Pennsylvania Education Grants

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, creates cross-sector partnerships to solve some of community’s most pressing problems. Donor Name: Innovation Works State: Pennsylvania County: Allegheny County (PA), Armstrong County (PA), Beaver County (PA), Butler County (PA), Fayette County (PA), Greene County (PA), Indiana County (PA), Lawrence County (PA), Washington County (PA), Westmoreland County (PA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 07/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, an annual competition to promote entrepreneurship that makes a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 2015, the UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge has allocated more than $3.1 million in investments, grants, and educational assistance to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants. Prize Information The top three finalists will receive a combined $300,000 in prize monies and accelerator assistance to launch or expand startups using technology to address social inequities. First Place: $125,000. Second Place: $100,000. Third Place: $75,000. Eligibility Criteria You must be 18 years old or older The submitting nonprofit, business, or individual must be based in one of these counties in Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The startup’s impact must also be in one of these counties. Must ensure that their participation does not violate their employer’s policies or procedures or any other third-party rights or obligations (e.g. non-competition agreements). The applicant company leaders or individual and their immediate family members must not be employed by or affiliated with BNY Mellon, Innovation Works, or any of their/the parent and affiliate companies. Have not received funding of $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. For more information, visit UpPrize.

The Trans Resilience Fund is a grant program of Gender Justice Fund to support regional trans communities. Donor Name: Gender Justice Fund State: Pennsylvania County: Bucks County (PA), Chester County (PA), Delaware County (PA), Montgomery County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fund uses a participatory grantmaking process in which a committee of trans and non-binary community members sets guidelines and makes funding decisions. The Trans Resilience Fund is a pooled fund supported external funding partners. The 2024 funding partners are: the Claneil Foundation, the Collective Future Fund, the Homeless Assistance Fund, the Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and the Valentine Foundation. Priorities  The grantmaking committee will prioritize: Groups working in Philadelphia Groups serving BIPOC trans communities. Groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership. Groups serving trans youth and/or disabled and/or elderly trans individuals. Funding Information Applicants may apply for grants of $5,000 or $10,000. Uses of funds  Organizations/ groups may use funds for different purposes, depending on their size and who they serve. Organizations with budgets of under $250,000, who also exclusively serve trans communities can apply to use funds for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Providing services to trans individuals. Organizing and advocacy for the trans community. General operating support. Organizations with budgets of under $250,000, who do not exclusively serve trans communities can apply to use funds for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Providing services to trans individuals. Organizing and advocacy for the trans community. Organizations with budgets of over $250,000, can ONLY apply for funds to be used for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Organizations applying in this category may use 10% of their grant to cover the cost of administering funds. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be non-profit groups/organizations (two or more individuals working collectively to provide services to the broader community), not individuals or for-profit entities. Applicants do not have to be incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) organization but must certify that their work meets IRS criteria for funding. Applicants must be located in and serving Philadelphia and/or Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, or Delaware Counties. Both new and established groups/organizations are welcome to apply. Traditional nonprofit organizations as well as grassroots groups, including those with non-hierarchical leadership structures can apply. Applicants who received funding in 2023 are eligible to reapply but MUST complete a report on their previous grant in order to be considered. For more information, visit Gender Justice Fund.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to address community needs and improve the quality of life for residents, particularly those who are underserved or disadvantaged.

The Historical & Archival Records Care (HARC) Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and the State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB), provides competitive grants to non-profits and local governments for the preservation of historically valuable original documents. The grants support projects such as surveying, inventorying, preserving, arranging, describing historical records, and reformatting or purchasing supplies and equipment. The program aims to enhance public access to Pennsylvania's historical records. Projects must adhere to professional archival standards.

The Bucks County Foundation offers bi-annual grants to nonprofits serving Bucks County through a competitive process from unrestricted funds. These grants support projects that serve the community needs of Bucks County, emphasizing smaller organizations that may apply for either operating or program grants based on their annual budget size. This opportunity fosters local development and aids organizations in achieving impactful community results. Applications must adhere to non-discrimination policies and aim for collaborative community solutions. Organizations can apply once every twelve months, and site visits may be part of the evaluation process.

The Public School Environmental Repairs Program was established by Act 33 of 2023 to support public schools with remediating and/or abating environmental hazards in a school building or school buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, addressing lead in water sources and paint, asbestos, and mold. Eliminating lead and asbestos along with other environmental contaminants in schools lowers cumulative exposure throughout childhood, leads to better cognitive and overall health outcomes for children, and increases the likelihood of academic and career success. The program was established under Article XXVI-L of the Public School Code and is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Program grant funding received by a school district may not be included when calculating the amount to be paid to a charter school under section 1725-A of the School Code (24 P.S. § 17-1725-A).

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF). Donor Name: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts State: Pennsylvania County: Carbon County (PA), Lehigh County (PA), Monroe County (PA), Northampton County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Creative Sector Flex Fund provides support to eligible applicants that provide consistent annual levels of artistic programming and/or arts services in Pennsylvania. One application per applicant per year may be submitted. Eligible uses of funds are flexible, including the support of applicants’ administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses.  Depending on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) budget and availability of funds, grant amounts will be $5,000 per applicant.  Annual grants are not guaranteed. Project Period January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must:  Be a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, or a unit of local government (counties, cities, boroughs, townships, and municipal authorities). Pre-K -12 public, private and parochial schools including all charter schools are NOT eligible. (K-12 schools should contact the Arts in Education Program of the PCA for other opportunities).  Be located in Pennsylvania, except for nonprofit, tax-exempt corporations acting as a fiscal sponsor on behalf of an unincorporated group or not-for-profit limited liability company (LLC) that is located in Pennsylvania.  Be registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations, except for local governments and fiscal sponsors.  Have a history of at least TWO years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania. Have an annual average arts revenue of $10,000 to $200,000. An applicants revenue size by a two-year average is demonstrated by:  Arts Organization: most recent form 990 of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service  Arts Program of Non-Arts Organization or whose 990 is a postcard: applicant’s board/committee approved, arts-specific program financial statement from the most recently completed TWO fiscal years.  The program financial statement must detail program revenue, including contributed and earned income and income realized from investments, as applicable, and expenses. In-kind is not included. For more information, visit PCA.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to support their operating or program needs based on their budget size.

The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant Awards are focused on fostering connections between the arts and the health and wellness of residents in Cambria and Somerset Counties. Donor Name: 1889 Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Cambria County (PA), Somerset County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant offers opportunities for local non-profit organizations that have arts and health and wellness initiatives to support arts projects, performance activities, exhibitions, and other activities that relate to health and wellness.  The 1889 Foundation was founded on the principle of supporting innovative programs and initiatives to improve and transform the overall health and wellness of region. The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant (CHIG) has been created and funded to lead foundation efforts in Cambria and Somerset Counties. The grant application process is managed by the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance (PRAA).  Funding Information Grant request amounts up to $6,000 will be considered. Grant award amounts will be no less than $1,000 and no greater than $6,000. Project Period Project Year September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Grant Guidelines Funding will be used to support local non-profit organizations which have arts and health and wellness initiatives that have demonstrated results and have had an impact on improving the needs within the community The 1889 Foundation has priority goals that determine project funding.  Understanding these priorities will help in the development of grant projects for this Creative Health Impact Grant. Collaborative approaches with quality partners (individuals or other non-profit organizations) that have the same principles and beliefs are encouraged Arts partner and health care partner should be clearly defined Funded activities could include but are not limited to: exhibitions, performances, festivals, and continuing programs that relate to health and wellness Eligibility Criteria Any entity organized under section 501(c)3 or similar section of the tax code is eligible to apply. Fully accredited post-secondary educational institutions may apply. Projects supported by this grant must take place in Cambria and/or Somerset Counties. Multiple applications from one organization will be accepted if each application is distinctly different from the other – for example: a movement/dance project for senior citizens in a retirement community, and a visual arts project involving a visually handicapped population. Both new programs and projects and well-established programs and projects are eligible. For more information, visit 1889 Foundation.

The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers is offering a grant of $4300 in 2024 to non-profit organizations, including 501(c)(3) agencies, that serve the Borough of Knoxville, Tioga County, Pennsylvania for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education is inviting applications from Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to develop or expand experiential learning opportunities. The goal is to engage secondary and postsecondary students in learning about working with students with disabilities, aiming to inspire future special educators. These opportunities include structured activities, programs, or events guided by current educators. The grant aims to foster the establishment or expansion of such opportunities and increase interest in special education careers among secondary and postsecondary students.

The Clean Water Cumberland is now accepting applications for the Clean Water Grant Program (CWGP). Donor Name: County of Cumberland State: Pennsylvania County: Cumberland County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The CWGP provides financial support for “shovel-ready” initiatives that aim to enhance local water quality in Cumberland County. Program Objectives  The objectives of the CWGP are: Maximize the impact of limited pollution reduction funding by investing in priority water quality projects. Develop a water quality project backlog that can help leverage additional government and nonprofit funding. Pursue multifaceted pollution reduction strategies across a variety of water quality stakeholders. Accelerate progress toward the county’s pollution reduction goals through activities of other water quality stakeholders. Institutionalize an annual project identification process that can be integrated into county CAP development plans. Funding Information Annual program funding is variable and dependent upon the level of federal, state, corporate and nonprofit sources secured by the county. It is anticipated that approximately $500,000 will be available for subawards in 2025. There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount. There is no cash match requirement, however, projects with local match will receive higher priority consideration in the evaluation process. All funding decisions are at the sole discretion of Cumberland County and contingent upon the approval of PADEP. Grant Period Period of Grant Performance: March 2025-December 2025. Eligible Applicants Eligible CWGP applicants are limited to the following groups: Non-profit 501(c) organizations, Municipal governments, Educational institutions, Businesses with headquarters located within Cumberland County, Other organizations as deemed eligible by the county. For more information, visit County of Cumberland.

The Arts for All Partnership is a partnership between the Cultural Enrichment Fund and the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Donor Name: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities State: Pennsylvania County: Cumberland County (PA), Dauphin County (PA), Franklin County (PA), Lebanon County (PA), Perry County (PA), York County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Priorities Applications will be accepted from any nonprofit organization in the Capital Region conducting a program designed to integrate cultural appreciation in the everyday lives of underserved audience. Priority will be given to programs that increase arts engagement and access among diverse audiences, underserved and/or economically disadvantaged communities. The Arts for All Partnership is most interested in proposals that will increase access to the arts in the Capital Region through: Free public performances for families Ticket subsidy programs that fill houses Innovative programs that engage and build young audiences Educational outreach programs Equipment may be requested if its acquisition would result in the achievement of a significant efficiency, is required to initiate a new program, or would greatly enhance an existing program. Funding Information Up to $7,500 Funding Period Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, and the Dillsburg Area of Northern York County and/or nonprofit organizations who are located within 20 miles of center city Harrisburg. Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project. For more information, visit TFEC.

The Franklin County Community Foundation (FCCF), a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), conducts an annual competitive grantmaking program for nonprofit organizations serving Franklin County. Donor Name: Franklin County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Franklin County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Priorities FCCF’s strategic grantmaking focus is to invest in innovative, collaborative approaches and solutions to community problems, and to support projects that demonstrate achievable outcomes, the potential for replication as a model program, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant term. The overarching goal is to fund programs and services that have the potential for the greatest impact on the quality of life and positive outcomes for individuals and families living in Franklin County. CCF requires that applicant organizations be aligned with one or more of the following funding priorities: Arts & culture Community development Education Environment Health & human services FCCF’s additionally pleased to welcome grant applications that address: Programs & projects in the field of music & the arts Health services with particular emphasis on cancer Services for the in-need, elderly, & people with special needs Programs that benefit children with special needs or accessibility needs Programs & projects that focus upon or nurture access to early childhood education Funding Information Up to $7,000 Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving Franklin County. Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project. Grants cannot be fund Advertising Capital campaigns Direct lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriations Individuals National and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presence New staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainability Religious organizations for religious purposes Retroactive projects For more information, visit TFEC.

The CONSOL Energy Excellence in Education Fund offers small grants aimed at supporting teachers and/or schools in enhancing classroom activities or teacher professional development activities directly benefiting students. Preference is given to projects not covered by the school budget or those that would require out-of-pocket expenses by teachers. Grant awards range between $250 to $500 per request. Applications are accepted year-round on a first-come basis, with specific deadlines for committee review. Grant renewed every year. Grant Spring Annual deadline: June 1st

The CONSOL Energy Excellence in Education Fund offers small grants aimed at supporting teachers and/or schools in enhancing classroom activities or teacher professional development activities directly benefiting students. Preference is given to projects not covered by the school budget or those that would require out-of-pocket expenses by teachers. Grant awards range between $250 to $500 per request. Applications are accepted year-round on a first-come basis, with specific deadlines for committee review. Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall Annual deadline: October 1st

Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greene County, the EITC Innovative Education Grants support innovative, advanced curriculum projects in public schools. These grants are aimed at projects that enhance the curriculum or academic program but are not part of the regular academic program. Past projects include computer labs, GIS software, and more. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greene County, the EITC Innovative Education Grants support innovative, advanced curriculum projects in public schools. These grants are aimed at projects that enhance the curriculum or academic program but are not part of the regular academic program. Past projects include computer labs, GIS software, and more. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Spring deadline: June 1st

This program provides financial support to registered apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania to help employers recruit and develop talent by covering costs for apprentices.

This program provides competitive funding for community organizations and local governments to build or improve public facilities that support work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.