Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Pennsylvania

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Pennsylvania, may be eligible for support to advance new approaches or directions. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations addressing societal issues, which can include environmental justice and advocacy within broader human and social services work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health and welfare, education, or community services can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants supporting food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programs, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Pennsylvania groups advancing environmental justice through community health, access, or education efforts may be eligible if their projects fit these priorities.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with:

• Maintaining and protecting 125 state parks
• Managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land
• Providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources
• Establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas.

PA Community Tree Assistance Program

The PA Community Tree Assistance Program helps communities that need support caring for their trees. 

Trees in cities and towns can help manage stormwater, control sediment erosion, and help reduce the impacts of extreme heat by cooling neighborhoods and reducing energy costs.

Through the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will contract directly with trusted tree-care professionals who will perform the work in eligible and approved communities.

Eligible Community Tree Activities

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations can request help with:

• Planting new trees and caring for them as they grow
• Pruning and caring for existing trees to keep them healthy
• Inventorying trees and creating management plans
• Checking for tree hazards and making needed safety improvements

Projects must take place in public or community spaces like parks, street trees, cemeteries, and school grounds. After a project is approved, DCNR will hire pre-qualified tree-care professionals to complete the work at no cost to the communities.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief in Pennsylvania and worldwide can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides flexible funding for health care access, child and women’s health, social services, literacy, and humanitarian aid; Pennsylvania groups with environmental justice work that intersects these priorities may be eligible.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs that significantly benefit their communities. Eligible organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S., be tax-exempt under federal law, and demonstrate strong management and broad impact; environmental justice initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania working on environmental conservation, wildlife protection, or related community programs can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations where modest funding can significantly advance local environmental and community initiatives, which may include environmental justice efforts.

Schools, higher education institutions, county conservation districts, nonprofits, and businesses in Pennsylvania can apply for grants supporting environmental education projects, including climate change, water quality, and environmental justice initiatives. Grants from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection help environmental justice and advocacy efforts through hands-on student programs, teacher trainings, and community conservation projects, with awards up to US $65,000.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Pennsylvania can apply for Nora Roberts Foundation grants up to US $5,000 to support literacy-focused programming, with additional priority for projects involving children, the arts, social justice, or the environment. Organizations working on environmental justice through education or related initiatives may be especially well positioned.

Eligible Pennsylvania organizations running fishing and boating education programs can apply for the R3 Education Grant, with awards up to US $25,000 to acquire equipment and support Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation efforts. Projects in Environmental Justice Areas and those reaching underrepresented anglers and boaters may be especially competitive under the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities working on environmental resiliency, justice, and sustainable communities in Pennsylvania, especially Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, may be eligible for support to advance climate mitigation, inclusive economies, recycling, and sustainable food systems. Hillman Family Foundations’ Dylan Todd Simonds Foundation prioritizes innovative, justice-focused environmental initiatives; most grants are initiated by its staff and board.

Pennsylvania environmental justice and conservation nonprofits can access funding for community-centered projects improving land, water, and air quality. Pittsburgh Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $75,000 grants, prioritizing Allegheny County and organizations serving communities impacted by poverty, to expand greenspace access, advance clean water initiatives, address pollution-related health disparities, and support climate adaptation and stewardship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Allegheny County residents in Pennsylvania can apply for Pittsburgh Foundation’s foundation-directed grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $150,000 for project or general operating support. Environmental justice initiatives, including environmental action and advocacy that center impacted communities, may be eligible when aligned with the foundation’s focus areas and priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Allegheny County, or those primarily serving its residents, can apply for Pittsburgh Foundation’s housing basic needs grants, with awards from US $10,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports eviction prevention, tenant legal and navigation services, and coordination for renters facing housing instability, which may benefit environmental justice efforts in Pennsylvania communities impacted by poverty.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Allegheny County, or those primarily serving its residents, can access funding for environmental health, stewardship, policy, and citizen science projects through the Pittsburgh Foundation; awards US $10,000 - US $75,000. Grants from Pittsburgh Foundation help Pennsylvania environmental justice and advocacy efforts focused on community-led research, systems change, advocacy, and grassroots or youth organizing.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Environmental and climate justice nonprofits in Pennsylvania and nearby states can seek funding for grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and movement-building that advance racial and climate justice. Grants from Scherman Foundation help BIPOC-led or BIPOC-accountable organizations working on issues like pollution, mass transit, green jobs, and climate resilience, with a primary focus on New York but some support in Pennsylvania.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, wildlife, disaster relief, or poverty relief in Pennsylvania and the broader Southern region can seek project support; awards are single-year and not for capital projects. Grants from Robinson Foundation help experienced charities serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line create tangible, meaningful impact for vulnerable people and ecosystems.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3)s in Pennsylvania, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s annual and multi-year grants; awards US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused interventions and humanitarian relief. Eligible groups are smaller, non-sectarian organizations with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 working in approved countries worldwide.

Local governments, educational institutions, public authorities, and incorporated nonprofits in Pennsylvania can seek funding for coastal planning, design, construction, acquisition, education, and research projects that benefit the public. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection prioritizes work on public access, polluted runoff, and coastal hazards, with extra consideration for projects addressing environmental justice in designated coastal and nonpoint pollution areas; awards up to US $75,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can apply for funding that includes work in Pennsylvania. With a mission to support positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides charitable organizations with support that may benefit environmental justice and advocacy efforts in the region.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.