Best Union County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants, offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the EPA, aim to enhance water quality and restore vital habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Funding is available through two programs: SWG Implementation grants for direct on-the-ground actions, and SWG Planning and Technical Assistance grants to support community-based efforts. Projects must align with specific program priorities to qualify for funding.

With a mission to strengthen economic and community development, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Union County, Pennsylvania nonprofits and public entities with funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions serving ARC-designated Appalachian counties.

Grants from the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation help Union County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund education, healthcare, environmental, and other strategic community projects. Eligible organizations within 75 miles of Sunbury can request more than US $10,000 for well-defined programs that address regional needs and demonstrate strong leadership and additional community support.

501(c)(3) nonprofits within 100 miles of Coatesville, PA can apply for the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust’s Secular Distribution Grant to support health and human services projects. Organizations in Union County, Pennsylvania may be eligible for program, operating, capital, equipment, or last-resort funding that addresses demonstrated community needs.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Union County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for native tree, shrub, and plantings that enhance environmental conservation and community greening. Focused on forestry and beautification, Weconservepa’s Healing the Planet Grant Program offers up to US $4,000 for projects using only Pennsylvania-native species within GIANT and MARTIN’S operating areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Union County, Pennsylvania can seek US $500 - US $5,000 to support local projects improving quality of life. Grants from Charles B. Degenstein Foundation help fund education, health care, social services, environmental conservation, arts and culture, civic affairs, business development, and community beautification within 75 miles of Sunbury.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Union County, Pennsylvania can seek support for projects in conservation, health care, social services, civic and cultural activities, education, business enhancement, and town beautification. Grants from Charles & Betty Degenstein Foundation help Union County, Pennsylvania nonprofits with clearly defined programs and strong leadership, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $5,000.

Nonprofit and public partnerships in Union County, Pennsylvania can seek funding to plan or implement economic revitalization projects responding to coal-related job losses. With a mission to strengthen coal-impacted Appalachian communities, Appalachian Regional Commission provides grants up to US $2,500,000 for workforce development, entrepreneurship, industry clusters, broadband, and related regional economic development efforts.

The Sordoni Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on arts, culture, education, health, and environmental stewardship, primarily in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Established from a legacy foundation in 1946, it emphasizes collaboration with local entities and does not provide individual grants. The foundation aims to foster community engagement and development through its funding initiatives.

The Regional Foundation Responsive Grants provide urgent financial support to current or former grantees facing unforeseen, time-sensitive challenges. Grants, up to $25,000, are intended for tactical or strategic needs arising from emergencies, disasters, or critical changes within communities. Examples include natural disasters impacting neighborhoods or sudden leadership transitions. However, requests for ongoing operational costs or event sponsorships are not eligible. The application process is designed for quick turnaround, typically within one week.

Nonprofits and conservation partners restoring forests, rivers, and streams in Union County, Pennsylvania can seek US $75,000 - US $500,000 to improve habitat for native birds and aquatic species. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program backs projects that enhance forest management, riparian buffers, and stream health through voluntary stewardship.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing hunger relief and food access services in Union County, Pennsylvania can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round; awards US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs. Eligible projects include food banks, pantries, meal delivery, school meal programs, and community gardens serving rural communities.

501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations in Union County, Pennsylvania can apply for Nestlé Purina’s support to strengthen pet welfare services. Funding can be used for capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter initiatives. Eligible groups must be U.S.-based pet welfare nonprofits, with preference for those near Purina company locations.

About FCFP

Change Agents for the community

Founded in 1916, First Community Foundation Partnership is the leading resource for philanthropists in North Central PA.

Drawing from a deep well of experience, we can help anyone who wants to make a difference make it happen. Whether through a modest donation or a substantial endowment, we help donors grow their contributions and reinvest the gains back into our region.

Our partnerships are as diverse as the public we serve. We oversee projects ranging from small, donor-directed funds to Raise the Region, our area’s largest and most celebrated charitable event. And the initiatives we sustain support causes from scholarships and fine arts to healthcare and food security.

We’re determined to broaden our reach and deepen our impact in the counties we serve. We’re committed to driving positive social change for another hundred years—and ensuring everyone who shares our vision can get involved.

Mission

To improve quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets

Vision

To create powerful communities through passionate giving.

Century Fund for Strong Neighborhoods Competitive Grant Program

The Century Fund was established in 2016 as a result of a development campaign to celebrate FCFP’s 100th birthday.

This Fund will support civic, economic development, recreational, and youth grant initiatives for the residents of Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union County. It will celebrate neighborhoods, showcase our environmental treasures, and guide our youth toward a positive future.

Program Focus

Positive Youth Development initiatives that support adolescents ages 13 through 17

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank's Youth Programs address child hunger, with initiatives like School Pantries, Kids Cafés, BackPack programs, and Summer Meals. These programs provide nutritious food to food-insecure children and families, ensuring they have access to healthy meals during school breaks and throughout the year. With over 1.2 million pounds of food distributed annually, these efforts support thousands of households, fostering both nutritional and educational development for children in central Pennsylvania.

2026 Medication-Assisted Substance Use Treatment Grant Program 

Overview:

This is a noncompetitive funding announcement open to the 61 counties in Pennsylvania with a county jail. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications for funding under the 2026 Medication-Assisted Substance Use Treatment Grant Program. The primary purpose of this funding is to support counties seeking to increase opportunities to provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), in combination with comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, to eligible offenders who meet the clinical criteria for an opioid use disorder or an alcohol use disorder, as determined by a physician, while incarcerated and upon release from a county jail. For purposes of this funding announcement, the term "Medication-Assisted Treatment" means the use of United States Food and Drug Administration-approved medications (buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone/Vivitrol), together with nonmedication treatment, as clinically indicated, to treat substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders. Administration of these medications along with comprehensive substance use disorder treatment will allow newly released participants to focus on immediate reentry needs.

Funded counties will adhere to program activities and requirements as discussed in this funding announcement and work collaboratively with local and state partners to ensure effective program operations and successful project outcomes.

Successful projects will allow county jails to better equip reentrants as they transition to the community.

The M&T Charitable Foundation Grants provide essential support to a variety of organizations focused on enhancing community well-being. With a mission rooted in corporate responsibility, the foundation prioritizes partnerships with 501(c)(3) organizations in sectors such as arts, health, education, and human services. By investing in local initiatives, the foundation aims to create healthier communities and improve the quality of life for all stakeholders involved.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

Union County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units with programs for children and youth in crisis can access funding through the Pearls with a Passion Fund. Administered by First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, grants of US $5,000 - US $40,000 support projects, including new staff salaries tied to program enhancements.

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Competitive Grant Cycle, led by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties. The initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to address systemic issues like racism through community engagement. With a commitment to sustainable development and innovative solutions, the grant encourages collaborations that enhance social impact while fostering a commitment to DEI strategies in organizations.

Nonprofit organizations and local government units serving the Borough of Lewisburg in Union County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for religious, charitable, educational, cultural, recreational, or economic welfare projects. Focused on innovative, collaborative, and sustainable community initiatives, First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania invites proposals that set measurable goals and leverage or attract additional funding sources.

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.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Pennsylvania

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Highmark Foundation provides high-impact grants aimed at enhancing community health in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It supports evidence-based programs that address critical health issues, including chronic diseases, family health, and access to care. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate sustainable solutions and collaboration with community partners. By funding diverse health-related projects, it aims to improve the well-being of underserved populations, ensuring that vital health interventions reach those in need.

The Elsie Skvir Ganister Foundation Fund, established in 2001, supports innovative initiatives that enhance the mission of Orthodoxy in the U.S. This fund, part of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, prioritizes proposals addressing critical needs within the Orthodox Church. Grants, while modest, can catalyze impactful projects, such as educational programs for clergy and resources for community outreach. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, ensuring a focus on effective and mission-driven projects.