Best Social Justice Grants in Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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.

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.

Education unions and NEA affiliates working on student-centered advocacy and collective bargaining initiatives in Pennsylvania can seek support to enhance student learning and improve educator working conditions. Grants from National Education Association offer up to US $50,000 for projects that engage communities, advance education equity, and promote healthy, safe, and just school environments.

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.

Researchers studying community-led social justice and development in Latin America or the Caribbean can apply for US $20,000 fellowships supporting twelve months of rigorous field-based research. Social Science Research Council and the Inter-American Foundation fund work on issues like economic opportunity, migration, violence prevention, and inclusion, which may interest Pennsylvania-based scholars focused on these regions.

The Transformative Organizing Grants, funded by the Arch Community Fund, aim to bolster grassroots movements advocating for systemic change. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, prioritize organizations with 501(c)(3) status and an annual budget under $1 million. The focus is on empowering community leadership through anti-capitalist solutions, promoting intersectionality, and addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term structural change. Eligible groups are encouraged to apply for support in their transformative organizing efforts.

The Pop Culture Collaborative offers Major Grants to support initiatives that promote long-term narrative change and social justice through pop culture. Targeting U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals, these grants aim to engage mass audiences in transformative experiences. With a focus on communities often marginalized, the Collaborative's efforts are designed to foster a pluralistic society where everyone belongs. Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and duration, with applications reviewed biannually.

The ACLS Digital Justice Development Grants, funded by The Mellon Foundation, aim to enhance justice and equity in digital scholarly practice. These grants support projects that engage with historically marginalized communities, including people of color and those with disabilities. By providing resources and coaching for sustainable project development, the program promotes inclusion in the digital humanities, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping digital knowledge and cultural heritage.

The ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grants support projects that enhance equity and justice in digital scholarship, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Funded by The Mellon Foundation, these grants foster innovative methodologies and resource sharing across disciplines. By promoting inclusivity in digital humanities, the program empowers scholars to engage with under-studied materials and develop sustainable practices, ensuring broader access to digital tools and expertise for impactful research initiatives.

The Progressive Multiplier Grants support U.S. based nonprofits and subsidiaries focused on generating independent revenue through innovative projects. These grants aim to empower organizations working towards democracy, justice, and environmental restoration, fostering civic engagement and equality. By funding campaigns and civic mobilization, the program seeks to build sustained progressive power, avoiding direct service or public education initiatives. Interested parties can submit letters of inquiry on a rolling basis when funding aligns with grant criteria.