Best Philadelphia County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Barra Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant provides essential early-stage funding for social impact organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. This program supports innovative projects that address pressing community challenges and fosters transformative change. Grants are aimed at organizations that primarily serve under-resourced communities and promote bold, novel approaches. By empowering nonprofits to test new ideas, the Catalyst Fund helps build a more equitable and vibrant society.

The Connelly Foundation Grant, established in 1955, aims to create access and opportunities for those in need, particularly in the Philadelphia area. Focused on education, human services, and cultural initiatives, it supports nonprofits that enhance Catholic education, address essential needs, and promote civic engagement. The Foundation seeks to partner with organizations demonstrating effective leadership and sustainable practices, while avoiding direct grants to individuals or funding for advocacy and charter schools.

The Education & Leadership Impact Grants by BLBB Charitable aim to support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Greater Philadelphia. Grants under $15,000 facilitate programs in college access, economic self-sufficiency, K-12 education, and local environmental education. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote long-term connections and leadership development, ultimately aiming to break the cycle of poverty and foster sustainable community growth.

The Immediate Response Action Fund (IRAF) provides urgent financial support for organizations addressing critical needs of women and girls. Established in 2017, this fund offers one-time grants up to $10,000, aimed at responding to unanticipated events requiring swift action. Eligible organizations must primarily serve women and girls and demonstrate a commitment to reproductive justice. Priority is given to those with limited budgets and a focus on low-income communities, ensuring impactful support where it's needed most.

Quest for the Best® is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Pennsylvania by providing project-based grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. The grant aims to support initiatives that focus on long-term sustainability, secured co-funding, and specific programs. Priorities include police and nurse training, education for underserved communities, and humanitarian efforts such as clean water access. The funder emphasizes local impact and requires matching contributions for grant requests.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides funding through its Basic Needs Grant to nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on food, clothing, and shelter assistance. Priority is given to vulnerable children and seniors. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, awarded for a one-year term, with a minimum funding requirement of $5,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and have a service location in the eligible regions.

The Forman Family Fund Grants support Southeastern Pennsylvania nonprofits that provide educational programs for youth aged 11 to 18 in areas such as photography, architectural drawing, and written arts. Annually, up to 10 grants of $40,000 each are available for direct program expenses, staff time, and materials. Eligible organizations must be located in the five-county region, have 501c3 status, and demonstrate a commitment to nondiscrimination and quality arts education.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides funding for basic medical research focusing on heart disease, cancer, and AIDS. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the Greater Philadelphia area and Camden, NJ. Each grant typically ranges from $100,000 to $125,000 for a one-year term. The Trust aims to support unique and promising research projects that can lead to larger awards, ensuring a direct impact on health outcomes.

The Circuit Trails initiative aims to enhance the Greater Philadelphia area by adding 75 miles to the existing network by 2035. This expansion will promote outdoor access, improve health and well-being, and foster economic development through non-motorized transportation. With over 411 miles currently in place, the goal is to develop a comprehensive 850-mile network across communities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by 2040, supported by a diverse coalition of organizations.

The Education & Leadership Impact Grants by BLBB Charitable support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on college access, economic self-sufficiency, K-12 educational opportunities, and environmental education. Grants over $15,000 are available for multi-year projects aimed at enhancing the lives of disadvantaged youth. Eligible nonprofits must have filed at least two consecutive Form 990s and cannot be public or charter schools. Contact the foundation for guidance before submitting a request.

The Community Voices Fund, established by the People’s Media Fund, supports innovative media projects that amplify marginalized voices in Greater Philadelphia. Prioritizing community-driven narratives, the Fund awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support storytelling efforts that challenge systemic oppression and promote social justice. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, focusing on projects that enhance community organizing and movement-building efforts.

Pathways to Opportunity: Supporting Young Adult Workforce Development in Greater Philadelphia Program

Philadelphia Foundation has made a long-term commitment to advancing economic mobility throughout Greater Philadelphia.

We believe this is a moment that demands collective ambition and action. Together with business, civic, community, and philanthropic partners, Philadelphia Foundation has committed to coordinated, long-term work to grow the regional economy, strengthen pathways to quality jobs, and ensure that young people and their families are economically secure, empowered, and connected from cradle to career.

As part of this commitment, Philadelphia Foundation is launching a new grant program to build new partnerships with workforce development providers with strong outcomes to help build a more connected workforce and opportunity ecosystem across the region.

As we implement this new strategy, we remain committed to our role as a trusted partner to the nonprofit community. While proactively contributing to increasing economic mobility, Philadelphia Foundation remains committed and will continue to provide flexible support for organizations meeting the needs of our region's most vulnerable residents and remain responsive to and partner on emergent crises and opportunities to leverage effective community philanthropy.

PF's initial focus is on supporting young adults' access to high-demand, good-paying jobs that do not require a college degree through investments in gold-standard workforce development training providers. These programs have documented returns on investment and strong employer partnerships in priority sectors, such as skilled trades, technology, and non-clinical life sciences.

The purpose of this RFI is to gather information on promising models, gaps, and trends in young adult workforce development providers in Greater Philadelphia. The information from the RFI will be used to inform future Philadelphia Foundation grantmaking.

A subset of the organizations that respond to this RFI will be invited to submit an application for funding. 

Who is this RFI for?

Workforce development training and bridge providers serving young adults across Greater Philadelphia. Our interst is not limited to a specific industry, but there is a particular interest in sectors like skilled and industrial trades, non-clinical life sciences, and tech.

The Coastal Zone Management Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, supports projects that protect coastal resources in Pennsylvania's Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie. Open for applications from September 9, 2024, to October 21, 2024, the program promotes initiatives focused on coastal hazards, public access, and ecological preservation. Eligible applicants include local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Grants help fund planning, construction, and research projects essential for sustaining coastal ecosystems and enhancing public access.

The William Penn Foundation's Arts and Culture Programming aims to enhance access to diverse high-quality arts experiences for all Philadelphians. With a focus on inclusivity and equity, this initiative invites proposals for projects that address historic inequities in arts access and engage communities through performances and exhibitions. Organizations with less than $750,000 in annual expenses are encouraged to apply for funding to support innovative and welcoming arts initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape through 2035.

Impact100 Philadelphia provides impactful grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area. With a focus on addressing unmet needs, the program encourages applications from diverse organizations that demonstrate financial stability and community impact. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving specific Pennsylvania counties, with at least three years of financial statements. The program prioritizes initiatives in arts, education, environment, family, and health sectors, enabling organizations to strengthen their core missions.

The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) aims to support Philadelphia's creative sector, particularly those historically underfunded. With $1.5M available, grants between $5,000 and $7,000 will be awarded to mid-size nonprofit arts organizations with budgets from $100,000 to $500,000. This initiative, established to aid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on enhancing public access to the arts and fostering cultural vibrancy in economically marginalized neighborhoods.

The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) aims to uplift Philadelphia's creative sector by distributing $1.5 million to individual artists and small creative enterprises with budgets under $500,000. This initiative, established by the Philadelphia City Council in 2021, supports artists from historically underfunded communities, enhancing access to the arts in marginalized neighborhoods. Administered by Creative Philadelphia, ITAG fosters cultural vibrancy and resilience post-COVID-19, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to strengthen the city's artistic landscape.

The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) supports small nonprofit arts organizations in Philadelphia with operating budgets under $100,000. A total of $1.5 million will be allocated to enhance creative practices and expand access to the arts in underserved neighborhoods. This initiative, established in 2021, seeks to uplift historically marginalized communities and foster Philadelphia's cultural vibrancy while ensuring equitable distribution of funds through collaboration with local advisory committees.

The Philadelphia DAO Forfeiture Fund aims to utilize forfeited funds to support community organizations addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and anti-crime initiatives. This fund prioritizes grassroots groups with smaller budgets that help Philadelphians avoid crime and poverty. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Philadelphia and have a proven track record of relevant programming. Grants cannot be used for capital projects, and preference is given to programs supporting food access and housing resources.

The Visionary Leadership Fund Grant, managed by the Valentine Foundation since 2005, aims to support leadership development for women and aspiring leaders in the Greater Philadelphia area. By funding organizations that primarily serve women and girls, the grant fosters community, effectiveness, and innovation among under-represented groups, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This initiative is committed to closing equity gaps in non-profit leadership, ensuring diverse voices lead the way towards transformative social change.

The Morris Auto Parts 101 Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports motivated students in automotive trade programs in Philadelphia County. Celebrating 101 years, this fund enables students in grades 9-12 to participate in competitions like SkillsUSA. It aims to enhance skills in various automotive fields, fostering talent and opportunity for aspiring young mechanics. Through this initiative, TFEC promotes educational growth and community development in the region.

The Nelson Foundation's Core Grant Program offers multi-year, general operating support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Region, focusing on racial equity and social justice. Grants amount to $60,000 over three years, aimed at eradicating racial inequity and social injustice. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to equity, serve young people and their families, and have total annual expenses under $2.5 million. Applications are accepted from nonprofits with 501(c)3 status.

The Atlantis Scholarship for Excellence in Medicine, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a four-year award of up to $50,000 annually for students committed to pursuing medical degrees. Eligible applicants include graduates of Indian River High School and the University of Delaware DIMER Medical Program. Recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. This initiative aims to support aspiring medical professionals in Delaware, fostering equity and opportunity in education.

Who we are

For more than a century, Philadelphia Foundation has increased philanthropic investment in the community, fostering the economic, civic and social vitality of Greater Philadelphia.

We take charitable dollars further through our deep relationships in the community, close connections with local nonprofits and 100-year history of building positive outcomes in the Philadelphia region.

Born of a desire for more powerful, permanent funding to address community needs, we collaborate with thousands of individuals, families and businesses to advance this goal, always with an eye on the future. As we enter our second century of service, our vision remains grounded in the needs of today and tomorrow and is shaped by the values we hold close, including excellence, diversity, equity and results.

From Ben Franklin’s civic gift of 1,000 pounds sterling to Gerry Lenfest’s endowment for independent journalism, Philadelphia Foundation stewards legacies that strengthen the place we call home, improving lives today and for future generations.

Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Forfeiture Fund – Summer Camps, Cycling, Swimming & Athletic Programs 

Description

Forfeiture Fund

Pursuant to its obligations under the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances Forfeiture Act, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5802, and the final order entered on February 17, 2021(Sourovelis v. City of Philadelphia, Civ. Action No. 2:14-cv-04687-ER), the Office of the District Attorney of Philadelphia must utilize funds forfeited to it to support community-based anti-crime and anti-narcotics organizations.

Organizations may request support for:

• Summer Camps
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Athletic Programs 

Organizations may use funds to support anti-crime, anti-drug, anti-violence initiatives consistent with guidance from the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the United States Department of Justice. A non-exhaustive list of permissible uses based on these sources will be provided to grantee organizations. The Fund will prioritize requests from grassroots community groups with smaller budgets, defined as $950,000 or less. Grants are limited to organizations working with people in the city and county of Philadelphia.

Funding priorities

The Forfeiture Fund will accept applications from community-based organizations offering programs that align with the guidelines and a single focus area of this grant cycle. Applications which attempt to address all focus areas in a single application are likely to be declined.

Priority will be given to:

• Organizations with annual operating budgets at or below $950,000 
• Organizations that can demonstrate a track record of running a summer camp, cycling, swimming and/or athletic programs 

The Hall of Scholars Scholarship, offered by the R.O.S.E. Foundation, recognizes high-achieving students who are committed to community service. Open to graduating high school seniors and African American college students in Bucks, Montgomery, or Philadelphia Counties, applicants must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA and provide proof of acceptance or enrollment at an accredited institution. This scholarship honors both academic excellence and dedication to community service, empowering students to further their education.

The Sarah Ralston Foundation provides General Operating Support Grants to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable older adults in Philadelphia County. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 and is aimed at nonprofit organizations meeting specific eligibility criteria. The foundation emphasizes flexibility, allowing grantees to allocate resources effectively to fulfill their missions, while adhering to guiding principles that promote equity, diversity, and community engagement.

The Art Works Grant Program, initiated by the Philadelphia Foundation and Forman Arts Initiative, aims to empower Philadelphia artists and cultural organizations, particularly those serving BIPOC communities. With a budget of $3 million, the program offers annual grants of $25,000 for artists and between $75,000 and $150,000 for community organizations. Grantees also benefit from professional development workshops and consulting services to enhance their operational and artistic capabilities.