Pennsylvania Private Grants

The William Penn Foundation is offering Climate, Environmental Justice, and Infrastructure Grants to help the Philadelphia region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties) secure federal funding for initiatives in these areas. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's broader mission by focusing on critical environmental and social issues within its geographic scope, leveraging external funding opportunities to maximize impact. The Foundation has allocated up to $3.5 million for this Request for Proposals (RFP), with individual organizations eligible to receive a maximum of $1,000,000 over a two-year grant duration. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the communities and residents of the Philadelphia region, particularly those who will benefit from advancements in climate resilience, environmental justice, and infrastructure development. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the region's ability to access and utilize available federal funding, thereby leading to tangible improvements in these critical sectors. The Foundation aims to empower local organizations to pursue projects that might otherwise lack the necessary financial backing, fostering long-term positive change. The Foundation's strategic priorities for this grant are clearly focused on efforts to access federal funding for climate, environmental justice, and infrastructure. There are few limitations on project designs or the applicants' approach to securing such funding, encouraging innovative and diverse strategies. Proposals can focus on project development, technical or legal assistance, communications, or other methods to advance the objective, whether on a regionwide or more localized scale. This flexible approach allows for a broad range of initiatives to be supported, from initial planning to implementation support. Expected outcomes include an increase in successful applications for federal funding, a greater number of projects addressing climate change, environmental injustices, and infrastructure needs, and ultimately, an enhanced quality of life for residents in the designated counties. While the specific measurable results will depend on the individual projects funded, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in the capacity of organizations to secure federal funding, it can catalyze a larger volume of impactful work in its priority areas, amplifying its philanthropic reach and fostering sustainable progress.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

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 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

This program provides entrepreneurial training and resources to aspiring business owners in the Bradford, Pennsylvania area, helping them develop ventures that positively impact their community.

The Bunbury Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations in central New Jersey, particularly Mercer County, enabling them to effectively pursue their missions and achieve sustainable organizational maturity. The foundation's core mission revolves around "capacity building," which is defined as work that enhances an organization's ability to deliver its mission with increased confidence. This strategic alignment ensures that grants directly contribute to the long-term effectiveness and stability of recipient organizations. The fund targets non-profit organizations that operate and provide services within the geographic region covered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This includes Mercer County, Eastern Bucks County (PA), Northern Burlington County (NJ), Southern Hunterdon County (NJ), Southern Middlesex County (NJ), and Southern Somerset County (NJ). The primary impact goal is to strengthen the ability of these non-profits to "do their best work" by empowering them with the necessary resources and strategies. The fund encourages projects that prioritize anti-racism strategies and embed racial equity at the core of their work, signifying a commitment to inclusive and equitable community development. The Bunbury Fund offers various grant types with specific focuses. One-year capacity-building grants, up to $50,000, support areas such as board governance, leadership succession planning, strategic partnerships, scenario planning, systems upgrades, racial equity and inclusion practices, human resources, and technology improvements. Multi-year capacity-building grants, up to $150,000 over three years, are designed for comprehensive, phased projects that require extended development for organizational effectiveness. Additionally, planning grants of up to $10,000 are available to help organizations evaluate the resources needed for more extensive capacity-building initiatives, acting as an initial step in assessing viability. The expected outcomes include enhanced organizational effectiveness, improved service delivery, and a greater ability for non-profits to achieve their missions with confidence. Measurable results would stem from the specific capacity-building areas addressed by the grants, such as improved governance structures, stronger leadership, more efficient systems, and the successful implementation of racial equity strategies. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower non-profits through capacity building, operating on the theory of change that by strengthening the internal capabilities of these organizations, they will be better equipped to serve their communities and create lasting, positive impact, particularly through the lens of racial equity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations seeking to improve or develop Pre-K education programs across the USA.

This funding opportunity provides $5,000 to small arts organizations in Pennsylvania to support their administrative and program-related expenses, helping them thrive and serve their communities.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grant, overseen by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service, aims to address urgent issues on designated water trails that compromise safety or access. With a total of $2000 available, this grant supports projects that can quickly resolve situations like storm-induced damage, navigational obstructions, or critical sign destruction that impedes safe water trail access. Eligible projects must match the grant 1:1 with cash or in-kind services. The grant serves as a last-resort funding source for unforeseen issues affecting Pennsylvania's 28 designated water trails, emphasizing safety and accessibility while fostering recreational opportunities and sustainable natural resource use. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2024, with awards based on urgency and committee discretion.

The William Penn Foundation is offering a grant of $500,000 to $1 million over three years to projects that increase access to mental health services for caregivers and young children in Philadelphia, particularly those facing barriers such as low income, cultural or linguistic issues, with a focus on expanding services in high-risk areas and advocating for relevant policies.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an annual competition designed to foster entrepreneurship with a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This initiative creates cross-sector partnerships to tackle pressing community problems, aligning with a broader mission to promote social innovation through investment, grants, and educational assistance. Since its inception in 2015, the UpPrize Challenge has allocated over $3.1 million to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants, demonstrating a commitment to empowering community-driven solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this challenge are nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are based in and whose startup's impact is within one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The program specifically targets those who are 18 years or older and have not received $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. The core impact goal is to launch or expand startups that leverage technology to address social inequities, thereby creating a meaningful and lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program's priorities and focus areas revolve around technology-driven solutions to social inequities. This is evidenced by the prize structure, which offers combined prize monies and accelerator assistance to the top three finalists to facilitate the launch or expansion of such startups. The challenge encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas that can demonstrate tangible benefits to the community through the application of new technologies and creative problem-solving. Expected outcomes include the successful launch or expansion of promising startups, leading to measurable improvements in social equity within the targeted counties. The challenge's structure, which awards significant prize money ($125,000 for first place, $100,000 for second, and $75,000 for third), incentivizes the development of impactful solutions. These investments are intended to translate into direct community benefits, fostering a more equitable and innovative environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania through the practical application of entrepreneurial endeavors.

This program provides financial support to grassroots watershed organizations in Western Pennsylvania for projects focused on water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and community outreach to protect and restore local watersheds.

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 organizations in Greater Philadelphia that provide engaging arts education programs for young people aged 5 to 18, fostering creativity and personal growth through partnerships with skilled teaching artists.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Schuylkill County affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, helping them recover losses and retain jobs for low- to moderate-income individuals.

Access Microfund is a reimbursement program offered by the Arts Council, providing up to $500 to support arts and culture organizations, collaboratives, and artists in Pennsylvania. The fund aims to assist in providing accommodations for patrons and artists with disabilities, including American Sign Language interpretation, audio description, captioning, and materials in alternative formats. Looking for one-time assistance in making your arts event more accessible? The Arts Council’s Access Microfund is a reimbursement program that provides up to $500 to help arts and culture organizations, collaboratives and artists provide accommodations to patrons and artists with disabilities, such as American Sign Language interpretation, audio description, captioning, or materials in alternative formats. No deadline. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. APPLY If you have questions about eligibility, please email Mia Hooper, director of development and grantmaking, or call 412-391-2060 ext. 222. Funding for Access Microfund comes from the National Endowments for the Arts. Claire leading an accessibility workshop Claire leading an accessibility workshop Eligibility Nonprofit arts organizations, artist collaboratives, and independent artists serving or working in the nine counties of southwestern Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Indiana, Washington, and Westmoreland) are eligible to apply. The Access Microfund is meant for those that are providing arts programming to the public. Funding through the Access Microfund is not intended to support accessibility accommodations for an organization's full series of scheduled programs. Instead, the fund is for an accommodation outside your scheduled accommodated programs or if you are planning a one-time public program and need additional accessibility assistance. Examples of eligible accommodations American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of one performance Audio description of a single museum tour Development of a Braille program Interpretation, captioning, or other accommodations for an artist or patron with a disability Ineligible accommodations Series of regularly scheduled ASL interpreted performances Audio description of tours and performances that have already happened Adding a wheelchair ramp Ongoing accommodations for employees or volunteers with disabilities A group of individuals gather for a picture at the LEAD Conference in Pittsburgh. There are seventeen smiling people, and one service dog. LEAD Conference Pittsburgh Application Process Applications can be submitted at any time and support will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The Arts Council will make every effort to review your needs as quickly as we can, making decisions and seeking input from representatives of the disability community when appropriate. You must submit following information in your application: Organization or collaborative name and contact information The type of accommodation you would like to provide or are seeking reimbursement for, the approximate cost of that service, and how you determined the cost of the accommodation The date you wish to offer the accommodation Why you want to provide the accommodation In exchange for a reimbursement through the Access Microfund, you must: Provide your accommodation policy or agree to create an accommodation policy no later than two months after receiving funding; and Either provide some matching funds or agree to create a line item in your next budget to cover future programmatic accommodations. National Endowment for the Arts Statement of Equitable Funding The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council continues to support diverse and vulnerable populations, understanding that we should always inform our work through a lens of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. The Arts Council does not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, religion, color, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

The Upper Bucks Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the Palisades, Pennridge, and Quakertown School Districts of Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania, supporting programs in visual, performing, and industrial arts, agricultural education, conservation of rural life, science, and technology.