Pennsylvania Arts Grants

The Arts for All Partnership is a collaboration between the Cultural Enrichment Fund and the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. The partnership supports efforts to integrate cultural appreciation into everyday life across the Capital Region. The program funds nonprofit initiatives that increase arts engagement and access among diverse, underserved, and economically disadvantaged communities. Priority is given to free public performances for families, ticket subsidy programs that build attendance, innovative efforts to engage young audiences, and educational outreach. Equipment may be supported when it enables a significant efficiency, launches a new program, or materially enhances an existing program. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations or projects with a qualified fiscal sponsor serving Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, and the Dillsburg Area of northern York County, or organizations located within 20 miles of center city Harrisburg. Awards are up to 7,500 dollars for a grant year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025. Applications are submitted through TFEC’s stated process by May 1, 2024. Proposals are reviewed for their potential to increase access to the arts and to reach underserved audiences. Additional information is available from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

This grant supports entrepreneurs and researchers in Pennsylvania by providing resources and funding to help turn innovative ideas into marketable products and services that benefit the community and beyond.

The Centre Foundation's Field-of-Interest grant program, open to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental units in Centre County, Pennsylvania, offers $162,914 in funding for projects focusing on education, health, social services, arts, and youth development, to be used within a year starting from December 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in nine Pennsylvania counties that offer programs and services for young children affected by abuse, focusing on creating safe and joyful environments.

This funding initiative provides financial support to individual artists and cultural professionals in Pennsylvania who have experienced economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs Financial Info: The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Paul Robeson House & Museum (PRHM), has launched the West Philadelphia Creative Grants, a funding opportunity designed to bolster the creative community within West Philadelphia. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of supporting artistic and cultural endeavors that directly benefit the local community. The program offers two distinct grant types: Project Grants, which fund art projects and cultural activities up to $5,000, and General Operating Grants, which provide ongoing operational support for artists and organizations, up to $2,500. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a commitment to fostering both specific creative projects and the sustained health of the artistic ecosystem. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are individual artists and community and civic groups residing in or with significant ties to West Philadelphia. A crucial eligibility criterion is that applicants must be at least 18 years of age and identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) or as a BIPOC-led group or organization. This focus on BIPOC artists and organizations highlights a strategic priority to address historical inequities and empower underrepresented voices within the West Philadelphia creative landscape. The program encourages applications from a wide array of groups, including community centers, educators, collectives, and artists of all types, from emerging to career professionals. The impact goals of the West Philadelphia Creative Grants are clear: to support creative projects and cultural activities that directly benefit the West Philadelphia community, while also providing essential general operating support for artists and organizations. By investing in both project-specific initiatives and organizational stability, the program aims to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable creative environment. The expected outcomes include a greater number of culturally enriching activities, enhanced artistic output, and increased capacity for local artists and organizations to continue their work within the community. While the description does not explicitly detail the foundation's strategic priorities or a formal theory of change, the program's structure and eligibility criteria strongly suggest an underlying strategy. The emphasis on West Philadelphia and BIPOC leadership indicates a commitment to community-centric development and social equity through the arts. The provision of both project and general operating support reflects an understanding that a holistic approach is necessary for fostering long-term impact and measurable results within the creative sector. The successful execution of these grants is expected to demonstrate a tangible positive influence on the cultural vitality and community well-being of West Philadelphia.

The Memorial Health Fund, established by the York County Community Foundation (YCCF), aims to revolutionize how the community addresses pressing health issues. Its core mission is to fund programs that enhance the complete physical, mental, and social well-being of residents within York and its surrounding communities in Pennsylvania. This competitive grant program is designed to be flexible, allowing it to adapt to diverse community needs while aligning with the foundation's overarching goal of fostering a healthier, more vibrant region. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public school districts that directly serve York County. The fund explicitly states that individuals do not qualify as applicants. Eligible nonprofits must possess a 501(c)(3) public charity status for at least one year and be current on all active interim or post-grant reports. The program's impact goals are centered on improving overall community health, providing resources for health restoration and maintenance, and delivering high-quality healthcare services to the greater York area. The Memorial Health Fund prioritizes grant applications that address a range of health-related initiatives. These include promoting general health and wellness, advancing health education, engaging in fundraising for health-related activities, and making grants to other nonprofits to carry out these activities. The fund also clearly outlines what it does NOT support, such as endowments, capital campaigns, budget shortfalls, normal operations, debt retirement, sectarian religious programs, discriminatory practices, direct financial assistance to individuals, or reimbursements for prior purchases. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in community health indicators and enhanced access to healthcare services for York County residents. The fund emphasizes the importance of an applicant having both a board-approved Anti-Discrimination Policy and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to promote equitable health outcomes across all segments of the community. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus on "improving overall community health" and "bringing high-quality health care services" suggests a theory of change rooted in direct intervention and support for organizations capable of implementing impactful health programs. The YCCF's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this fund, are to support initiatives that are responsive to community needs and promote comprehensive well-being. By funding programs that address a broad spectrum of health issues—from mental health to access to care—the foundation aims to create a sustained, positive impact on the health landscape of York County. The emphasis on organizational eligibility and policy requirements also underscores a commitment to effective, ethical, and inclusive grantmaking.

The "Helping Today" grant program, sponsored by The Erie Community Foundation, is designed to bolster Erie County nonprofits that are directly addressing the most pressing needs within their community. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being by empowering local organizations to make a tangible difference. The grant aims to strengthen the capacity of these nonprofits, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle significant community issues. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individuals and families who are socio-economically disadvantaged, as well as historically marginalized communities within Erie County. The overarching impact goal is to uplift these populations by supporting projects that offer direct benefits and work towards equitable outcomes. By focusing on capacity building, the Foundation seeks to enhance the effectiveness and reach of its grantee organizations, thereby creating a more resilient and supportive community for all. The program prioritizes projects that enhance a nonprofit's ability to serve its community effectively. This includes support for a wide range of operational areas, such as general operations, program development, strategic planning, marketing and community awareness initiatives, capital purchases (including essential technology and vehicles), facilities improvements, and rigorous program evaluation. These focus areas reflect a strategic approach to fostering organizational health and sustainability, which in turn leads to more impactful service delivery. While the grant size can range from $10,000 to $100,000, individual grants are capped at $50,000 and must be utilized within a 12-month period. Expected outcomes include stronger, more efficient nonprofits that can more effectively address community needs, leading to improved conditions for disadvantaged and marginalized groups. The Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in the operational and programmatic capacity of local nonprofits, it can catalyze significant positive social change and contribute to a healthier, more equitable Erie County.

The Small Business Boost Grant, announced by The Intentional Development Group and funded by the City of Youngstown, is designed to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the economic landscape of Youngstown. This program aims to boost the economic impact of small businesses within the city by providing funds for projects that address climate change mitigation and adaptation within the agricultural sector. The foundation's mission, as inferred from the program's focus, aligns with fostering economic resilience and sustainability through targeted community investment and environmental stewardship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are New York State Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Districts), who will submit proposals on behalf of multiple projects and/or farm operations. The program's impact goals are to mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change, enhance on-farm adaptation and resiliency to projected climate conditions, and ultimately boost the economic impact of small businesses. The program directly supports the agricultural sector, indirectly benefiting the broader community through environmental improvements and economic stability. The grant prioritizes several key areas, categorized into distinct tracks. These include Livestock Management (Alternative Waste Management and Precision Feed Management), Cover and Flare Projects, Adaptation and Resiliency, Healthy Soils NY (Systems and BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry), Soil Health Systems, and Agricultural Forest Management (carbon sequestration). These specific focuses highlight a comprehensive approach to sustainable agricultural practices and climate change response. With a total available funding of $28,750,000, the grant expects measurable outcomes across these tracks. For instance, Track 1A (Livestock Management) has $4,500,000 in State Funds, Track 1B (Cover and Flare Projects) has $7,000,000 in Federal Funds, Track 2 (Adaptation & Resiliency) has $5,000,000 in State Funds, Track 3A (Healthy Soils NY) has $4,500,000 in State Funds, Track 3B (Soil Health Systems) has $7,000,000 in Federal Funds, and Track 4 (Agricultural Forestry Management) has $750,000 in State Funds. These allocations indicate the expected scale and scope of the projects, with success measured by the implementation of sustainable practices and the resulting environmental and economic benefits. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation within agriculture, coupled with economic development. The theory of change appears to be that by funding conservation districts to implement specific, environmentally beneficial agricultural practices, the program will not only reduce the ecological footprint of farming but also enhance the long-term viability and economic impact of small agricultural businesses in the region, thereby contributing to the overall economic well-being of the City of Youngstown.

This program provides funding to public entities and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania for the design, construction, or improvement of public access facilities for non-motorized waterway recreation.

The Statewide Creative Catalyst Grants are designed to support new initiatives that enhance the cultural, educational, or economic vitality of Pennsylvania's communities through the arts. Eligible projects should align with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts' goals of strengthening communities through the arts, connecting Pennsylvanians to lifelong learning through the arts, and promoting public awareness and appreciation of the arts. Applications will be assessed based on their statewide impact, benefit to Pennsylvania's creative sector, and incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding to community members and organizations in Philadelphia to improve public spaces and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

Community Grants Summer Round grant applications (for projects beginning after August 1): The Community Foundation of Greene County's General Community Grants are funded through the Field of Interest Funds and discretionary funds such as The Good For Greene Fund and The Francis “Bob” Bradford Fund. These grants support projects aligning with the goals of specific funds, aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Greene County, Pennsylvania. Projects can span various sectors including animal welfare, environmental protection, arts and culture, community development, education, health, and human needs. The award for a Community Grant does not exceed $5,000. Applications are considered based on their potential impact, promotion of cooperation among agencies, and effectiveness in addressing community needs. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer Annual deadline: June 1st

This program provides funding to public entities in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of public fishing and boating access facilities.

The City of York's Education, Empowerment & Enhancement (3E) Grant Program is supported by ARPA funds and aims to increase the operating capacity of small businesses. This program is rooted in the city's broader ARPA grant initiatives, which are designed to benefit City of York residents and the community. The alignment with the city's mission is evident in its focus on supporting local businesses, particularly those in Qualified Census Tract (QCT) areas, which the U.S. Treasury recognizes as disproportionately impacted. This strategic focus ensures that grant funds are directed towards areas and populations most in need, contributing to the overall economic resilience and social well-being of the city. The primary target beneficiaries of the 3E Grant Program are small business owners in the City of York who are minorities, women, or people with disabilities. To be eligible, businesses must also earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues, be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations, and be physically located within a QCT in the City of York. Additionally, no owners should have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering business growth and stability within these underserved communities by providing resources for education, professional development, and operational enhancements. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the "3E's": Education, Empowerment, and Enhancement. Education encompasses classes, certificates, and training for business owners and/or their employees. Empowerment focuses on retreats, workshops, and coaching to build professional development. Enhancement involves improvements to business operations through new software, products, or equipment. These areas represent the core strategies through which the grant intends to address the operational capacity and growth challenges faced by eligible small businesses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operating capacity of participating small businesses. This can manifest as improved skills through education, enhanced leadership and strategic thinking through empowerment, and increased efficiency or service offerings through operational enhancements. Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds, providing a clear timeframe for impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, the City of York can create a more equitable and robust local economy, particularly for businesses in historically disadvantaged areas, leading to sustained growth and community benefit.

This program provides micro-grants to woman-owned small businesses in York County, Pennsylvania, to support improvements that foster growth and enhance customer experience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local workforce development boards and partner organizations in Pennsylvania to enhance collaboration among businesses and address workforce needs within priority industry sectors.

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is launching the Creative Sector Flex Grant Program, a new initiative designed to address the evolving needs of arts organizations across Pennsylvania. This program is offered as a flexible grant to ensure the most significant impact for recipient organizations and their communities. While the provided text details the program itself, the explicit mission alignment and strategic priorities of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (the "foundation") are not explicitly detailed beyond their role as the "Donor Name" and the program's administrator. However, the nature of the grant program, by supporting dynamic arts organizations, inherently aligns with a broader mission of fostering and sustaining a vibrant arts and culture sector within the state. The target beneficiaries of the Creative Sector Flex Grant Program are arts organizations located in Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties in Pennsylvania. Specifically, eligible organizations must have average annual revenues between $10,000 and $200,000. The grant aims to empower these organizations by providing them with flexible funding to address their changing needs. The implicit impact goal is to strengthen these arts organizations, enabling them to continue their work and contribute to the cultural enrichment and vitality of their communities. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on flexibility and direct support for organizational needs. The "Flex Grant" designation highlights the program's intent to allow grantees to utilize $5,000 in ways that will have the most significant impact. Permitted uses of funds include administrative expenses, programmatic expenses, and project-related expenses. This broad scope demonstrates a focus on supporting the core operations and artistic endeavors of the recipient organizations rather than prescribing specific types of projects, allowing organizations to allocate funds where they are most needed. Expected outcomes of the Creative Sector Flex Grant Program include enhanced operational stability for arts organizations, improved capacity to deliver programs and projects, and sustained cultural activities within the targeted counties. While specific measurable results are not outlined in the provided text (e.g., number of programs offered, audience reach), the program's design suggests that success would be measured by the effective utilization of funds to achieve the stated organizational and programmatic goals of the grantees. The grant duration is one year, indicating an immediate impact focus. The "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly stated within the provided document. However, based on the program's design, it can be inferred that the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts operates with a theory of change that posits that providing flexible financial support to mid-sized arts organizations will lead to increased organizational resilience, greater artistic output, and a more robust cultural landscape in specific regions of Pennsylvania. By empowering organizations to determine their most pressing needs and allocate funds accordingly, the Council aims to foster a more sustainable and dynamic creative sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Philadelphia focused on preventing homelessness for families with children aged 0 to 8 by offering short-term housing stabilization and long-term housing stability programs.