Best Grants for Women in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania nonprofits providing education, women and girl services, or human and social services can access funding through the Lozier Foundation’s Education Application. The foundation prioritizes underrepresented communities in urban areas and locations within the Lozier corporate footprint, and supports general operating, program, and capital needs for eligible organizations serving women and girls.

Pennsylvania colleges, universities, and conference offices serving women and ethnic minorities in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level administrative internships. This Division II grant provides US $30,000 for intern salary plus additional professional development support for positions focused on areas like compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

Pennsylvania NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to improve ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time mid- to senior-level administrative positions over five years, with duties such as strategic planning, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare; similar applicants in other eligible regions may also apply.

Larger, established U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education or health programs can receive US $10,000 - US $75,000 to expand proven initiatives serving underserved populations. L B Research and Education Foundation provides Pennsylvania women- and girl-serving organizations with support for adolescent, post-secondary, and adult vocational education, as well as innovative physical and mental health access and workforce development efforts.

NCAA Division II member schools creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can receive US $48,000 over three years for salary, wages, and benefits. With a mission to advance inclusive athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides support that Pennsylvania institutions serving women and girls in sports may be able to leverage.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions in Pennsylvania seeking to fund full-time athletics administration roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion may be eligible for this Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association support helps expand ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics leadership, covering responsibilities like strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare.

Eligible NCAA Division III member institutions in Pennsylvania can use this grant to fund newly created assistant coaching positions that enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in any NCAA-sponsored sport. The National Collegiate Athletic Association provides two years of salary, wage, and benefit support, with schools required to match the funded compensation annually.

Established nonprofit organizations supporting women and girls, education, or human services can seek general operating, program, or capital funding from the Lozier Foundation, including work in Pennsylvania. With a mission to expand opportunity and strengthen communities, the Lozier Foundation prioritizes urban areas, underrepresented communities, and locations where Lozier has a corporate footprint.

Established nonprofits providing women and girl services, education, or human services in Pennsylvania can seek program funding to expand opportunity and strengthen communities. The Lozier Foundation provides support primarily for underrepresented and urban communities within its U.S. footprint, reviewing applications on a rolling basis after an invitation and Letter of Intent process.

Women and nonbinary adult students pursuing technical, vocational, associate’s, or first bachelor’s degrees can receive non-tuition education support through Jeannette Rankin Foundation’s Emerge Grant. The program provides up to US $12,500 for Georgia and Montana residents, which may interest Pennsylvania organizations that advise or refer women seeking scholarship-style assistance elsewhere.

Pennsylvania women- and girl-serving nonprofits and educational institutions can access funding through American Association of University Women for community-based STEM programs for girls in grades K–12. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups may receive up to US $50,000 for hands-on STEM learning, mentorship, and confidence-building experiences that encourage girls toward STEM education and careers.

AAUW branches and state organizations in Pennsylvania providing hands-on STEM education programs for girls in grades K–12 can access funding through American Association of University Women (AAUW). Grants up to US $10,000 support skill-building, confidence and identity in STEM, college and career preparation, and connections with women STEM mentors to advance gender equity for girls.

Doctoral students at U.S. universities researching 19th–early 21st century Russian/Soviet history can receive up to US $28,000 for dissertation research or completion, including projects in women’s and gender studies. With a mission to advance regional scholarship, ASEEES provides Pennsylvania gender studies scholars with fellowships that support archival work and writing in Eastern Europe, Eurasia, or related sites.

Female high school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree and interested in women and girl services can receive scholarship support in Pennsylvania and beyond through the Erie County Community Foundation’s College Women's Club Charitable Fund Scholarship. Eligible students must attend one of several specified high schools and have a minimum 3.5 GPA, with financial need considered.

Female adult students in Pennsylvania working on higher education or vocational goals may be eligible for this scholarship supporting women whose education was interrupted. With a mission to strengthen communities, Erie County Community Foundation provides aid to women residents of select Ohio counties enrolled in 2–4 year nonprofit, accredited U.S. degree or vocational programs.

Female high school seniors in Erie, Huron, or Ottawa County, Ohio planning to study STEM or medical fields can apply for the Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund from Erie County Community Foundation. This academic scholarship supports women pursuing higher education at accredited nonprofit colleges, universities, community colleges, or vocational schools in the U.S.

Women returning to the workforce who are survivors of domestic violence and demonstrate financial need may be eligible for scholarships supporting education and training, including those in Pennsylvania. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington’s YWCA Clark County Chan Barnett Scholarship awards US $1,000 - US $4,000 and prioritizes renewal applicants in good academic and financial standing.

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 20 Years of Women of Worth

For 20 years, L’Oréal Paris has honored women who uplift their communities through service. These non-profit leaders, our Women of Worth, each receive $25,000 to support their causes, mentorship from the L’Oréal Paris network and a national platform to share their stories.

About Us

Our Vision

Rachel’s Network envisions a healthy, thriving, and just world where all people enjoy a life of dignity and well-being in harmony with nature.

Our Mission

Rachel’s Network is a community of women at the intersection of environmental advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership. Our mission is to promote women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth.

Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award celebrates mid-career women of color who are building a healthier, safer, and more just world.

About the Award

Each year, the Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award provides women environmental leaders of color with personal ($15,000) and organizational ($10,000, if applicable) grants, wraparound leadership services, and public recognition.

Women and LGBTQ+ adult learners in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. pursuing technical, vocational, associate’s, or first bachelor’s degrees can apply for Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grants, which provide up to US $2,500 in unrestricted non-tuition support. Eligible applicants are age 35 or older, demonstrate financial need, and attend accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions.

Pennsylvania high school senior girls pursuing a college degree in business studies can access funding through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship. This one-time award, ranging from US $500 - US $10,000, supports a graduating Central Dauphin School District student with financial need and promotes educational access for women and girls.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.

The Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women awards up to $2,000 to 5-8 eligible postdoctoral women for travel to meetings, laboratory visits, or courses to enhance their research and leadership skills. This grant, offered by the American Society for Microbiology, aims to support women with significant scientific achievements in their professional development while encouraging ongoing engagement with ASM.

The Alvin & Kathryn Schmidt Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners, particularly women aged 21 and older returning to education. This non-renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of education for residents of Crown Point, IN, and aims to enhance their quality of life by providing essential financial assistance. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on criteria set by generous community donors, ensuring tailored support for individual needs.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers a $3000 Continuing Education Scholarship to support Maine women pursuing accredited college or training programs. Since 1962, this initiative has empowered women to achieve economic self-sufficiency through educational funding. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents, have completed at least one year of college, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is a vital resource for women committed to enhancing their education and career prospects.