Best Pennsylvania Grants for Nonprofits

Who We Are

A national organization with a local feel.

Founded in 1992, The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers, and policymakers across the country to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all.

Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative

A statewide public-private financing program administered by The Food Trust, PA FFFI helps business owners open or expand healthy grocery outlets in communities throughout the commonwealth.

Overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the PA FFFI is administered by The Food Trust in partnership with Pennsylvania-based community development financial institutions (CDFIs).

The program provides grants and technical assistance to nonprofit, for-profit and cooperative food businesses that help increase access to healthy, affordable food and improve economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents of urban, suburban and rural areas of Pennsylvania. Grant awards will range from $5,000 – $200,000.

The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA) Grant offers funding for training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of new and existing employees. This initiative is a collaboration between community colleges and educational institutions, designed to address the workforce needs of Pennsylvania's business sector. Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly approvals, ensuring ongoing support for workforce development.

The Adult Basic Education Direct Services program aims to enhance adult literacy and education, assisting individuals in gaining essential skills for employment and self-sufficiency. Funded through WIOA Title II, it addresses the needs of diverse adult learners, including those seeking high school equivalency and English language improvement. Emphasizing partnerships with local agencies, the program fosters community engagement while providing year-round, real-time instructional support to help participants achieve their educational and career goals.

The Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Grants, provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, aim to enhance structured programming opportunities for at-risk school-age youth. These grants support local and statewide projects designed to expand out-of-school time (OST) initiatives, thereby fostering a more supportive environment for youth development and engagement. Through these efforts, the BOOST program seeks to address critical needs in communities and promote positive outcomes for participants.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

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 Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on the arts, animal welfare, or environmental and sustainable resource management can apply for Joseph Robert Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Smaller organizations under $300,000 in annual budget are prioritized, and emerging nonprofits may apply through a fiscal conduit.

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.

Jobs for Veterans State Grant Incentive Awards 

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has established this incentive award to honor PA CareerLink® offices and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) for their exemplary service to veterans, including those with employment barriers, transitioning service members, and eligible spouses and caregivers. In alignment with VPL 01-24, L&I will distribute JVSG Incentive Awards to PA CareerLink® offices and LWDBs actively advancing the improvement and modernization of employment, training, and placement services for veterans. These awards celebrate organizations whose efforts exemplify excellence in supporting veterans and their families through employment services, while fostering local partnerships and strengthening community ties.

PennDOT Behavioral Highway Safety Grants:

PennDOT’s Behavioral Traffic Safety Unit offers traffic safety grants to support local communities and organizations working to make Pennsylvania’s roads safer. Eligible applicants include local governments, universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania state related universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Police Traffic Services (PTS) Program

Coordination of local police participation in impaired driving, occupant protection, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and pedestrian safety enforcement countermeasures, including officer overtime, necessary equipment purchases, and associated training.

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.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Veterans Employment Program

The PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $600,000 in funding for the Veterans Employment Program for veterans and eligible spouses to allow for a holistic approach in reaching veteran employment goals. Grant awards will be competitively awarded up to $200,000 each. Veterans Employment Program (VEP) funding provides Pennsylvania veterans and their spouses with services to address barriers to employment. Many government programs and community initiatives already partner collaboratively to work with veterans. VEP funding can provide resources to implement new ideas and concepts, fill funding gaps, or supplement existing initiatives to provide more comprehensive services for Pennsylvania veterans to improve their employment outcomes.   

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) Grant Program offers funding to enhance and protect Pennsylvania's coldwater ecosystems. With two grant types—Planning Grants and Implementation Grants—this program aims to foster understanding of watershed dynamics, identify areas of concern, and support conservation efforts. Planning Grants provide up to $10,000 for developing conservation plans, while Implementation Grants offer up to $25,000 for executing approved projects. Eligible applicants include watershed associations and local conservation entities.

The Boating Facility Grant Program, established by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), aims to enhance public boating facilities across the Commonwealth. This initiative supports the planning, acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of these facilities, ensuring that recreational boaters in Pennsylvania have access to high-quality amenities. By investing in such projects, PFBC fosters a vibrant boating community and promotes recreational opportunities on the state's waterways.

Public Wise Grants aims to enhance democracy by providing unrestricted operational funding to organizations committed to voting rights. Established in 2019, Public Wise focuses on grassroots efforts to ensure equitable representation and access to the ballot, particularly in key states like Michigan and Georgia. Their mission is to empower communities, combat voter suppression, and strengthen democratic participation through education and partnership.

The John R. McCune Charitable Trust, established in 1979, honors the philanthropic legacy of John R. McCune IV by funding tax-exempt non-profit organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $75,000, focusing on education, health care, and social services. While primarily board-driven, unsolicited proposals are considered. The Trust does not support individuals or organizations outside the U.S. and aims to continue Mr. McCune's commitment to charitable giving without seeking public recognition.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Agency Mission

Empowering, connecting, and amplifying creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Agency Vision

Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.

Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program

The Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program supports small- to mid-sized creative organizations that deliver services, products, and/or programs that align with one or more of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ strategic plan focus areas:

• Asset Development (e.g., creative organizations, entrepreneurial ecosystem, technical assistance, regional networking)
• Workforce Development (e.g., creative skills, career awareness, and employment pathways)
• Community Development (e.g., creative placemaking, engagement with local governments, and networking for practitioners)
• Visibility (e.g., promotion of creative industries, products and services, and of the contributions and opportunities within our commonwealth’s creative sector)
• Policy (e.g., creation of policies that promote and foster relevancy and opportunity for creative industries, within governmental and non-governmental agencies and businesses)

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.

The Heinz Endowments, established in 2007, is a prominent philanthropic organization in the U.S. with a focus on southwestern Pennsylvania. It provides approximately $90 million in annual grants across various sectors, including arts, civic participation, and environmental health. Organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) are encouraged to apply, while for-profit entities and individuals are ineligible. The Endowments seeks transformative ideas that benefit local communities.

With a mission to improve community health and economic resilience, Highmark provides Pennsylvania nonprofits and other community organizations with support for programs that enhance access to care, wellness, and quality of life. 501(c)(3) organizations and grassroots or faith-based groups may be eligible for initiatives in health equity, housing stability, workforce readiness, and related community services.

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.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The PA Agriculture and Youth Program Grant offers funding to youth-centered organizations and projects that promote agricultural, leadership, and vocational skills. With a total of $500,000 available, grants can be direct, non-matching up to $7,500, or matching grants up to $25,000 for capital projects. Eligible applicants include agriculture and youth organizations focused on education, safety training, and community development.

The PA Heart & Soul Grant is a unique initiative aimed at empowering Pennsylvania communities with fewer than 30,000 residents. Through a comprehensive four-phase process—Imagine, Connect, Plan, and Act—residents engage in storytelling to shape action plans that reflect their town's identity. Selected towns can receive up to $50,000 over 2-3 years, along with expert coaching and training worth over $50,000 annually, fostering sustainable community development.