Best Grants for Museums in Pennsylvania

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

Tut Toth Memorial Scholarship

The Tut Toth Memorial Scholarship Fund is supported by family and friends through an annual memorial baseball tournament. At the time of his death in 2011, Douglas "Tut" Toth was the league's player agent and manger/coach for a softball and baseball team. He was active in many local non-profits and youth sports programs, but was dedicated especially to New Bethlehem Little League. He is still the only person in NBLL to have been on a District Championship team as a player and then as an adult to be the manager of a District Championship team. Tut was instrumental in the beginnings of Little League softball in New Bethlehem and led that team to the first D7 softball win for New Bethlehem. 

Applicant must:

• Be a graduating senior from the Redbank Valley High School or resident of Redbank Valley School District (or successor), or cyber school/home school senior who meets high school or School District requirement.
• Have been a former New Bethlehem Little League (or successor) organization player (includes softball and baseball)
• Enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school, as approved by the Community Foundation Board of Directors

The Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 by Marjorie Fegley, honors her late husband, James E. Fegley. This fund supports Berks County residents pursuing music education, particularly in orchestral strings. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in music programs. The Berks County Community Foundation manages this fund, which contributes significantly to the local arts and education landscape, fostering musical talent in the community.

Quest for the Best® is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Pennsylvania by providing project-based grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. The grant aims to support initiatives that focus on long-term sustainability, secured co-funding, and specific programs. Priorities include police and nurse training, education for underserved communities, and humanitarian efforts such as clean water access. The funder emphasizes local impact and requires matching contributions for grant requests.

Quest for the Best® offers legal services grants to Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on those in Southeastern Pennsylvania. With a commitment to strengthening the common good, they provide assistance in incorporation, tax exemption applications, and general legal consultation. The funder prioritizes organizations that demonstrate sustainability and have qualified staff. Note that their services are not available for for-profit entities or litigation matters. This initiative aims to support nonprofits in achieving their legal and operational goals.

The Boating Facility Grant Program, established by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), aims to enhance public boating facilities across the Commonwealth. This initiative supports the planning, acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of these facilities, ensuring that recreational boaters in Pennsylvania have access to high-quality amenities. By investing in such projects, PFBC fosters a vibrant boating community and promotes recreational opportunities on the state's waterways.

The Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE), initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance access to natural gas by funding the construction of pipelines to business parks and industrial sites. This initiative is designed to create new economic base jobs and support the growth of local economies, ensuring that residents and businesses benefit from affordable energy solutions. PIPE reflects Pennsylvania's commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative economy.

The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program supports Pennsylvania's public school districts and area career and technical schools by funding facility improvement projects. Grants range from $500,000 to $5 million, covering essential upgrades such as roof repairs, HVAC systems, plumbing, and energy-saving initiatives. This program aims to create safer, more accessible learning environments, enhancing educational opportunities for all students in the Commonwealth.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The ACT on Health Equity Community Solutions Challenge Grant, backed by the Astrazeneca Foundation, aims to enhance health equity by funding community-based nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2021, it has allocated over $2.6 million to initiatives addressing nutrition, healthcare access, and lung health for historically marginalized populations. Eligible US-based 501(c) organizations can apply, with a focus on projects serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through targeted support.

The Cycling Activation Mini Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, offers funding between $1,000 and $15,000 for projects that enhance cycling opportunities across Pennsylvania. This initiative encourages the development of gravel roads, mountain bike trails, and multi-use pathways, promoting community engagement and environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants include non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions. A one-to-one match is required, ensuring a collaborative approach to improving cycling infrastructure.

The R3 Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, offers up to $25,000 in funding to support initiatives that enhance fishing and boating education. This program aims to engage diverse audiences and promote environmental justice by facilitating hands-on experiences. Eligible projects must demonstrate innovation and a commitment to reaching underrepresented communities, ultimately fostering a greater appreciation for outdoor activities among all demographics.

The Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Program (AMDATP) is funded by the Marcellus Legacy Fund as established by Act 13 of 2012. This program aims to address the critical issue of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD), which significantly impairs over 5,500 miles of Pennsylvania's streams. Eligible projects can receive grants up to $1,000,000, requiring at least a 15% match, focusing on remediation, maintenance, and monitoring of AMD sites.

The Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grant Program, established under Act 13 of 2012, allocates funds for the effective plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. With hundreds of thousands of such wells in the state, this program addresses critical health, safety, and environmental concerns by funding projects aimed at plugging these hazardous wells. Eligible projects include cleaning, plugging, and implementing stray gas mitigation systems.

The PDCED Appalachian Regional Commission Grant supports economic development in Pennsylvania's Appalachian Region. It funds projects that enhance job creation, improve infrastructure, and promote business development. The goal is to leverage federal, state, and local resources to strengthen the economy of this 205,000-square-mile area. Funding is prioritized for initiatives that lead to sustainable economic growth, workforce readiness, and improved community capacity. Eligible projects include technical assistance, infrastructure development, and local government support.

The Baseline Water Quality Data Grant Program, established under Act 13 of 2012, aims to fund initiatives by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to collect and analyze baseline water quality data from private water supplies. Grants up to $250,000 are available, requiring a 15% match of the total project cost. This program seeks to improve understanding of groundwater quality conditions and enhance water resource management across Pennsylvania.

The PDCED Flood Mitigation Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, supports projects aimed at reducing flood risks across the state. It allocates funds from the Marcellus Legacy Fund to eligible applicants for projects costing $50,000 or more. This initiative is crucial for communities facing flood challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to implement effective mitigation strategies.

The Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, supports projects aimed at enhancing public parks, recreation areas, and greenways. Eligible projects include the development and rehabilitation of trails, conservation areas, and river enhancements. This program, backed by the Marcellus Legacy Fund, encourages both active and passive recreational opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The Industrial Sites Reuse Grant Program offers grants and low-interest loans to facilitate environmental assessments and remediation at former industrial sites. Funding up to $200,000 is available for assessments, while remediation projects can receive up to $1 million. The program aims to address hazardous substance issues, with interest rates set at 2% and a required 25% match for funding. This initiative supports community development and environmental restoration efforts.

The Marketing to Attract Tourists Grant, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance tourism by funding marketing initiatives. This program targets the 72 million potential visitors within a four-hour drive to Pennsylvania, encouraging them to explore the state's diverse attractions. Eligible applicants include destination marketing organizations and tourism-related businesses, with funds supporting marketing campaigns and events that drive significant economic impact.

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Grant Program offers low-interest loans and grants for improvements in drinking water, storm water, and sewage treatment facilities. Eligible entities include municipalities, authorities, and private operators. Total project assistance can reach up to $11 million, or $20 million for multi-municipality projects. Applicants must consult with a PENNVEST Regional Project Specialist prior to submission. This program aims to enhance water management and pollution prevention practices across the state.

The Sewage Facilities Grant Program, established under Act 13 of 2012, utilizes funds from the Marcellus Legacy Fund to support compliance with the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act. This program aims to cover costs associated with the necessary planning work under Act 537, facilitating effective sewage management across the state.

The Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant Program aims to enhance apprenticeship opportunities in Pennsylvania by supporting registered programs. It provides funding for eligible applicants to cover instructional costs that complement on-the-job training. The program allows sponsors to request up to $3,000 per apprentice annually for a maximum of three years, enabling employers to recruit and develop talent effectively. For detailed guidelines, refer to the FAQs provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The FirstBank Charitable Foundation (FBCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2008, focused on supporting charitable organizations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. With over a million dollars awarded, FBCF aims to enhance community well-being through partnerships in health, housing, and education. Nonprofits aligning with FBCF's mission and demonstrating significant service impact are encouraged to apply for grants, fostering a stronger fabric within their neighborhoods.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.