Best Philadelphia Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

Foundation for Delaware County

Our Mission

To ensure an equitable, vibrant future for Delaware County by promoting generosity, inspiring participation and partnership across our communities, and improving the quality of life for all.

The Foundation for Delaware County works with individuals, private foundations, nonprofits, and businesses to move Delaware County forward.

Partners in Giving RFP

This collaborative effort between The Community’s Foundation (TCF) and The Foundation for Delaware County (the Foundation) is designed to support nonprofits serving Delaware County by reducing duplication, improving access to resources, and creating a more seamless funding experience. Through greater alignment of processes, shared expertise, and coordinated opportunities, nonprofits can more easily navigate support systems, strengthen their organizational capacity, while maximizing the collective benefit to the community.

Rather than duplicating efforts, TCF and the Foundation will work side-by-side to identify where joint action can yield greater results, whether through shared tools that make grant applications more accessible, coordinated timelines that reduce administrative burden for grantee partners, or aligned funding priorities that direct resources toward the community’s highest needs.

This approach fosters stronger relationships between the two foundations and with the nonprofit sector, builds mutual understanding of local challenges and opportunities, and reinforces the shared commitment to equitable, high-impact philanthropy in Delaware County.

This spirit of partnership is reflected in specific initiatives that make it easier for nonprofits to engage with both foundations and focus more of their energy on delivering impact.

Funding Priorities

For the 2026 Partners in Giving Grant cycle, this collective effort will consider awarding grant funds to organizations that focus on community development, health, hospice and homecare, support for cancer survivors, and youth development.

Eligible organizations may apply for funding under any of the funding priorities, selecting one area that aligns most closely with their mission and proposed activities. The application should demonstrate outcomes within at least one of the following types of outcomes:

Types of Outcomes

Safety Net – Provide basic assistance to ensure well-being and prevent dire outcomes for individuals facing economic hardship, health issues, or other challenges.

Preventive – Intervene before problems arise, reducing factors that lead to negative outcomes and enhancing protective factors that contribute to well-being and success. This can include Out-Of-School Time programming.

Systems Change – Target the root causes of social issues to change structures, such as public policies and regulations that enable systems to function better.

Organizational Development – Strengthen effectiveness and capacity through planned change in an organization’s processes, systems, structures, or leadership.

Eligible organizations may submit one application to support their efforts in advancing the funding priorities above. Organizations can apply for a single year only.

Partners in Giving: Community Development

The 2026 Partners in Giving initiative will consider awarding grants of up to $10,000 to organizations working alongside Delaware County residents to address community-identified needs and strengthen local connections. Grants may support efforts such as community engagement, planning, or coordination activities, adult education, including English as a Second Language (ESL), and other learning opportunities that expand access, build skills, and elevate resident voice. These grants are intended to help organizations pilot ideas, respond to emerging needs, and lay the groundwork for longer-term community impact.

All grant proceeds must be used to provide programs and services in and for Delaware County residents.

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 Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Jaws Youth Playbook

Jaws Youth Playbook (JYP) - formerly Jaws Youth Fund - is the foundation of Former Eagles QB and NFL Analyst, Ron Jaworski and his wife, Liz Jaworski. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit has been working hard to improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth in the Greater Philadelphia Region for 40+ years! We invest in our youth and their future through the building of playgrounds and ballfields, providing much needed sports equipment, supporting Summer Meals programs and healthy nutrition in underserved communities AND MORE!

Grants

Together as a Community, we can spread joy & change the lives of at-risk youth throughout our shared spirit of giving. Children do not have the choice of their zip code. We take great pride in providing underprivileged youth in the Greater Philadelphia area with access to much needed safe places to play, access to healthy food and programs to keep them on the right track. We strive to make our community healthier & happier for all.

What is the Grant?

A one-time grant between $500 – $25,000 for PROJECT-BASED resources (such as playgrounds, ball-fields, and community gardens) that enrich at-risk youths’ lives, giving them access to safe places to play and thrive!

Focused on education and economic mobility, BLBB Charitable invites Greater Philadelphia 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek Education & Leadership Impact Grants supporting operating, project, and capacity-building needs. Organizations in Philadelphia and nearby counties working on youth development, college and career access, economic self-sufficiency, and local environmental education may be eligible.

The William Penn Foundation's RFP invites proposals aimed at improving public spaces in Greater Philadelphia through inclusive design. Projects should focus on enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Solutions may involve removing barriers and creating welcoming environments in public areas such as parks, libraries, and community centers. Collaborative approaches that leverage partnerships are encouraged to maximize impact and effectiveness in achieving these goals.

The Mini Grant for Transportation, known as Ride for Health, aims to assist residents of the Greater Phoenixville area who lack transportation to essential healthcare or social service appointments. This initiative by the Phoenixville Health Care Foundation provides funding for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, as well as SEPTA transportation passes. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to support their clients' transportation needs, ensuring access to vital health and social services.

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.

The Caesars Foundation supports community-focused organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, prioritizing strategic areas like social equity, climate action, and mental health. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Requests must align with these focus areas to enhance community impact. Organizations that discriminate or operate outside the U.S. are ineligible. By fostering collaboration, the foundation aims to uplift vulnerable populations and promote sustainable practices.

The Hilles Fund Grant supports programs that serve vulnerable populations in Philadelphia and Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. With grants ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, it prioritizes initiatives that provide children, youth, and women with pathways to economic independence, including educational opportunities and social services. The fund also values advocacy efforts aligned with its mission and gives preference to organizations with operating budgets under $2 million.

With a mission to expand access and equity, William Penn Foundation provides Philadelphia, Pennsylvania arts and culture nonprofits and public institutions with project funding for inclusive performances, exhibitions, and cultural programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations under $750,000 in annual expenses can propose up-to-two-year projects that engage diverse audiences and improve quality of life across the region.

The William Penn Foundation aims to enhance voter participation in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania by addressing disparities in voter turnout among various demographic groups. With an increasing number of registered voters, the foundation focuses on educating underrepresented communities about the electoral process. By analyzing voter turnout trends and collaborating with research institutions, they strive to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, particularly those from communities of color, have the opportunity to make their voices heard in elections.

The Pincus Fund for Hunger Relief, established in 1983, aims to alleviate hunger in the Philadelphia area. It provides bi-annual grants of $1,000 to local organizations within a 50-mile radius, focusing on food pantries, meal programs, and urban farms. The fund supports initiatives that enhance food access, including storage and transportation needs. Applications are accepted in March/April and November, with a commitment to strengthening existing community programs.

The WSFS Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing community investment, providing affordable housing, and promoting education and leadership development. The foundation emphasizes initiatives that are innovative and sustainable, fostering diversity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must align with the foundation's vision and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. This grant encourages programs that improve the quality of life and economic well-being within the communities it serves.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers Literacy Program Grants aimed at advancing literacy and fostering a love of reading among underserved children. Grants support innovative programs in regions including Baltimore, New York City, and San Francisco, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and schools. The foundation encourages new ideas and partnerships, prioritizing programs that engage children through regular interaction with skilled staff.

The William Penn Foundation's Arts Education School Partnership Programs aim to enhance student success in Philadelphia by increasing access to diverse, hands-on arts education led by skilled teaching artists. With a focus on youth engagement and creativity, these programs are designed for children aged 5-18 and strive to create safe spaces for self-expression and personal development. This initiative addresses the disparities in arts education access for low-income families, promoting social-emotional skills and critical thinking through innovative learning experiences.

WalkWorks Community Capacity-Building Pre-Planning Assistance Program

The Department of Health is working to increase equity and ensure that communities most in need are able to pursue WalkWorks planning funds.

WalkWorks is pleased to announce its fourth round of technical assistance to support low-capacity, high-interest municipalities with the pre-planning steps they must undertake to be ready to apply for funding to develop Active Transportation Plans. 

Purpose of Program

Creating healthier places for all is the basis for the program’s technical assistance support. Preparing communities to invest in pedestrian-, bicycle-, ADA accessibility-, and public transportation-supportive plans and facilities will in turn create opportunities for people to engage in physical activity as they travel to everyday destinations. Physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduces risk for many chronic diseases. The prevalence of obesity and overweight for both adults and children has reached epidemic proportions throughout the nation, as well as in Pennsylvania. In addition, many people suffering from anxiety, depression, and mood swings find walking has a calming effect on mood. The Pennsylvania State Health Improvement Planiii (SHIP) identifies a goal to increase the population at a healthy weight through increasing availability and accessibility of physical activity.

Our Guiding Vision

A community where strong and accessible education can expand worlds and change lives.

History of the Trust

The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust comprises two generations of the Hamilton family with a long history of philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. Since 1992, the family has been committed to improving educational opportunities for children and youth, a mission established by Dorrance (Dodo) Hamilton (1928–2017), mother and grandmother of the family Trustees. The family extended their philanthropic reach to Palm Beach County, FL and Aquidneck Island, RI in 2017. The family convenes four times annually to honor this legacy, supporting myriad programs that enhance the lives of the young people they serve.

Hamilton Family Foundation Grant

Program Focus

• Data-driven literacy-based programs focused on developing robust reading and writing skills with a strong history of success.
  • These can be programs that:
    • Take place during school hours, after school, or during the summer.
    • Take place across school systems, but the funding can support only nonsectarian programming including within a religious institution.
  • Grades K-8 programs should devote at least 70 percent of their time directly to instruction and activities in reading and writing.
  • Grades 9-12 programs should provide innovative approaches to students in under-resourced areas for success in higher education, from the college admission process and acceptance through to completion.
  • Youth workforce development programs that focus on quality career exploration and preparation initiatives.
  • Recreational programs with a strong academic component.

Things To Consider

• First-time grants: generally designated for program support. The Trust rarely funds new staff positions for initial grants.
• Continuing partners: generally made for either programmatic or operational support.
• Multi-year grants: requests are typically reserved for grantees with five (5) years or more of consecutive funding from the Trust. Multi-year grants require approval prior to application submission. Approval is generally communicated in response to the LOI.

Nonprofit organizations serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and nearby counties can receive funding for programs, direct services, general operations, and capital projects through the Connelly Foundation. Focus areas include Catholic education, human services, arts and culture, and civic renewal. Established 501(c)(3) organizations with strong leadership and a solid track record are preferred.

The Innovative Project Support Grant by the Sarah Ralston Foundation aims to fund projects enhancing health care delivery and addressing social factors affecting older adults in Philadelphia. Grants range from $25,000 to $125,000 for innovative initiatives that effectively tackle significant challenges faced by underserved communities. Eligible applicants must align with the Foundation's mission and demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable older populations, promoting sustainable and impactful solutions.

The Art and Change Grant offers up to $2,500 to women, trans, and gender nonconforming artists in Greater Philadelphia for projects that foster social change. This grant emphasizes collaborative processes with a Change Partner, promoting community engagement through various artistic mediums. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a commitment to social justice. The initiative seeks to empower artists to create impactful work that challenges societal norms and inspires transformation.

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 Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation offers discretionary grants aimed at initiating or supporting projects that can be completed with a single grant in a short timeframe. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes emergency grants for urgent needs that threaten the existence of an agency or its programs. However, it rarely awards grants for ongoing support or projects outside the Greater Philadelphia area.

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.

Cytokinetics is dedicated to enhancing diversity in STEM education for underrepresented students in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region. Their funding supports innovative educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math. By empowering the next generation of science leaders, Cytokinetics aims to create pathways to college and future success in the STEM fields.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.