Pennsylvania Social Advocacy Grants

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Philadelphia that provide programs focused on preventing gun violence, mentoring girls, and offering trauma-informed services, particularly during the summer months.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Forfeiture Fund is designed to support community-based anti-crime and anti-narcotics organizations in accordance with the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances Forfeiture Act and a court order from Sourovelis v. City of Philadelphia. This grant specifically focuses on organizations targeting at-risk youth through various programs, including after-school activities, violence and addiction prevention, recovery and rehabilitation from addiction, and reintegration and employment post-imprisonment with an emphasis on anti-crime/drug/violence initiatives. Funding is guided by the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the US Department of Justice, aimed at grassroots community groups in Philadelphia with budgets of $5 million or less. The current grant cycle, running from 02/03/2025 to 03/14/2025, prioritizes Re-entry and Workforce, offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

The POISE Foundation's Community Impact Grants are designed to support the Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices through strategic leadership, collective giving, grantmaking, and advocacy. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to empower and uplift the Black community. The program offers small grants, typically between $1,000-$5,000, to nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh Region. These grants are generally for one-year durations and are specifically targeted at Black-led, Black-serving organizations. The target beneficiaries of these grants are nonprofit organizations serving the Black community in the Pittsburgh Region, with a focus on programs that lead to empowerment and self-sufficiency. The impact goals are broad, aiming to foster pathways from poverty to prosperity, advance educational achievement, create and develop Black businesses, support the well-being of young ladies, and strengthen Black families. This is achieved by investing in programs that build capacity, engage in civic participation, make decisions, and advocate for the well-being of Black communities and residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: Community & Economic Development, Education, Entrepreneurial Activities, Young Ladies, and Strengthening Black Families. Within these areas, there's a strong focus on community engagement, understanding issues, and promoting economic, social, environmental, political, and psychological well-being. For Strengthening Black Families, specific priorities include being family-driven, building family development, increasing family interaction, being culturally responsive, assisting with support networks, providing advocacy tools, and promoting family healing and wellness. Expected outcomes include increased civic participation, improved educational achievement for Black youth, growth in Black businesses and cooperatives, enhanced well-being for young ladies, and the restoration of the Black family as a core, thriving institution in Pittsburgh. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics, the foundation's theory of change is evident in its investment in programs that provide direct services and seek to bring about change that leads to empowerment and self-sufficiency within the Black community. The preference for Black-led organizations further demonstrates their strategic priority of empowering community-driven solutions.

The IMPACT Bucks grant, supported by BLBB Charitable, Bucks County Foundation (BCF), and Foundations Community Partnership, aims to strengthen communities by fostering economic self-sufficiency and opportunity for socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals. This initiative directly aligns with BCF's mission to identify and address community concerns, particularly for underserved populations, and to promote creative and collaborative solutions to community problems. The grant seeks to support nonprofits whose work in Bucks County directly improves the lives of residents. The target beneficiaries for the IMPACT Bucks grant are socially and/or economically disadvantaged people within Bucks County. The overarching impact goal is to create safe, healthy, and thriving communities by improving economic self-sufficiency and opportunity for these individuals. BCF emphasizes supporting underserved populations and promoting solutions that address the root causes of community problems, rather than just the symptoms. The grant prioritizes innovative projects and collaborative efforts among community groups or organizations to address unmet needs. BCF is looking for proposals that respect individual concerns while seeking community-wide solutions. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) nonprofits with a Bucks County client population that constitutes 50% or more of their total client base, and whose proposed projects directly benefit Bucks County. Expected outcomes include improved economic self-sufficiency, increased opportunities for disadvantaged individuals, and stronger, more resilient communities within Bucks County. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the grant's focus on addressing community concerns and promoting solutions suggests that successful projects will demonstrate tangible improvements in the economic well-being and overall health of the target population. This one-time, 12-month grant award of $75,000 per partner (totaling $225,000 for the IMPACT grant award opportunity) signifies a strategic commitment from the foundations to drive meaningful and measurable change at the community level.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

The Caribbean United for Women’s Economic Empowerment (CUWEE) project, announced by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), aims to address systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes that impede gender equity and equality within the Caribbean economy. The project seeks to enhance the economic resilience and skills capacity of women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older, thereby enabling their entry into the labor force and achievement of economic security. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of advancing economic gender equity in the Caribbean region and is administered by WHA’s Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (PPC). Subject to fund availability, WHA intends to issue one award, executed through a cooperative agreement, for up to $1,973,359 in FY 2023 Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Economic Support Funds (ESF), with a project period of up to three years, starting in October 2024. The primary target beneficiaries are women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older who seek economic security and engagement in the labor force. Additionally, local civil society organizations (CSOs) are a critical focus, as the project seeks to strengthen these support actors engaged in advancing women’s economic security across the region. The overarching impact goal is to overcome local systemic barriers to economic security for women and foster greater economic gender equity and equality throughout the Caribbean. The core priorities and focuses of the CUWEE project are twofold. First, proposals must include plans to identify problematic country-specific and/or regional systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes that challenge gender equity. Second, the project emphasizes working collaboratively with local CSOs to effectively address these identified barriers. This includes supporting a competition to promote local CSOs in developing and implementing pioneering solutions. The project also specifically requires the provision of a training curriculum designed to build the capacity of and strengthen the regional Caribbean network of local CSOs focused on women’s economic security. The expected outcomes include the effective identification of systemic and socio-cultural barriers to women's economic participation and the successful implementation of pioneering, locally-led solutions to overcome these challenges. Measurable results will likely center on the enhanced economic resilience and skills capacity of women and adolescent girls, leading to increased labor force participation and greater economic security. Furthermore, a key outcome is the strengthening of the regional Caribbean network of CSOs, increasing their capacity and effectiveness in advancing women’s economic security and contributing to sustainable progress toward gender equity and equality in the region.

The Ridgway Borough Charitable Fund, established by Sara-Jane Stackpole, provides financial support to non-profit organizations serving the residents of Ridgway Borough. The fund has an Advisory Board consisting of five individuals representing various groups in the borough, who make grant recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Directors. The average awards range from $3,000 to $5,000, but can go as high as $10,000. The application deadline is September 15th. Link to Application: https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ridgway-Borough-Grant-Application-fillable-10-14-19-1.pdf

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Services Administration (FSA) is offering multiple grant opportunities to provide health services and education to refugees resettled in the District of Columbia. This initiative aims to address health disparities and improve the well-being of the refugee population in the area. The program aligns with the DHS/FSA's mission to support vulnerable populations and ensure access to essential services. The primary beneficiaries of this program are refugees resettled in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to provide domestic medical screening and follow-up, enhance health literacy, and reduce gaps in health services. This will be achieved through two main projects: the Refugee Medical Screening project and the Refugee Health Promotion project. The Refugee Medical Screening project prioritizes the provision of initial medical screenings and subsequent follow-up care for newly arrived refugees. The Refugee Health Promotion project focuses on improving health literacy and addressing service gaps through various interventions. These interventions include workshops, wellness and support groups, and medical case management, all designed to empower refugees with the knowledge and resources to manage their health effectively. Expected outcomes include comprehensive medical screening for refugees, increased health literacy within the refugee community, and a reduction in unmet health service needs. Measurable results will likely involve the number of refugees screened, participation rates in health promotion activities, and improvements in health indicators for the target population. The grants aim to create a sustainable framework for health support for refugees in the District.

The Sarah Ralston Foundation's Innovative Project Support grants target organizations that develop novel solutions for the aging population in Philadelphia, focusing on serving older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Grants range from $25,000 to $125,000 annually, with potential multiyear support up to 3 years. The foundation encourages projects that offer new approaches to care, support, and socialization for older adults, including co-funding opportunities with other funders. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: September 1st

The van Ameringen Foundation focuses on improving mental health services, particularly for those with limited financial means, within New York City and Philadelphia, and through national advocacy. Its mission is to increase accessibility to mental health services, offer preventive and early-intervention strategies, and advocate for systemic change. The foundation offers both general support and project-specific grants, aligning its funding directly with its core mission of fostering a more equitable and effective mental healthcare system for underserved populations. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are individuals and communities confronting significant mental illness, particularly those with limited financial means and opportunities. This includes people needing direct services like case management, counseling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric care, as well as those who benefit from systemic changes in law, public policy, and public perception. The impact goals are to enhance the mental health safety net, improve access to services, and create lasting, positive changes in mental healthcare delivery and perceptions. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated into two main categories: Direct Service Grants and Non-Direct Service Grants. Direct Service Grants support programs that provide immediate and tangible assistance to individuals, such as housing, jobs, and various forms of mental health treatment. Non-Direct Service Grants encompass advocacy efforts to change policies, media/dissemination projects to share best practices and research, and training initiatives for mental health providers, advocates, and community members. The foundation explicitly does not fund programs for intellectual or physical disabilities, direct grants to individuals, endowment campaigns, capital projects, annual fundraising drives, or international activities. Expected outcomes include increased accessibility of mental health services, successful implementation of preventive and early-intervention strategies, and significant systemic changes with local or national impact. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, improvements in patient outcomes, policy changes enacted, increased public awareness, and the number of mental health professionals trained. The foundation encourages innovative and practical proposals that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these outcomes. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on fostering innovation and practical solutions within the mental health sector. Its theory of change posits that by investing in direct services, advocating for policy reforms, disseminating knowledge, and building capacity through training, it can effectively address disparities in mental healthcare access and quality. This multi-pronged approach aims to create both immediate relief for individuals and long-term structural improvements in the mental health landscape, primarily within its specified geographic areas and at a national advocacy level.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public schools in selected states to implement sustainability initiatives, workforce development, and community resilience programs that enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in their communities.

This fellowship provides early-career professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area with funding and support to work on projects that drive systemic change in youth justice, child welfare, education, and health.

This fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that help meet basic human needs and improve access to education and safe recreational activities for marginalized groups, particularly children, seniors, and individuals with special needs, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the tri-state area focused on addressing gun violence, improving community safety, and enhancing education and police relations.

This funding opportunity supports small organizations in Philadelphia and surrounding areas to create inclusive and accessible arts and culture programs that engage diverse communities and enhance public access to the arts.

This grant provides financial support for Penn State undergraduate students to pursue independent summer projects in various fields, fostering creativity and academic exploration.

This funding opportunity supports Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh Region to implement programs that empower and uplift the local Black community through various initiatives.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to implement programs that address the root causes of poverty and promote economic stability for underserved populations, including unemployed individuals and those facing financial constraints.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Pittsburgh that are dedicated to preventing violence and enhancing community safety in neighborhoods most affected by crime.