Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on literacy, children, the arts, social justice, or the environment can apply for Nora Roberts Foundation grants of up to US $5,000 to support projects or programming. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help literacy organizations cover program costs and, when tied to programming, some general operating needs.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of operation and a $100,000+ budget can seek funding for literacy and related skill-building programs that prepare people for work and thriving futures. RBC Foundation USA supports efforts such as job-specific language learning, youth career preparation, and other workforce readiness initiatives in communities where it has a business presence.

Nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries offering adult literacy services in Pennsylvania can apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Adult Literacy Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Funding supports adult basic education, GED or high school equivalency preparation, and English language acquisition for programs located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store.

Pennsylvania K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and within 36 months of the qualifying event.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, literacy, and essential community needs can apply for US $2,500 - US $5,000 grants supporting educational, charitable, religious, scientific, or literary programs. The Charles A. and Leona K. Gruber Foundation primarily favors Lehigh Valley schools and nonprofits addressing key local needs, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed each October.

Nonprofit and community-based providers in Pennsylvania offering adult and family literacy tutoring programs can seek funding to train and support volunteer instructors. With a mission to expand adult and family literacy education, Pennsylvania Department of Education provides support for community-based or peer tutoring, instructor training, administration, learner services, and outreach activities.

Nonprofit and public education providers in Pennsylvania offering adult basic education, literacy, and ESL services can apply for multi-year Adult Basic Education Direct Service grants. Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education support full-service, year-round instruction, student support, workforce preparation, and digital literacy for undereducated adults and English language learners across the commonwealth.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, and public libraries offering family literacy programs in Pennsylvania can seek funding for adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for programs within 15 miles of a Dollar General store in states where it operates.

Schools, public libraries, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania can receive up to US $5,000 to improve K–12 youth literacy, including struggling readers and English learners. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports implementing or expanding literacy programs, and purchasing books, materials, technology, or equipment for eligible sites within 20 miles of a Dollar General store.

Nonprofit organizations, public libraries, and schools in Pennsylvania can access funding to create or expand summer reading programs for Pre-K–12 students, including new, below-grade-level, or learning-disabled readers. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation support literacy initiatives within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, with awards up to US $3,000.

The Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant supports NEA state affiliates in enhancing coordinated events that celebrate diverse reading. This grant encourages proposals aimed at providing students with access to diverse books, addressing challenges such as curriculum bans. Activities may include guest readings, establishing diverse book clubs, and promoting literacy through community engagement. Applications are open only to state affiliates, with a strong emphasis on year-round reading awareness.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit organizations focused on K–12 literacy, mentoring, or tutoring in Pennsylvania can seek support for programs that advance economic mobility through education. TruStage Foundation provides U.S. education and housing nonprofits with grants and sponsorships, prioritizing communities working to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities, including those serving students at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and public libraries in Pennsylvania with established, successful literacy programs can seek funding for reading-focused projects, including ESOL and Braille-related initiatives. Focused on literacy, the Potash Family Foundation invites U.S. programs serving communities with high poverty or low reading scores to apply for up to US $10,000, with grants renewable for up to three years.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Pennsylvania providing adult or teen literacy, ESOL, high school equivalency, math, or family literacy instruction can receive US $500 - US $2,000 in New Readers Press materials. Grants from ProLiteracy help eligible programs access books and educational resources to use directly with learners and literacy staff across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations and qualifying public or governmental entities supporting literacy, education, or community programs in the U.S., including Pennsylvania, may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Amgen Foundation help organizations running humanitarian, social, literacy, and related community initiatives, including charitable programs and fundraising events, that are outside the U.S. healthcare community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania that provide direct literacy services to students can receive operating support through the Literacy Opportunity Fund, funded by the Nora Roberts Foundation and administered by ProLiteracy. Grants up to US $6,000 help cover salaries, technology, supplies, space rental, or specific literacy projects, with awards made quarterly across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania working on youth empowerment, literacy, education, wellness, hunger, or child abuse prevention can seek support to expand services for underprivileged children. Dale Jr Foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) groups nationwide whose programs build confidence, improve educational access, and offer holistic care and hope to young people facing adversity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Wayne County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for literacy, arts, education, health, environment, and other community programs and projects. Grants from Wayne County Community Foundation help Pennsylvania nonprofits launch new initiatives, expand services, or strengthen organizational capacity, with preference for proposals addressing significant community needs and reaching many residents.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington County, Pennsylvania, seeking to strengthen literacy or lifelong learning programs can request US $5,000 - US $50,000 for capacity-building projects such as data systems, strategic planning, or program expansion. Washington County Community Foundation supports efforts that enhance educational experiences and overall organizational effectiveness, with one focused project per application cycle.

The Learning Engineering Tools Competition is a significant funding opportunity aimed at fostering educational technology innovations. It seeks to leverage digital tools, big data, and learning science to improve learner outcomes globally. This competition encourages diverse participants, from students to established companies, to develop solutions that can generate valuable learning data. By promoting collaboration among educators, researchers, and tech innovators, the initiative aims to advance the field of learning engineering and enhance educational practices.

The Helmer Rabild Charitable Trust Grant aims to support impactful projects in Crawford County, PA, particularly those addressing community needs with demonstrated demand. Eligible organizations must have a minimum of three years of operation and provide measurable outcomes for funded programs. The Trust favors initiatives that enhance year-round programming, collaborate with other organizations, and ensure financial accountability while avoiding duplication of existing services.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Public libraries and youth-serving nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania can seek funding for literacy-based programs that directly deliver services to a defined target population. With a mission to advance literacy, Pizza Hut Foundation provides bi-annual Slice of Literacy Community Grants up to US $10,000 for organizations near a local Pizza Hut in the U.S., Guam, or D.C.

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Golden Goldman Fund

The Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund’s mission is to maximize local impact in support of: Women’s issues including reproduction and choice; Arts and Culture; Literacy; Reducing Income Inequality; and Judaism.

Funding will be awarded based on your proposal's potential impact. We will be looking at the applying organizations' fiscal viability and their ability to reach out to underserved individuals as part of our evaluation process. We do not usually provide funding for ongoing, existing programs.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship

For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person.