Best Philadelphia Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

The Claneil Foundation, established in 1968 in Philadelphia, aims to enhance community health through support for non-profit organizations. The Community Fund Grant offers $90,000 over three years to eligible groups with budgets under $1 million, focusing on deep-rooted community engagement. Applications are encouraged from organizations addressing critical issues like hunger and nutrition, with a deadline of December 2, 2025. This initiative fosters sustainable solutions for local communities.

The Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund: Catalyst Grants, initiated in 2014 by the Open Space Institute, aims to enhance water resource management and land protection. These grants support organizations addressing climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous-led groups. Funded projects should integrate science into conservation plans, focusing on water quality and stewardship. The initiative collaborates with the William Penn Foundation to ensure sustainable water practices across the Delaware River watershed.

Eligible local governments, educational institutions, public authorities, and incorporated nonprofits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can seek funding for coastal planning, design, education, construction, acquisition, and research projects. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection offers up to US $75,000 for initiatives in the designated coastal and non-point pollution areas, prioritizing public access, polluted runoff reduction, coastal hazards, and environmental justice.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

The Erie Insurance Giving Network Grant supports organizations focused on community building, safety, and environmental responsibility. Grants under $10,000 can be submitted at any time, while larger requests follow specific deadlines. Priority is given to organizations with community representation in their governing bodies. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and municipalities. The initiative emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with ERIE's corporate values.

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 van Ameringen Foundation is dedicated to enhancing mental health services for underserved communities in New York City and Philadelphia. It supports innovative programs focused on early intervention, advocacy, and accessibility. Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000, depending on the type of service provided. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations addressing mental health needs. The Foundation aims to foster systemic change and improve public understanding of mental health issues.

The Edna G. Kynett Memorial Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance cardiovascular health in the Delaware Valley. Established in 1954, it funds community health, professional education, and research programs targeting high-risk and underserved populations. The Foundation prioritizes innovative proposals focused on prevention and sustainable health improvements, particularly for children and adults. Grants typically do not exceed $50,000 and cover direct program expenses. Eligible applicants include public entities and 501(c)(3) organizations.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, initiated in 2018, aims to enhance ecosystems in the Delaware River watershed through grants supporting habitat restoration and water quality improvement. With $72.1 million awarded to 239 projects, it has significantly impacted over 26 miles of riparian habitat and 77 miles of stream habitat, along with conserving 1,176 acres of wetlands. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also emphasizes outdoor recreation and community vitality in the region.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, supports music education and philanthropy through capital support grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Eligible organizations include non-profit, 501(c)(3) music education and performance entities located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Projects funded may include construction, renovation, or equipment purchases. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance music education while excluding non-music related venues and general operating expenses.

The Local Share Account (LSA) Grants in Philadelphia, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, provide funding derived from slot machine license fees. These grants support various initiatives including economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and community improvement projects that enhance public interest within the city. Eligible applicants can access funds to foster growth and uplift local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region providing sustained programs for young people and their families can receive multi-year general operating support to advance racial equity and social justice. Grants from Grace S & W Linton Nelson Foundation offer US $60,000 over three years for organizations under $2.5 million in annual expenses serving Philadelphia-area communities impacted by systemic racism.

The Philadelphia FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance program focuses on enhancing economic development in distressed areas. Through grants, it supports planning efforts that lead to job creation and private investment. Eligible recipients, including local organizations and Indian Tribes, can develop strategic economic goals via Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative aims to guide local economies towards resilience and prosperity by funding essential planning activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania addressing food insecurity for women and their families can seek general operating support, with awards of US $20,000, from the Giving Circle of Women’s Connection Philadelphia. With a mission to improve the lives of women and children, The Transition Network provides funding for programs like food banks, community gardens, meal services, and nutrition 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 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.

Philadelphia-area 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets between $300,000 and $3,000,000 can seek $100,000 in core mission support, including infrastructure, staff, and primary programs. Organizations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties working in arts and culture, education, environment, family, or health and wellness may be eligible for Impact100 Philadelphia’s high-impact funding.

The Beckman Center Fellowships at the Science History Institute offer 12-month postdoctoral opportunities for scholars engaged in research on science, medicine, and technology. These fellowships support full-time research and participation in a vibrant scholarly community. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree or defend their dissertation by July 2026, and they receive a stipend of $50,000, along with additional funding for travel and health insurance. Ideal for researchers seeking collaborative engagement.

The Beckman Center Fellowships offer 12-month postdoctoral research opportunities at the Science History Institute, aimed at scholars who have completed their doctoral studies. With a stipend of $50,000, fellows engage in research, contribute to scholarly programs, and benefit from a vibrant academic community. Applicants must reside within 20 miles of Philadelphia, ensuring active participation in institute activities. This unique fellowship promotes the historical study of science, medicine, and technology, fostering global collaboration among researchers.

The Beckman Center Fellowships at the Science History Institute offer distinguished scholars a unique opportunity to conduct research on the history of chemical and molecular science. These four-month fellowships, which come with a stipend of $20,000, require residents to engage with the institute's collections and contribute to the scholarly community through lectures and mentorship. Open to senior academics and independent scholars, this program fosters collaboration within a vibrant research environment.

The NASA + DESGC Graduate Fellowships provide $36,000 stipends to exceptional graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at DESGC member institutions. This one-year fellowship is designed for U.S. citizens, supporting their academic pursuits while fostering innovation in these vital fields. Eligible candidates must demonstrate high qualifications and a commitment to advancing knowledge in their respective disciplines.

Arts and cultural 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with budgets between $250,000 and $5 million can receive US $75,000 - US $150,000 in two-year, unrestricted support for community-rooted work. Focused on arts and culture, Philadelphia Foundation’s Art Works program also funds collaborative projects with BIPOC and underserved communities and offers professional development and Drexel co-op support.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The Philadelphia Local News Sustainability Initiative, launched by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, is a two-year, $2 million grant program aimed at supporting local news organizations in Philadelphia. It will provide core operating support and capacity-building funding to eligible for-profit and nonprofit entities with operating budgets between $500,000 and $5 million. The initiative aims to enhance sustainability through digital transformation and community engagement, awarding up to 16 grants, totaling $2 million.