Best Philadelphia Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

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.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

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.

Committed to Local

For 150 years, Univest has cultivated a philanthropic spirit and the strength of our Committed To Local giving program is one of the things that differentiates us. We know that Univest is only as strong as the communities we serve. Over the course of the year, we remained steadfast to our commitment to giving back. 

Commitment To Community

To better serve the communities where we live and work, we offer strong leadership, employee volunteerism, and financial support to organizations whose programs and services complement our brand and mission.

Philanthropic Giving

Whether it's serving longtime partnerships or building new relationships with registered 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations, we focus our giving, event sponsorships, and funding in the following areas:

• Youth and Education
• Health and Social Services
• Community and Economic Development
• Arts and Culture 

Event Sponsorships

Support is intended for Univest customers. You're in the right place if you're seeking support for an event sponsorship.

The Univest Local Philanthropic Giving Program has a rich history of supporting local communities for over 150 years. With a focus on youth education, health services, economic development, and arts, Univest empowers registered nonprofits in Greater Philadelphia and beyond. Their commitment is evident through employee volunteerism and financial contributions, ensuring stronger community ties. This program primarily supports Univest customers, reinforcing the belief that a strong business is rooted in a thriving community.

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.

Mission and Areas of Interest

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation is a charitable foundation established by Brook J. Lenfest in 2000. It is dedicated to making people aware of positive life choices and providing support and opportunities for those motivated to pursue them. Its grants focus mainly on education, job training and mentoring programs.

The Brook J. Lenfest Foundation only accepts letters of inquiry or grant proposals from qualified tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation will consider requests for operating support, specific program or project support and for capital support. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $50,000.

The Civic Science Media Project Grants, offered by Montclair State University's Center for Cooperative Media, aim to enhance local journalism and foster collaboration between scientists and media. With up to $15,000 available for each of the 10 awards, projects should promote community engagement in scientific discourse, focusing on pressing issues like climate change and public health. This initiative encourages diverse participation, ensuring that local voices shape the narrative and enhance public understanding of science.

The Henrietta Tower Wurts Memorial Grants, managed by The Philadelphia Foundation, support nonprofits in Philadelphia that serve disadvantaged children, youth, and the elderly. With a focus on impactful programs, the foundation offers modest grants to organizations with operating budgets under $2.5 million and 501(c)(3) status. The grants prioritize projects that contribute significantly to their mission, while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

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.

The Philadelphia City Community Fund offers annual grants to support local organizations aiming to enhance community well-being. With an average annual funding of $250,000, it prioritizes small nonprofits providing out-of-school time (OST) programming for youth. Eligible applicants must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and address specific community needs, particularly in designated priority ZIP codes. This initiative aligns with the city's commitment to improving quality of life through equitable access to essential services and resources for children and families.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

The Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower youth in underserved communities, addressing racial inequities and promoting wellness. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 and are available for youth programming and capital improvement projects. Eligible organizations must serve low-to-moderate income communities, have diverse leadership, and engage local Foot Locker teams in volunteer efforts. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for youth by connecting them with essential services and mentorship.

The Alston Beech Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations with clear, identifiable needs in the North Central Philadelphia area. Grants are available for strategic planning, program expansion, organizational capacity building, and initiatives focused on education, arts, and community safety. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, operational for at least two years, and comply with specific income and employment criteria. Applications are limited to one per organization annually, promoting sustainable community development.

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 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 Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF) continues to support the city's arts and culture sector through its FY25 grants, focusing on returning organizations with budgets of $1.5M or less. In this streamlined process, new applicants are not accepted, emphasizing the importance of established organizations in enhancing Philadelphia's cultural vitality. PCF aims to advocate for the arts as drivers of community growth and to promote participation across diverse constituencies, recognizing both emerging and established contributors in the field.

The Christopher Ludwick Foundation, established in 1995, honors the legacy of Christopher Ludwick by providing grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the education of underprivileged children in Philadelphia. With an endowment of nearly $6 million and annual grants exceeding $250,000, the foundation focuses on funding projects that enhance educational opportunities for K-12 students. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, targeting children within Philadelphia's city limits.

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 Philadelphia Chapter of The Transition Network Grant supports local nonprofits focused on juvenile justice for youth aged 10-18. This initiative aims to aid organizations that address the needs of youth interacting with or at risk of the juvenile justice system. The Giving Circle, dedicated to empowering women and children in Philadelphia, seeks grantees committed to inclusivity and community engagement. Eligible organizations must have a budget of $2 million or less and a history of impactful service.

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 Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Union Benevolent Association is offering the Spring Direct Service Grant aimed at nonprofits serving Southwest Philadelphia. With a focus on improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities, grants up to $20,000 will be awarded to support essential needs such as food, shelter, and advocacy efforts. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget under $2 million and prioritize basic needs. This initiative reflects UBA's long-standing commitment to community support and strategic funding.

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.