsylvania Section Scholarships support undergraduate geology students in Pennsylvania, helping cover educational costs and encouraging their involvement with the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores, enrolled in accredited institutions, and be AIPG student members. This initiative not only promotes academic achievement but also fosters a commitment to professional standards and advocacy within the geological sciences community.

The Ritton Family Foundation, along with Par Mar Stores, offers the Par Mar Stores Scholarship Program to support students pursuing higher education. This initiative awards multiple scholarships annually to eligible high school seniors and undergraduate students residing in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, or Kentucky. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need, with opportunities for reapplication each year.

Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarship

The Meland Foundation grants funding for scholarships to nurses in the NJ-NY-CT-PA area with BSN degrees wishing to pursue Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and DNP degrees with a pediatric specialty and who share the vision of the Foundation.

The Meland Foundation — founded by a beloved pediatrician who built a successful family medical practice in Northern New Jersey — provides and supports inspirational and informational programs to enhance the ability of families to care for loved ones and to provide hope to patients and their caregivers.

The amount of each nursing scholarship is between $2,000 and $5,000.

Scholarships are granted annually.

The UPMC Administrative Fellowship Program is a two-year opportunity designed for graduate students passionate about healthcare management. Participants engage with executive leadership through rotations, gaining hands-on experience in various health sectors. The program offers competitive salaries, benefits, and potential reimbursement for conference travel. UPMC is dedicated to developing future leaders in healthcare, emphasizing training and professional growth within its administrative fellowship.

The Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE), initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance access to natural gas by funding the construction of pipelines to business parks and industrial sites. This initiative is designed to create new economic base jobs and support the growth of local economies, ensuring that residents and businesses benefit from affordable energy solutions. PIPE reflects Pennsylvania's commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative economy.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program (LGEHS) provides essential assistance to local governments and nonprofits in response to housing crises caused by disasters. This program ensures that communities affected by emergencies can access safe, temporary housing and stabilization services, fostering recovery and resilience. Applications for funding are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for consideration.

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.

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 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 Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program supports Pennsylvania's public school districts and area career and technical schools by funding facility improvement projects. Grants range from $500,000 to $5 million, covering essential upgrades such as roof repairs, HVAC systems, plumbing, and energy-saving initiatives. This program aims to create safer, more accessible learning environments, enhancing educational opportunities for all students in the Commonwealth.

About PA IOLTA

The core mission of the Pennsylvania Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Board is to support the provision of civil legal services to the Commonwealth’s poor and disadvantaged. The IOLTA Board is a not-for-profit organization operating under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

How Does the IOLTA Program Work?

The IOLTA program is simple. Clients and others frequently transfer moneys to attorneys to hold. When the amount is large or if the funds will be held for an extended period of time, attorneys invest them for the benefit of the client. But when the funds are small or expected to be held for a short time, they cannot practically be invested to benefit the client. Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 requires attorneys to deposit nominal and short-term fiduciary funds in interest-bearing IOLTA accounts. The attorneys’ banks transfer the interest earned on IOLTA accounts to the Pennsylvania IOLTA Board.

How is the Money Used?

Upon approval of the Supreme Court of PA, the Board makes grants annually to non-profit organizations, law school clinical programs, and administration of justice projects that provide civil legal services free of charge to the poor and disadvantaged.

Grants

The Pennsylvania IOLTA Board carries out its mission to financially support the delivery of civil legal aid to low-income and disadvantaged Pennsylvanians through the careful administration of various revenue sources, both court-directed and legislatively-directed. Upon approval of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the IOLTA Board makes grants annually to qualified legal aid organizations across the state, Pennsylvania’s nine law school clinical and externship programs, and administration of justice projects, all of which provide legal assistance to low-income individuals and families facing a civil legal crisis where basic human needs, such as shelter, food, medicine and safety, are at stake.

Specialized Legal Services Grant Program

These discretionary grants – often referred to as “zone grants” – support the delivery of specialized legal services to targeted groups of people such as the disabled, non-English speaking communities, and victims of domestic violence. Funding is allocated to geographic zones based on the proportion of people living in poverty throughout the state. Applicants compete with one another in the zone where the proposed services would be delivered. Learn more about the geographic boundaries of our funding zones by viewing the IOLTA Funding Zone Map.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.