Best Social Justice Grants in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit and charitable organizations serving low- and moderate-income communities in Pennsylvania can seek program funding for social and economic impact, including community services, affordable housing, and economic development. Focused on equity and community revitalization, Huntington National Bank invites 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(1) organizations within its footprint to explore partnership opportunities with local representatives.

Chester County Community Foundation

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

We are entrusted with 430+ family, individual, community group & nonprofit legacy funds. We are a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  

Direct Service Programs/General Operations Grant

• Grants focus on Chester County causes & issues; but are not limited to Chester County.
• Charitable nonprofits working in all fields of interest are considered, such as: Arts, Culture, Heritage; Education, Libraries; Environment, Animals; Health; Human Services; Social Justice, Civic Engagement
• General operating grants are encouraged - Clear, succinct, compelling descriptions are appreciated: mission, aims, results & impact. 
• Nonprofits with higher GuideStar ratings receive stronger consideration.  
• Proposals can be submitted anytime all year.
• Grant decisions are made intermittently all year, as Fund Advisors desire.

Focused on community organizing for social justice, the Abelard Foundation invites Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits east of the Mississippi to seek approximately US $12,000, often for general support. Grassroots groups advancing civil, human, immigrant, and worker rights for low-income and marginalized communities may be especially competitive.

Qualified faculty at Penn State, PASSHE universities, and University of Pittsburgh regional campuses in Pennsylvania can apply for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania’s research and mini grants, with awards up to US $60,000, to study rural people, communities, and related policy issues. Projects addressing social justice or human rights in rural contexts may be eligible.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Inc.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center litigates, educates, advocates, and provides grants to nonprofits to eradicate social injustices. 

We pursue litigation through our own efforts as well as funding others in the following fifteen issue areas: Access to Benefits, Children’s Rights, Disability Rights, Discrimination, Domestic Violence, Due Process, Environmental Justice, Healthcare, Homelessness, Housing, Native American Rights, Prisoners’ Rights, Refugee and Immigration Rights, Voting Rights, and Veterans’ Rights.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Grant

We make grants to organizations that undertake systemic social justice litigation across fifteen issue areas. The Center funds litigation matters that are consistent with our namesake Barbara McDowell’s past legal efforts and her beliefs regarding social justice.

Applications must be for a specific social justice legal case, including the filing of an appeal. Grant funds are to be used only for attorney time charges and litigation expenses related to the specific case for which an organization is applying to be funded. 

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting social science dissertation research on social justice, inequality, immigration, or related topics can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grants. Awards up to US $15,000 support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing for projects focused on improving social and living conditions in the U.S., including work relevant to Pennsylvania.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, inequality, and related social justice issues can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on social science research, the foundation invites Pennsylvania scholars and others nationwide to propose studies on topics like labor markets, criminal justice, education, and racial or gender equity.

Pennsylvania schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits hosting Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship for student-centered social justice and anti-racism activities. Awards of US $500 - US $1,000 support November events that promote activism, anti-bullying, and walking, biking, or rolling to school.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice or education in Pennsylvania can seek support for forward-thinking programs through the Baskin Family Foundation, which funds initiatives across the U.S. Grants from this private family foundation may benefit Pennsylvania groups advancing human rights, equity, and educational opportunity.

Kauai graduate students pursuing degrees in social justice, public or human service, education, or health can receive scholarship support from Hawai'i Community Foundation. Applicants must be Hawaii and Kauai residents, full-time master’s or doctoral students with financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA, studying at colleges in Hawaii or on the U.S. mainland.

Education unions and affiliates advancing racial justice in schools can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $75,000 for awareness, capacity-building, and action projects. Pennsylvania social justice initiatives within K–12 education that center racial equity and leadership of people of color may be eligible.

Nonprofit state and local education affiliates working on K–12 student achievement and racial justice in education can apply for partnership funding in Pennsylvania and nationwide. With a mission to advance educational equity, National Education Association provides support to engage trained union members, build community partnerships, and create roles that strengthen social justice advocacy in schools.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Pennsylvania can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects. Funding supports educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that strengthen AE programs and partnerships, with three submission deadlines each year.

Pennsylvania social justice nonprofits and fiscally sponsored collectives focused on advocacy, mobilization, or healing work can access funding through the Pittsburgh Foundation’s Social Justice Fund General Support Grant. Eligible groups must be based in Allegheny County, primarily benefit its residents, and address social justice issues in economically underserved neighborhoods, with priority for community-based, impacted-led efforts.

Recent PhDs in the humanities or interpretive social sciences authorized to work in the U.S., including Pennsylvania-based scholars, can receive more than US $142,000 to work with social justice–oriented nonprofits. American Council of Learned Societies’ Leading Edge Fellowships place fellows in 24‑month roles that use their research, communication, and project management skills to advance community-focused justice initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, tribal entities, and schools in Pennsylvania addressing community development and economic mobility can apply for charitable sponsorship funding to support low- to moderate-income communities. With a mission to strengthen community development, Santander Bank Foundation supports efforts like affordable housing, small business development, workforce training, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization, which may include social justice and human rights work.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations can seek funding for social justice, STEM education, and basic needs programs that serve communities in the AEP service territory. Local organizations must first secure an invitation from their AEP operating company before applying to the American Electric Power Foundation.

Pennsylvania social justice and legal services nonprofits can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program to support fairer justice systems, rehabilitation, and anti-recidivism efforts. Organizations promoting civic engagement or educating future attorneys and social justice workers may also be considered, with typical funding focused on Colorado and the Bay Area but occasionally other areas.

Nonprofit founders of small 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania can access intensive capacity-building support and up to US $4,000 for organizational growth through this cohort-based incubator program. Mockingbird Incubator supports emerging U.S. social justice and community organizations with live workshops, fundraising coaching, platform support via Givebutter, and a chance at a $3,000 seed grant.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing social justice and human rights in Pennsylvania can access funding through B.W. Bastian Foundation, with typical awards of US $100 - US $15,000. Grants support general operations, specific projects, advocacy, programs, and capacity building for groups that explicitly affirm equality, including for the gay and lesbian community.