Pennsylvania Local Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations, and county directors of veteran affairs in Pennsylvania to enhance programs and services for veterans, focusing on outreach, health, transportation, and employment initiatives.

The York County Community Foundation has launched the Racial Equity Fund Grant Program with the overarching goal of shifting the paradigm of equitable opportunities within communities. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to address issues of racism and inequity. By focusing on projects that actively seek to dismantle systemic barriers, the program embodies a strategic commitment to fostering a more just and inclusive society. The program reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investment in racial equity initiatives will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of people of color and contribute to broader community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits and individuals working directly with people of color. There is a strong preference for projects that are led by people of color, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to empowering community-led solutions and ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and effective. The impact goals of the program are centered on addressing systemic racism and inequity across various critical areas, with the ultimate aim of creating more equitable opportunities and improved outcomes for communities of color. The Racial Equity Fund Grant Program prioritizes projects within six key focus areas: Community Leadership and Development, Criminal Justice System, Education and Job Readiness, Health and Wellness, Income and Wealth Creation, and Racial and Cultural Education. These areas represent strategic priorities for the Foundation, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of racial inequity and the need for comprehensive interventions. Each of these focus areas is designed to address specific disparities and challenges faced by communities of color, fostering a holistic approach to racial equity. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes of this program are implicitly tied to significant advancements within the identified focus areas. For instance, projects in "Education and Job Readiness" would ideally lead to improved educational attainment and employment rates among people of color. Similarly, initiatives in "Criminal Justice System" would aim for reduced disparities and more equitable treatment. The Foundation's strategic commitment to these focus areas suggests an expectation of positive, measurable shifts in community well-being, equity, and opportunity as a direct result of the funded projects, with grants available up to $15,000 for these impactful endeavors.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Perry County, Pennsylvania, to support projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, health, and substance abuse prevention.

This program provides funding to non-profits, businesses, and government agencies in Clinton County to promote tourism, develop attractions, and host events that encourage overnight visits and boost the local economy.

The Elk County Community Foundation's Women Who Care Grant Program is designed to foster philanthropy among women, ultimately strengthening the community by providing financial support and assistance for issues impacting families. This program directly aligns with the foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being through strategic funding. By engaging women in philanthropic efforts, the program aims to create a more robust and supportive environment for families in the region. The target beneficiaries of the Women Who Care grants are families within the communities served by the Elk County Community Foundation. The program's impact goal is to fund projects that have the most significant positive effect on these families. This involves addressing various needs and challenges that directly influence family stability, health, and overall quality of life. The program prioritizes projects based on several key criteria. Applications are recommended to the membership based on the quality of the project or services offered, the number of individuals served, and the effectiveness of project management. These focuses ensure that funded initiatives are well-conceived, reach a substantial number of people, and are executed efficiently to maximize their impact. The maximum annual award for any single project is $5,000, ensuring that funds are distributed across multiple impactful initiatives. Expected outcomes include improved conditions and enhanced opportunities for families in Elk County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "most impact for the families" suggests a focus on tangible improvements in areas relevant to family well-being, which would be evaluated based on the quality of services and number of individuals served. The foundation's strategic priority through this program is to empower and mobilize women as philanthropic leaders, thereby generating sustainable support for community-based solutions. This approach reflects a theory of change where increased female engagement in philanthropy leads to more effective and responsive community support for family-oriented needs.

The Grassroots Arts Program, offered by The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover, aims to support quality arts programs and the operation of arts organizations within New Hanover County, North Carolina. This initiative directly aligns with the mission of fostering a vibrant arts community by providing essential funding for both program and operating expenses. The program emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that arts are available to a broad audience and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the region. The target beneficiaries of this grant include qualified arts organizations, community, civic, and municipal organizations, as well as educational institutions like colleges, universities, and libraries that conduct community-based arts programs. The impact goals are to strengthen existing arts infrastructure, promote arts learning and arts-in-education, and facilitate broader community involvement in the arts. By supporting these diverse entities, the program seeks to cultivate a thriving artistic landscape and enhance the quality of life for residents. Funding priorities include operating or programming support for arts organizations not already receiving state support, arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists (such as artist residencies in schools or afterschool camps), and subgrants to community, civic, and municipal organizations for programs led by qualified artists. The program also has specific policies regarding tribal organizations, colleges, universities, and religious organizations, ensuring funds are used for community-based arts programs rather than internal or religious content. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of arts programs available to the community, enhanced arts education opportunities for various age groups, and strengthened operational capacity for local arts organizations. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of programs supported, the reach of those programs within the community, and the stability of recipient organizations. The grant awards, typically ranging from $500-$5000, are expected to support projects taking place between July 1, 2024, and June 15, 2025, further indicating a focus on immediate and tangible impact. The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover's strategic priority is to invest in local arts and cultural initiatives that demonstrate community benefit and artistic merit. Their theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial support to qualified organizations and programs, they can stimulate artistic activity, encourage public participation, and ultimately contribute to the economic and social well-being of New Hanover County. The requirement for a dollar-for-dollar match also indicates a strategic approach to leverage community investment and ensure the sustainability of funded projects.

The William Penn Foundation is offering a grant of over $1 million for a duration of 3 years to 501(c)3 public charities and government entities proposing projects to reduce illegal dumping in Philadelphia, with a focus on partnerships that leverage complementary strengths and resources to achieve this goal.

The Community Fund is an annual grant program by the Philadelphia City Fund, aligning with the city's goals to enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative supports charitable projects addressing Philadelphia's most pressing needs. The funding is a result of a partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which contributes a portion of its annual revenues to the fund. For the 2024 cycle, the program specifically focuses on youth wellness, promoting lifelong healthy activity, and nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming. The target beneficiaries are youth aged pre-K through 12th grade in Philadelphia, particularly those participating in out-of-school time (OST) programs. The program aims to support their healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development. The impact goal is to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, with a preference for organizations serving specific Priority ZIP Codes (19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144) identified through an analysis of quality of life metrics and OST slot distribution. The fund prioritizes small nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets not exceeding $5 million that provide OST programming to youth in Philadelphia. Grantees will receive $25,000 in unrestricted funds, which can be used for general operations, programmatic activities, or other mission-supporting costs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their organization's mission and/or programming aligns with the "Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming" theme. The expected outcome is improved well-being and safety for youth in Philadelphia through enhanced access to comprehensive OST programming. While specific measurable results beyond the funding allocation and unrestricted nature of the grants are not explicitly detailed, the focus on priority ZIP codes and the definition of OST programming suggest an intention to measure the reach and impact on youth development in underserved areas. Grantees will be expected to comply with Pennsylvania childcare regulations and maintain necessary insurance coverage during the one-year grant term, starting February 2025.

This program provides funding to local organizations and individuals in Philadelphia to distribute free food to residents facing food insecurity due to disruptions in SNAP benefits.

The Acorn Grants, administered by The Erie Community Foundation, are designed to bolster newer and smaller organizations by helping them establish a robust and stable foundation. This grant program aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to support and strengthen the non-profit sector within Erie County. By focusing on organizational capacity building, the Foundation aims to cultivate a resilient ecosystem of community-focused entities, ensuring that vital services and initiatives continue to thrive. The primary beneficiaries of The Acorn Grants are non-profit organizations located within Erie County, or those that serve a significant population within the county, and are defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code. The impact goal is to empower these emerging organizations to better identify and address community needs by enhancing their operational capabilities. This includes strengthening their infrastructure, developing strategic plans, and improving their ability to deliver effective programs. The program prioritizes organizations that clearly articulate a specific need and convincingly demonstrate how the requested funding will directly contribute to building their capacity. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities" or a "theory of change" in the traditional sense, the focus on foundational support for newer and smaller organizations implicitly reflects the Foundation's strategy to foster long-term community well-being by investing in the stability and growth of its grassroots organizations. Expected outcomes include increased organizational efficiency, enhanced program delivery, and a greater ability for recipient organizations to sustain their operations and expand their reach. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on identifying needs and explaining capacity-building indicates an expectation that organizations will demonstrate tangible improvements in their operational health and impact within the community. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, suggests a targeted approach to providing essential funding that can make a significant difference to smaller entities.

The York County Community Foundation is offering a three-year grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for municipalities, county agencies, school districts, and non-profit organizations in York County, Pennsylvania, to preserve and protect open spaces, natural habitats, and waterways through land acquisition, planning studies, and ordinance assistance, with a focus on public access, recreational opportunities, and natural resource protection.

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 City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce offers the PHL Made Grant to support manufacturing companies located in Philadelphia and to promote innovation in the sector. The program provides matching grants to help companies improve operations, increase efficiency, and bring new products to market. Applicants may request up to 30,000 dollars in matching funds. Consideration is given to clear plans for use of funds, job creation or retention with a commitment to hiring Philadelphia residents, and the introduction of new products or improved processes. Past awardees may apply if they have not received more than 10,000 dollars in PHL Made Grant funds during the prior three years. Eligible applicants must be manufacturing companies located in Philadelphia, in operation for at least one year, and able to provide matching funds. The program welcomes applications from companies producing consumer goods, industrial goods, and medical devices, among other manufactured products. Applications are due May 4, 2024. Additional information is available from the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce.

The Somerset County Tourism Grant Program, funded by GO Laurel Highlands, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit or for-profit businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, for marketing initiatives and visitor center operations aimed at boosting tourism and overnight stays in the region.

This funding opportunity supports community-led initiatives in Philadelphia that aim to reduce violence and enhance neighborhood safety, particularly for young Black and brown men, through various programs like job training, educational outreach, and trauma-informed care.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG) with approximately $5 million in funding. This program aims to support school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania in their transition to cleaner fuel transportation. The grant's mission aligns with environmental protection efforts by promoting the adoption of alternative fuels such as electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels, ultimately working towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. The AFIG program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Pennsylvania, including public and private entities. Specific eligible organizations include counties, townships, municipalities, municipal authorities, public school districts (including charter schools), 501(c)3 organizations providing services to vulnerable populations (seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services), businesses registered as Small Diverse Businesses with the Commonwealth, and county/local government-supported or contracted organizations providing similar services. The program intends to impact environmental health and economic development by fostering a cleaner transportation infrastructure and supporting diverse businesses. The program prioritizes businesses headquartered or with principal operations in Pennsylvania, zero-emission vehicle projects, medium-duty and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects, renewable natural gas vehicle and infrastructure projects, and projects located in or predominantly serving environmental justice areas. Additionally, minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses are also prioritized. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to maximize environmental benefits, support local economies, and promote equity in the transition to alternative fuels. Expected outcomes of the AFIG program include a significant increase in the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and associated refueling infrastructure across Pennsylvania. Measurable results will include the number of vehicles retrofitted or purchased to operate on alternative fuels, the installation of new fleet- or home-refueling equipment, and the advancement of research and development in alternative fuel technology. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on catalyzing a widespread shift towards cleaner transportation options, driven by financial incentives and targeted support for innovative projects and underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and healthier Pennsylvania.

The Joe DeMott Port Allegany Community Development Fund, administered by the McKean County Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications. This grant program aims to support a wide array of projects, aligning with the Foundation's broader mission of fostering community well-being and development. The fund's focus areas, including arts, community development, education, environment, and health and social services, reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs within the Port Allegany School District. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are organizations operating within the Port Allegany School District, specifically 501c3 organizations, schools, municipalities, or religious organizations that serve the public. The impact goal is to enhance the quality of life and promote growth in these key areas. By supporting local initiatives, the fund seeks to empower community groups to implement projects that create positive, tangible changes for residents. The program prioritizes projects that fall under the aforementioned categories: arts, community development, education, environment, or health and social services. This broad scope allows for a variety of innovative and impactful projects to be considered. The strategic priority of the McKean County Community Foundation, as evidenced by this fund, is to invest in local communities to cultivate sustainable development and address critical needs across multiple sectors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the nature of the supported areas implies a desire for improved community infrastructure, enhanced educational opportunities, increased access to arts and cultural experiences, a healthier environment, and more robust social support systems. The theory of change behind this fund is likely that by providing financial resources to local organizations, they can effectively implement projects that lead to a stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient Port Allegany community. The maximum grant amount of $1400 suggests an emphasis on supporting numerous smaller-scale, impactful initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individuals, non-profits, and municipalities to create arts and culture projects that positively impact the community in Lackawanna County, PA.

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 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.