Best Wayne County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Health-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities serving Wayne County, Pennsylvania can seek Moses Taylor Foundation’s Open Cycle Grants for larger, multi-year projects. Funding supports health care access and quality, older adult health, school-based health, and nonprofit effectiveness. Awards of more than US $40,000 may be available for eligible initiatives within the foundation’s 11-county region.

The Isabel and Arthur Watres Student Research Award, offered by Lacawac Sanctuary, provides financial support for undergraduate research focused on the natural resources of the Sanctuary. Awards range from $250 to $500, prioritizing costs related to residence and research user fees. Open to undergraduate students at any stage, this fund encourages new projects and collaboration with faculty. Recipients may need to present their findings and acknowledge the fund in publications, fostering a connection between research and conservation.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in Wayne County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachia’s economy, Appalachian Regional Commission provides support for water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and related community capacity efforts.

The Secular Distribution Grant supports charitable activities aimed at enhancing community well-being, particularly within 100 miles of Coatesville, PA. Focused on health and human services, the grant encourages projects that address community needs, foster self-reliance, and promote civic engagement. With a commitment to philanthropic impact, funding is reserved for organizations demonstrating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and a proven need, while maintaining strict eligibility criteria to ensure effective resource allocation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Wayne County, Pennsylvania can seek funding for community programs and projects that enhance arts, literacy, culture, education, environment, health, and human services. Grants from Wayne County Community Foundation help local agencies launch new initiatives, expand services, or strengthen organizational capacity to better meet community needs.

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

Wayne County criminal justice agencies and county jail partners can access funding through Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to expand medication-assisted treatment and comprehensive substance use disorder services for incarcerated individuals and recent reentrants. This noncompetitive program offers up to US $250,000 to support opioid and alcohol use disorder treatment that improves reentry outcomes from county jails across Pennsylvania.

Nonprofit and public partnerships in Wayne County, Pennsylvania working on economic diversification, workforce development, job creation, or broadband can seek up to US $2,500,000 to plan or implement coal-impacted community revitalization projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian economies, Appalachian Regional Commission provides POWER Initiative grants for both implementation and planning efforts tied to regional development strategies.

The PA Local Share Account (LSA) – Monroe County Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, allocates 2% of gross terminal revenues from licensed gaming facilities to support community and economic development projects in Monroe County and its neighboring areas. This initiative aims to enhance local well-being and mitigate the impacts of gaming activities, fostering growth and resilience in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing early childhood education or community economic development programs in Wayne County, Pennsylvania can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. Funding supports initiatives for children birth to five, low- and moderate-income families, affordable housing, small business support, cultural enrichment, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

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 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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, academic institutions, and government entities working on reproductive health and rights can seek funding to expand access to abortion and contraception. The Educational Foundation of America supports litigation, direct provider support, abortion funds, and communications efforts, including work based in Appalachian counties such as Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

Graduate students studying phycology and taking courses at biological field stations, including those from Wayne County, Pennsylvania, can apply for Phycological Society of America’s Hannah T. Croasdale Fellowship; awards up to US $2,250 to defray tuition, travel, room, and board. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or formally admitted to a graduate program.

Nonprofit and conservation partners in Wayne County, Pennsylvania can seek up to US $75,000 to plan projects that restore and connect habitats, improve water quality, and support at-risk species. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake WILD Planning and Technical Assistance Grants fund community-based assessments, design work, and other technical assistance to prepare future on-the-ground conservation efforts.

Nonprofit and conservation-focused organizations doing on-the-ground habitat and water quality projects in Wayne County, Pennsylvania can apply for US $75,000 - US $500,000 implementation grants. Focused on habitat restoration, connectivity, and climate resilience, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports projects that enhance fish and wildlife conservation within the Chesapeake Bay watershed counties.

The PPL Foundation's Empowering Communities Grants provide up to $50,000 to support initiatives that enhance education, workforce development, and community revitalization. Targeting nonprofits in the PPL Electric Utilities region, these grants focus on environmental stewardship, economic development, and promoting sustainable communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate their impact in improving community quality of life, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are limited to one per organization per grant cycle.

Nonprofit and conservation partnerships in Wayne County, Pennsylvania working on habitat and freshwater ecosystem restoration can seek funding to strengthen collaborative conservation efforts. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake WILD Collaborative Conservation track offers up to US $200,000 to build partnership capacity for landscape-scale habitat restoration, connectivity, and improved conditions for at-risk and federally listed species.

The Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund: Catalyst Grants, initiated in 2014 by the Open Space Institute, aims to enhance water resource management and land protection. These grants support organizations addressing climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous-led groups. Funded projects should integrate science into conservation plans, focusing on water quality and stewardship. The initiative collaborates with the William Penn Foundation to ensure sustainable water practices across the Delaware River watershed.

Nonprofits and local entities planning green infrastructure, community greening, or urban tree canopy projects in Wayne County, Pennsylvania can seek funding to design or implement stormwater and greening projects. Chesapeake Bay Trust’s G3 program offers up to US $175,000 for planning, construction, community greening, white papers, or technical assistance within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Dermody Properties Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through support for the arts, education, and families, particularly children and the elderly. Established in 1988, the foundation has provided over $3.65 million in donations to various nonprofits, including grants and scholarships. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and be located within 30 miles of Dermody's projects. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000, reflecting a commitment to corporate philanthropy.

Organizations, businesses, projects, and individuals doing environmental conservation work in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Wayne County, can receive non-monetary recognition through the Northeast Environmental Partnership Awards. Focused on environmental protection and conservation, Pennsylvania Environmental Council honors outstanding partnerships and leadership, including lifetime achievement and emerging environmental leaders 30 and under.

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.

Wayne County, Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions can access funding through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for environmental conservation and natural resource projects. Grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 support Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape efforts that protect resources and enhance conservation, community, and connection within eligible counties including Wayne.