Pennsylvania Local Grants

Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program that brings neighbors together to improve communities by combating blight, creating assets, and building resilience, block by block. Donor Name: The City of Pittsburgh State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects may include but are not limited to community garden maintenance, neighborhood clean-ups, or tree and flower planting. Successful projects will build strong partnerships, leverage donations, and most importantly, engage neighbors. In planning for strong and successful projects, consider the following priorities: Build strong partnerships Consider having local businesses come out and lend a hand or donate food or materials. Recruit volunteers from a local VFW post or have a service-learning component for youth. Leverage donations Consider having residents donate plants, compost material, or food for your volunteer event day. Make sure it’s feasible City loves creative ideas– but don’t bite off more than you can chew! If you have a huge idea, make Love Your Block a first step in the right direction and secure some other partners that can assist with your plans. Engage neighbors While your volunteers can come from anywhere, they’ve found that the most impactful projects utilize volunteers within proximity to the project. People like to be a part of what’s happening next door and are more likely to maintain and sustain the project afterward if they helped plan and implement it. Funding Information Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program with a maximum award of $2,500. Funding is provided through reimbursement after project implementation. Eligibility Criteria Funding must be awarded through a nonprofit. If your organization is not a nonprofit, you can ask one to be your sponsor. Nonprofits are welcome to sponsor multiple projects. Projects must benefit the public. Projects on private property must have the written permission of the owner. All projects are subject to City of Pittsburgh Zoning and Permit guidelines. Project-related events must follow COVID-19 guidelines that are in place at the time of the events. For more information, visit The City of Pittsburgh.

Applications are now being accepted for the Joe DeMott Port Allegany Community Development Fund. Donor Name: McKean County Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The fund supports projects that encourage the arts, community development, education, environment, or health and social services within the Port Allegany School District. Funding Information Maximum grant is $1400. Eligibility Criteria Grants from this fund are available to 501c3 organizations, schools, municipalities, or religious organizations that serve the public.  For more information, visit McKean County Community Foundation.

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 is designed to support nonprofits that are committed to creating safe, healthy, and thriving communities by improving economic self-sufficiency and opportunity for socially and/or economically disadvantaged people. Donor Name: Bucks County Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Bucks County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This grant opportunity is supported by BLBB Charitable, Bucks County Foundation and Foundations Community Partnership. Each partner is contributing equally to the IMPACT grant, providing a $75,000 grant award opportunity. BCF seeks grants that work to: Identify community concerns and interests and initiate creative approaches to addressing these needs. Promote solutions that address the causes of community problems, with emphasis on supporting underserved and disadvantaged people. Encourage innovative projects that favor collaborative efforts among community groups or organizations, to address unmet needs. Respect individual concerns in seeking community solutions. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofits whose Bucks County client population equals or exceeds more than 50% of their total client population are eligible to apply. Further, applicants must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and classified in Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code. Proposed projects must directly support Bucks County. The IMPACT Bucks grant is a one time, 12 month grant award. For more information, visit BCF.

The Adams County Community Foundation focuses its Adams County Grants program to encourage bigger thinking around strengthening vulnerable people on a systemic level through three primary focus areas. Donor Name: Adams County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Adams County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Capacity Building Grants intended to help nonprofits become more effective at addressing the needs of vulnerable residents. (Up to $25,000) Program Grants to help nonprofits make a meaningful and sustained difference in people’s lives, by helping low-income residents move toward self-sufficiency. (Up to $25,000) Collaboration Grants to support significant collaborative projects that advance affordable housing, transportation and economic development. (Up to $30,000) Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofits with tax-exempt status under IRS Section 501(c)(3) serving Adams County residents, whose nondiscrimination policies are consistent with the Adams County Community Foundation Nondiscrimination Policy on Employment and Grantmaking. Ineligibility  Adams County Grants Will Not Fund: Organizations that are not tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) Public Charity of the Internal Revenue Code Organizations based outside Adams County, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that Adams County residents will benefit from the grant requested Grants to individuals Private foundations Projects aimed at promoting a particular religion or construction project for religious institutions Programs at private schools that benefit only their students Political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts Debt retirement or funding for projects already completed Fundraising events and galas Core curriculum for schools Travel for bands, sports teams, classes and similar groups. For more information, visit ACCF.

This grant provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and government units in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, to implement specific projects, purchase equipment, or make capital improvements that benefit the community.

The Fayette County Tourism Grant Program, administered 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 Fayette County, Pennsylvania, for marketing, tourism enhancement, operational expenses, and visitor center operations, with the aim of boosting tourism and economic activity in the region.

The GO Laurel Highlands is offering a tourism grant ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for marketing, enhancement of attractions, and special events aimed at increasing visitation and economic activity in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, with applications to be submitted by October 4, 2024.

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, through the York County Economic Alliance, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 BLOOM Grant Program for Small Businesses in York County. Donor Name: York County Economic Alliance State: Pennsylvania County: York County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The BLOOM Grant Program was first created in 2018 to help businesses address a tangible need that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Since its launch, 235 BLOOM Grants totaling $480,000 have been distributed to small businesses/organizations in York County, Downtown York, York County Trail Towns communities, to women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of the BLOOM classes, with 49% of grants going to businesses owned by persons of color and 78% going to women-owned businesses. Funding Priorities Priority consideration will be given to: Businesses that have not received funding from previous BLOOM grant programs. Businesses owned by Women, or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Businesses owned by Veterans. Businesses that use local businesses to fulfill the grant implementation, where applicable. Funding Information This program will seek to will award grants from $500 to $1,500 to small businesses owned and operating in the County of York for projects that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Grant amounts will be considered based on need and potential impact. Examples of projects funded through other BLOOM grant funds include improving signage, physical improvements to business location, marketing, training & certification for new services, or purchase of new equipment. Eligibility Criteria  Small Businesses in York County are eligible to apply for this grant program. For more information, visit YCEA.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Allegheny County to hire consultants for projects that strengthen their capacity and enhance their impact through collaboration.

The Adams County Community Foundation announces a competitive request for proposals, for up to $1,000, for nonprofit leadership development. Donor Name: Adams County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Adams County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Objective Enable Adams County nonprofit executive directors and boards of directors to participate in training opportunities that increase their knowledge and effectiveness. Consideration may be given to training for strategic planning, reorganization, leadership development of staff and/or board members, and any other activities that will strengthen the nonprofit’s ability to carry out their mission. Eligibility Criteria  The Community Foundation Distribution Committee will award grants based on the following criteria: The applicant must be in a paid or volunteer leadership position for a qualified charity 501(c)(3) as the Executive Director or in a position that could lead to promotion to Executive Director or Board Chair. Financial need of the organization and/or the financial need of the individual may be considered. College courses, certification programs or professional conferences in finance, fundraising, human resources or other skills are eligible for grants. Travel and lodging costs may be covered. The expected outcomes must be sound and measurable. The grant will be paid to the nonprofit, not the individual. For more information, visit ACCF.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is offering Community Needs Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, to fund projects addressing community needs in areas such as education, arts, environment, human services, animal welfare, and civic affairs, with applications evaluated based on community impact, organizational capability, and project feasibility & sustainability.

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 Vision Partnership Program (VPP) – Cash Grant is a grant available to Chester County municipalities and multi-municipal groups seeking to improve their planning programs while achieving consistency with and implementation of the goals, objectives, recommendations, and map of Landscapes3. Donor Name: Chester County State: Pennsylvania County: Chester County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Purpose Recognizing the benefits of grant awards to municipal planning projects, the Chester County Board of Commissioners established VPP in 1996 to promote cooperation between local governments and the County while implementing Landscapes, the County’s Comprehensive Plan.  The program was revised in 2010 to reflect Landscapes2 and revised again in 2019 to reflect Landscapes3. The purpose of VPP is to advance consistency with and implementation of the county comprehensive plan while accomplishing impactful, lasting, and positive benefits for municipalities through innovative municipal planning; multi-municipal planning; and new and revised municipal plans, ordinances, and planning studies that address opportunities and issues of community concern. Funding Information Plans or Ordinances Adopt $50,000 plus $10,000 for each additional municipality. Planning Studies Accept $30,000 plus $5,000 for each additional municipality. Eligible Costs The following costs are considered eligible for reimbursement if they are included in and directly related to the project scope of work attached to the executed grant contract: Professional planning consultant fees; Data collection and analysis; Mapping and graphics; Monthly duplicating costs of deliverables; Mailing costs, such as for mailings to municipal residents, not to exceed five (5) percent of the total eligible costs for the project; Review of draft materials by non-planning professionals, such as attorneys or engineers, not to exceed ten (10) percent of the total eligible costs for the project (note: this must be described specifically in the project scope of work); Travel costs, such as mileage for required meetings, not to exceed two (2) percent of the total eligible costs for the project; and Publication of the adopted document, up to thirty (30) copies. Eligible Projects  Comprehensive Plan Open Space, Park, and Recreation Plan (to include a greenway plan) Zoning Ordinance and Amendments (to include amendments specific to topic areas such as agriculture, historic resources, natural resources, housing, traditional neighborhood development, form based code, transfer of development rights, and establishing mixed-use, diverse, walkable communities) Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and Amendments (to include amendments specific to topic areas such as bicyclist/pedestrian circulation, natural and cultural resource protection, woodland inventories, and forestation/woodland management plans) Official Map and Ordinance Urban Center Revitalization Plan Resource Protection/Stewardship Plan (addressing topics such as open space, natural resources, parks, scenic resources, historic and cultural resources) Environmental and Community Sustainability/Resilience Plan/Study (to include energy conservation, clean energy transition) Community Design Guide (addressing topics such as housing, historic resources, and villages) Village Master Plan Heritage Interpretation Plan (in accordance with Preserving Our Places, CCPC, 1998) Historic Resource Survey (in accordance with PHMC standards) Housing Plan/Study Economic Development Study Transportation Corridor Plan/Study Streetscape Master Plan Multimodal Plan/Study Trail Feasibility Study Plans/Ordinances that support transition to renewable or alternative energy Agricultural Economic Development Plan Eligibility Criteria  Meeting eligibility requirements is not a guarantee of grant funding under the Vision Partnership Program. Eligible Applicants  The VPP cash grant program is open to all Chester County municipalities which have endorsed or acknowledged Landscapes3. Eligible applicants include a single municipality or a multi-municipal group, which may consist of two (2) or more contiguous municipalities or two (2) or more municipalities when located in the same school district. The application shall identify and be submitted by a lead municipality in the case of a multimunicipal group application. To ensure proper grant administration and promote successful completion of projects, municipalities are encouraged to complete VPP projects funded under previous rounds before applying for additional VPP funding. However, the Chester County Planning Commission may consider approving municipalities to undertake more than one VPP funded project at a time on a case-by-case basis. Municipalities involved in a multi-municipal comprehensive plan shall not be eligible for VPP funding to undertake a full comprehensive plan update at the same time as the contract term of the multi-municipal plan. Partial updates to a specific comprehensive plan section, such as the historic resources plan, may be considered on a case-by-case basis. General Project Eligibility  The project shall advance one or more of the Landscapes3 goals and objectives, and implement one or more of the Landscapes3 recommendations at the municipal or multimunicipal level. Projects enabled by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247, as amended, such as comprehensive plans (or elements thereof) or ordinances, shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the MPC. Projects not adopted under the provisions of the MPC are defined as “Planning Studies” for the purposes of VPP. General project types that may be eligible include plans, ordinances, ordinance amendments, and planning studies. Projects shall be supported by a municipal or multi-municipal comprehensive plan that was adopted within the prior ten (10) years, unless the municipality has undergone the formal review process as outlined in Section 301(c) of the MPC or the applicant provides documentation identifying why the urgency of the proposed project supersedes the need for an update of their comprehensive plan. For more information, visit Chester County.

The City of Scranton is announcing a total of $75,000 in grants available for pre-apprenticeship programs in the building trades and carpentry. Donor Name: City of Scranton State: Pennsylvania City: Scranton Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grants are available to organizations that offer apprenticeship opportunities that can help create employment for those living in Scranton. Funding Information The maximum grant award per application is $25,000. Applicants should be registered pre-apprenticeship programs to be eligible. They should provide a comprehensive budget for their funding request, explain the expected outcomes of their program, and discuss how program successes will be evaluated.  For more information, visit City of Scranton.

The McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF) award grants from the McKean County Community Development Fund, an unrestricted fund administered by the Foundation s from any nonprofit agency that provides support to community development initiatives that will enhance the economic and community well-being of McKean County. Donor Name: McKean County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: McKean County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects should include activities that are innovative and have a plan to sustain themselves. A grant will not cover the direct operating expenses of an agency, rather it intends to enhance already established programs or support the development of new programs.  Funding Information There is approximately $10,000 available to award this year, with the maximum grant request to be $2,000 per applicant. For more information, visit MCCF.

This grant provides funding to non-profit arts organizations and local government entities in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, to support accessible arts projects and programs for the community.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Lycoming County that promote tourism and attract visitors through established events and programs.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities in Chester County, Pennsylvania, for improving and developing public parks and recreational trails.