Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Pennsylvania

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.

The Henry L. Hillman Foundation Grant supports innovative projects aimed at improving the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. With a focus on civic leadership, collaboration, and new models of economic development, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that leverage community assets and address pressing social needs. Grant recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with the aim of fostering healthy neighborhoods, strengthening democracy, and promoting sustainable regional infrastructure.

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.

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.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is a grant-making foundation and non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Pennsylvania's water resources.

Raccoon Creek Benefit Fund

Funding through this grant program will support projects that promote the restoration, preservation, protection, or provide other beneficial impacts on water quality in the Raccoon Creek watershed. This Fund was established through a Consent Decree that resolved alleged unauthorized discharges of pollutants in the Raccoon Creek Watershed.

Grantmaking Goals

• Improve water quality and aquatic habitat in Raccoon Creek and its tributaries.
• Address pollution sources, including legacy and ongoing impacts.
• Advance AMD/AML remediation, stream restoration, riparian buffers, and green infrastructure.
• Support monitoring, data collection, and evaluation tied to restoration outcomes.
• Strengthen local organizational capacity to deliver and sustain restoration work.
• Protect land for conservation or public access purposes through acquisitions or easements.
• Engage stakeholders through outreach, education, and communications that will help protect or improve the Raccoon Creek watershed. 

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Essential Utilities Protect Your Drinking Water Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, offers funding between $2,500 and $10,000 for projects aimed at protecting public drinking water sources. Eligible applicants include non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions targeting priority water protection areas in Pennsylvania. Projects may involve green infrastructure, educational programs, and agricultural best practices. A 20% matching contribution is required, with initial funding of 90% provided upfront.

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.

Staunton Farm Foundation

Working for mental wellness

Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment and support by advancing best practices through grant making to non-profit organizations in ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland.

Investing in a future where behavioral health is understood, supported, and accepted.

Purpose

Staunton Farm Foundation (SFF) recognizes that strong organizational capacity is essential to sustaining high-quality mental health and substance use services over time. Capacity-building investments strengthen nonprofit organizations’ internal systems, leadership, and infrastructure, enabling them to more effectively carry out their missions. By supporting capacity-building efforts, SFF seeks to empower organizations to innovate, adapt, and enhance programs and resources in response to evolving community needs, ultimately broadening and deepening positive impact for the individuals and communities they serve.

Guidelines for Use of Funds

Capacity-building grants may be used to support activities that strengthen an organization’s infrastructure, systems, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Funds may be used to contract for technical assistance, training, evaluation, planning, technology upgrades, and other expenses necessary to achieve the goals of the proposed project. Specific grant terms will be outlined with successful applicants.

Allowable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Organizational Infrastructure & Systems
  • Strategic planning, sustainability planning, or business model development
  • Data collection, evaluation, or outcomes measurement systems
  • Technology upgrades that support service delivery, coordination, or reporting (e.g., EHR enhancements, client tracking systems, cybersecurity improvements)
• Workforce & Leadership Development
  • Staff training and professional development related to behavioral health or substance use services
  • Leadership development or succession planning
  • Workforce initiatives aimed at improving retention
• Program & Operational Effectiveness
  • Program design or redesign to improve quality, accessibility, or cultural responsiveness
  • Implementation support for evidence-based or promising practices
  • Quality improvement initiatives
  • Policy, procedure, or compliance development related to licensure, accreditation, or best practices
• External Expertise & Technical Assistance
  • Consultants or technical assistance providers with relevant expertise (e.g., finance, evaluation, clinical quality, operations, or technology)
  • Compliance support related to organizational operations (excluding litigation)

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.