Pennsylvania Private Grants

This program provides unrestricted funding to small arts organizations rooted in communities of color, helping them sustain and expand their cultural practices while addressing systemic inequities.

This funding provides $3,000 to artists and creative entrepreneurs in select Pennsylvania counties who experienced income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pittsburgh Foundation's Raymond C. and Martha S. Suckling Fund aims to enhance the lives of low-income residents in Sewickley and surrounding communities, aligning with the Foundation's broader mission to support local needs. This grant initiative offers two types of support: Project/Program Support for specific, time-bound programmatic activities, and General Operating Support, which provides flexible funding for an organization's mission-critical costs, including administrative salaries, rent, office supplies, and program expenses. This flexibility recognizes the adaptive needs of nonprofits in addressing evolving community challenges. The target beneficiaries are low-income residents in specific Allegheny and Beaver County communities, including Sewickley, Aliquippa, Ambridge, Haysville, Leetsdale, McKees Rocks, and Coraopolis. The primary impact goal is to improve the lives of these residents, with a strong focus on advancing racial justice. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that are representative of the communities they serve, intentionally serve Black, Indigenous, Latino, and people of color communities, and address the intersection of race with other marginalized groups such as LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, women, and immigrants. Key priorities for funding include organizations with an established history in their communities and those that primarily serve communities disproportionately impacted by poverty. The grant amounts generally range from $10,000 to $75,000 for one-year grants and up to $150,000 for two-year grants. Larger grants may be considered in limited situations for proposals demonstrating clear need and potential impact, especially those aligning with racial justice and the Foundation's focus areas, though a conversation with a program officer is required for requests exceeding $150,000. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions and opportunities for low-income residents, as well as the advancement of racial justice within these communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on achieving specific goals and milestones for Project/Program Support, and the focus on organizations with a mission to advance racial justice, suggest an expectation of tangible positive change. The Foundation's strategic priority is to support organizations that are deeply rooted in and reflective of the communities they serve, fostering a theory of change that empowers local efforts to address systemic inequalities and improve social determinants of health and well-being.

This grant provides financial support to small businesses and non-profits in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, to enhance their operations through professional development, paid internships, business improvements, and technology upgrades.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) solicitation is a grant program designed to support the effective utilization of DNA technology in state and local crime laboratories. This initiative operates under the umbrella of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the largest grantmaking component of the Department of Justice. The program's foundation is aligned with OJP's mission to advance work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, strengthens community safety, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. By funding DNA analysis capabilities, the grant directly contributes to OJP and BJA's overall goal of providing federal leadership and resources to combat violent crime and enhance the nation's criminal justice system. The target beneficiaries for this funding are states and units of local government that possess existing crime laboratories capable of conducting DNA analysis. These recipients utilize the federal support to solve crimes and protect public safety. The overarching impact goals are to combat violent crime, support crime victims, resolve existing cases, and enhance the overall administration of justice within their jurisdictions. Related BJA programs, like the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program, further demonstrate this commitment by including various governmental entities, such as special district and city governments, as well as Native American tribal organizations, to broaden the reach of forensic science improvements. The primary focus of this grant is maximizing the effective utilization of DNA technology to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This is achieved through BJA's forensic science programs, such as the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program and the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). These programs are specifically prioritized to increase the capacity of public forensic laboratories, reduce the backlog of DNA evidence, and improve the timeliness of testing. This focus ensures that DNA evidence from crimes is analyzed and entered into the national database as quickly and efficiently as possible. The expected outcomes are centered on increasing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of forensic science in the justice system. The measurable results include a direct increase in the number of CODIS-eligible samples analyzed and a reduction in DNA testing turnaround times. These efforts have demonstrated success in practice, with BJA-funded programs contributing to a substantial percentage of all CODIS hits, resulting in the identification of previously unknown suspects and providing critical evidence for the prosecution of criminal cases. This grant is part of the Office of Justice Programs' strategic priority to uphold the rule of law, keep the country safe, and protect civil rights by supporting law enforcement and justice practitioners. OJP's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial resources and technical assistance, and by focusing on evidence-based, "smart on crime" approaches, they can enhance the capacity and effectiveness of state, local, and tribal justice systems. Investing in DNA processing and CODIS entry, therefore, is a key strategy for leveraging technology to increase the certainty of identification, improve public safety, and ensure a more fair and effective administration of justice.

This funding opportunity supports community-led projects in Philadelphia that promote food justice by empowering marginalized groups to access, grow, and sell healthy food in areas with limited fresh food availability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations seeking to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of public spaces in Greater Philadelphia, particularly for historically underserved communities.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in specific Pennsylvania counties to develop workforce skills and enhance economic development initiatives.

This grant provides $5,000 to small arts organizations in Pennsylvania with annual revenues between $10,000 and $200,000 to support various operational and project-related expenses, fostering community engagement and artistic development.

The Erie Community Foundation is offering Urgent Grants to assist nonprofits facing unbudgeted, unexpected, and time-sensitive crises. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support the vital work of nonprofits within Erie County by providing crucial, immediate financial assistance during critical junctures. The grant seeks to mitigate the impact of unforeseen challenges, enabling these organizations to maintain their services and stability in the face of emergencies. The target beneficiaries for these Urgent Grants are nonprofits defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. These organizations must be located within Erie County, Pennsylvania, or demonstrate that they serve a sizable population within Erie County. The primary impact goal is to provide swift financial relief, preventing service disruptions and ensuring the continued operation of essential community programs when unforeseen crises arise. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on addressing immediate, unbudgeted, and unexpected crises that require time-sensitive intervention. The grants are designed to be a rapid response mechanism for emergencies, rather than for general operating support or planned projects. The funding amount is capped at $15,000, indicating a focus on addressing specific, urgent needs rather than large-scale initiatives. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of nonprofits facing unexpected financial strain, the uninterrupted delivery of critical services to the community, and the prevention of further deterioration of an organization's capacity due to unforeseen circumstances. While not explicitly stated, measurable results would likely include the number of organizations assisted, the types of crises averted or mitigated, and the continued operation of programs that would otherwise have been jeopardized. The Erie Community Foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, include fostering resilience within the nonprofit sector and ensuring the continued well-being of the Erie County community. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing timely and targeted financial support during crises, they can empower local nonprofits to overcome challenges, sustain their vital work, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more stable community. The emphasis on local, tax-exempt organizations underscores their commitment to the regional social fabric.

The Pittsburgh Foundation is offering its Direct Care and Medical Assistance for Specific Disease Areas grant, stemming from the Robert N. Kohman Trust established in 2003. This fund is specifically designed to support social service organizations that provide direct care and assistance to individuals suffering from a range of serious afflictions, including Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. The grant program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address critical community needs, particularly those related to health and well-being, by supporting organizations that offer tangible assistance to vulnerable populations. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals experiencing severe and chronic health conditions within Allegheny County. The foundation seeks to empower organizations that provide direct care and support, aiming for a significant impact on the lives of those affected by these diseases. By focusing on direct care, the grant intends to improve the quality of life, access to necessary services, and overall well-being of the beneficiaries, contributing to a more resilient and supported community. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations that demonstrate a deep connection to and representation of the communities they serve. A strong emphasis is placed on intentionally serving Black, Indigenous, Latino, and people of color communities, as well as addressing the intersection of race with other marginalized groups such such as LGBTQIA individuals, those with disabilities, women, the elderly, and immigrants. Additionally, organizations with a mission or programs that actively advance racial justice and those with an established history in their communities are highly favored. The grant also prioritizes organizations that primarily serve communities disproportionately impacted by poverty, reflecting the foundation's strategic commitment to equity and social justice. Organizations can apply for two types of support: Project/Program Support, which funds specific, time-bound programmatic activities with clear goals, and General Operating Support, which provides flexible funding for an organization's overall mission-related expenses, including administrative costs, rent, and program delivery. Grant durations are generally up to two years, with one-year grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 and two-year grants not exceeding $150,000. For larger requests, organizations are encouraged to consult with a program officer. The foundation's strategic approach underscores the belief that by supporting organizations deeply rooted in affected communities and focused on racial justice, measurable improvements in health outcomes and a reduction in health disparities can be achieved.

This fellowship provides $10,000 to support AAPI women and gender-expansive individuals in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Georgia who are dedicated to creating impactful civic projects in their communities, along with mentorship and skills training.

In keeping with the wishes of Michael and Sarah Benedum, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is a regional philanthropy focusing on West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Foundation generally invests two-thirds of its grant dollars in West Virginia and one-third in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Foundation serves the entire state of West Virginia. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, the service area includes Allegheny, Washington, Greene, and Fayette Counties. This four-county area is a natural connector between Pittsburgh and West Virginia and contains rural communities that may benefit from the Benedum Foundation’s experiences in West Virginia. However, the Foundation recognizes that economic regions do not follow political boundaries, and therefore, the Foundation both encourages projects that cross state lines, and supports economic initiatives that benefit the multi-state economy centered on Pittsburgh. The Foundation makes grants in two program areas that span both states: Education and Economic Development. In addition, the Foundation supports Community Development and Health grants programs in West Virginia, and in Southwestern Pennsylvania supports the major performing arts organizations within the Cultural District.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

The L&M Medical Needs Fund Grants, offered by the Community Foundation of Greene County, provide financial assistance for medical needs in Greene County, Pennsylvania. Funded by an endowed gift from an anonymous donor, these grants are available to nonprofit charitable organizations serving individuals in need of medical services, such as prescriptions, hospice care, and other medical services. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS and registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. The grants focus on aiding individuals who struggle to afford medical services due to being uninsured or facing high costs not covered by insurance. While priority is given to lower-income families, other cases with well-documented need may also be considered. Grant amounts vary annually. Grant renewed every year. Grant Spring Annual deadline: June 1st

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County to support projects that improve the lives of women and children by addressing critical issues such as transportation, healthcare, education, housing, childcare, and food insecurity.

To encourage human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania through strategically placed charitable resources. Guiding Principles The following principles guide the Foundation’s grants programs in those regions: We honor Michael and Sarah Benedum’s belief in “helping people help themselves,” and we seek opportunities to cultivate the creativity of people and communities. We nurture leadership within the communities we serve, and we participate in leadership when it adds value. We encourage planning, projects and programs that cross geographical and political boundaries so that access to services and economic growth is maximized. We expect collaboration among the public, private and nonprofit sectors in order to leverage the resources that each can bring to common concerns. We strive to advance innovative practices that demonstrate measurable and sustainable benefit. We seek projects that contribute to advancement in public policy.

This funding opportunity supports programs that assist grandfamilies in Philadelphia, where grandparents or relatives are raising young children, by improving access to resources and services tailored to their unique challenges.