Best Potter County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Nonprofits and conservation partners restoring forests, rivers, and streams in Potter County, Pennsylvania can seek US $75,000 - US $500,000 for habitat projects that benefit native birds and aquatic species. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program funds voluntary forest management, riparian restoration, barrier removal, and landowner engagement across eligible Central Appalachian counties.

The Joe DeMott Port Allegany Community Development Fund, managed by the McKean County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Board Member Joe DeMott. This fund supports 501c3 organizations, schools, and municipalities by funding projects that enhance community development, education, and the arts within the Port Allegany School District. With a maximum grant of $1400, the fund aims to create lasting positive impacts in the community.

Focused on community vitality, rural 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Potter County, Pennsylvania can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen local resources and opportunities. Funding can support programs like ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, economic development, and similar community projects.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank's Youth Programs address child hunger, with initiatives like School Pantries, Kids Cafés, BackPack programs, and Summer Meals. These programs provide nutritious food to food-insecure children and families, ensuring they have access to healthy meals during school breaks and throughout the year. With over 1.2 million pounds of food distributed annually, these efforts support thousands of households, fostering both nutritional and educational development for children in central Pennsylvania.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

2026 Medication-Assisted Substance Use Treatment Grant Program 

Overview:

This is a noncompetitive funding announcement open to the 61 counties in Pennsylvania with a county jail. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications for funding under the 2026 Medication-Assisted Substance Use Treatment Grant Program. The primary purpose of this funding is to support counties seeking to increase opportunities to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), in combination with comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, to eligible offenders who meet the clinical criteria for an opioid use disorder or an alcohol use disorder, as determined by a physician, while incarcerated and upon release from a county jail. For purposes of this funding announcement, the term "Medication-Assisted Treatment" means the use of United States Food and Drug Administration-approved medications (buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone/Vivitrol), together with nonmedication treatment, as clinically indicated, to treat substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders. Administration of these medications along with comprehensive substance use disorder treatment will allow newly released participants to focus on immediate reentry needs.

Funded counties will adhere to program activities and requirements as discussed in this funding announcement and work collaboratively with local and state partners to ensure effective program operations and successful project outcomes.

Successful projects will allow county jails to better equip reentrants as they transition to the community.

Potter County, Pennsylvania environmental and water-focused organizations can access funding through Great Lakes Protection Fund for projects that deliver measurable, regionally significant improvements to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Eligible teams may include nonprofits, universities, government agencies, businesses, and individuals, provided their collaborative, science-based projects drive basin-wide change benefiting the Great Lakes, including Potter County’s portion of the watershed.

Nonprofits and conservation partners doing habitat and water-quality projects in Potter County, Pennsylvania can seek US $75,000 - US $500,000 implementation funding to restore and connect fish and wildlife habitat. Focused on environmental conservation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation invites projects improving ecosystems, freshwater resources, and climate resilience within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Potter County, Pennsylvania can use these grants for planning and technical assistance to improve habitat connectivity and conditions for at-risk and federally listed species. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation offers up to US $75,000 for community-based assessment, design, and other preparatory work supporting future on-the-ground restoration in the Chesapeake watershed.

Nonprofit organizations and institutions working on Great Lakes ecosystem health and climate resilience in Potter County, Pennsylvania may be eligible for more than US $10,000 to support their work. Grants from Fred A and Barbara M Erb Family Foundation help advance freshwater conservation, watershed health, environmental justice, and policy advocacy across the Great Lakes region.

About National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion.About Sustain Our Great Lakes Program

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership designed to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. The program achieves this mission, in part, by awarding grants for on-the-ground habitat restoration and enhancement.Funding priorities for this program include:

• Habitat Restoration to Conserve Species and Improve Water Quality
• Expand and Maintain Nature-Based Solutions in Great Lakes Communities
• Invasive Species Control to Protect and Enhance Restored Habitat
• Activate Restored Habitats and Natural Areas

Nonprofit and conservation partnerships restoring and connecting fish and wildlife habitat in Potter County, Pennsylvania can seek funding to support collaborative, landscape-scale projects. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake WILD Collaborative Conservation track offers up to US $200,000 to improve habitat condition and connectivity for at-risk and federally listed species within the Chesapeake watershed.

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Potter County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for critical infrastructure, public transportation, and workforce or business development projects that advance local economic growth. With a mission to strengthen Appalachia’s economy, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Appalachian communities with flexible, bottom-up Area Development investments across its multi-state region.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

State agencies or their designees implementing approved aquatic invasive species management plans in Great Lakes states can apply for US $100,000 - US $600,000 to support prevention and control projects, including work in Potter County, Pennsylvania. Grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service help advance invasive species control, wildlife management, and fish conservation under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Potter County, Pennsylvania can seek US $500 - US $5,000 to enhance local quality of life through community programs and projects. Grants from Charles B. Degenstein Foundation help support initiatives in education, health, social services, environmental conservation, arts and culture, civic affairs, beautification, and local economic or business development within its regional service area.

Educational and health-focused 501(c)(3) public charities, academic institutions, and government entities in Potter County, Pennsylvania can receive support to expand access to abortion and contraception. The Educational Foundation of America funds litigation, direct support for providers, abortion funds, and communications and advocacy efforts within its broader Appalachian-focused Reproductive Health & Justice program.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Potter County, Pennsylvania, working in arts, education, or family and human services can seek US $500 - US $3,000 to support community programs. Dermody Properties Foundation prioritizes children, the elderly, people with disabilities, those facing homelessness, substance abuse, and related youth and family services within 30 miles of its current projects.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

The Highmark Foundation provides high-impact grants aimed at enhancing community health in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It supports evidence-based programs that address critical health issues, including chronic diseases, family health, and access to care. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate sustainable solutions and collaboration with community partners. By funding diverse health-related projects, it aims to improve the well-being of underserved populations, ensuring that vital health interventions reach those in need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Potter County, Pennsylvania and surrounding eligible counties can seek funding for education, community and recreation, health and human services, and arts and culture projects or programs. George and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation offers grants of more than US $1,000, including for capital projects, well-established programs, start-up funds, and new initiatives.

Nonprofits and local partners in Potter County, Pennsylvania working on economic diversification, workforce development, job creation, or broadband in coal-impacted communities can seek up to US $2,500,000 to plan or implement projects. With a mission to revitalize Appalachian coal communities, Appalachian Regional Commission supports strategic, collaborative efforts aligned with state and regional economic development plans.

The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants, offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the EPA, aim to enhance water quality and restore vital habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Funding is available through two programs: SWG Implementation grants for direct on-the-ground actions, and SWG Planning and Technical Assistance grants to support community-based efforts. Projects must align with specific program priorities to qualify for funding.

What We Do

Since our creation by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation foundation. We work with both the public and private sectors to protect and restore our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

NFWF supports conservation efforts across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Since our founding, we've funded over 23,300 rigorously evaluated projects, awarded to both large environmental organizations and small local initiatives. We do not fund advocacy or litigation, and do not conduct membership campaigns. Instead, we focus on achieving results and building a better future for our world.

Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership, is soliciting pre-proposals through the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) Grants program to improve water quality and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. Major funding for the INSR Grants program is provided by EPA, with other important contributions from Altria Group, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S. Forest Service. 

The Hamer Foundation

Our Mission:

The mission of The Hamer Foundation is to provide support to nonprofit organizations within a 100-mile radius of State College PA in the following areas: 

• Environmental Support – 50% of donations 
• Community Support – 35% of donations 
• Educational Support – 15% of donations