Pennsylvania Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in central Pennsylvania facing challenges due to federal funding instability, helping them maintain essential community services and improve quality of life.

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.

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 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 4-H Reimbursement Program is designed to support county 4-H organizations in Pennsylvania by reimbursing a portion of their annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development. The program classifies organizations into four tiers based on membership, offering base funding plus additional per-member reimbursement. Tier 1 organizations with up to 1,000 members receive $1,000 plus $1.50 for each traditional member and $1.00 for each school enrichment/special interest member. Tier 2 covers 1,001 to 2,000 members with $2,500 base funding; Tier 3 includes 2,001 to 3,000 members with $3,000 base funding; and Tier 4 supports over 3,001 members with $3,500 base funding, with a maximum reimbursement of $9,000. The program aims to support the overall activities of the 4-H organizations, including public speaking, judging contests, scholarships, and administrative costs, among others. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

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.

The Adams County Community Foundation's Adams County Grants program is designed to foster innovative solutions for strengthening vulnerable populations by addressing systemic issues. The foundation's mission is aligned with this program through its commitment to creating a meaningful and sustained difference in people’s lives, particularly low-income residents, by helping them move toward self-sufficiency. This overarching goal guides the program's focus on supporting initiatives that build capacity, implement effective programs, and foster collaboration within the community. The program primarily targets vulnerable residents of Adams County, Pennsylvania. The impact goals are to help nonprofits become more effective in addressing resident needs, enable low-income residents to achieve self-sufficiency, and advance critical areas such as affordable housing, transportation, and economic development through collaborative efforts. By focusing on these areas, the foundation aims to create a ripple effect that improves the overall well-being and stability of the community. The Adams County Grants program has three primary focus areas: Capacity Building Grants, Program Grants, and Collaboration Grants. Capacity Building Grants, up to $25,000, are intended to strengthen nonprofits' ability to effectively serve vulnerable residents. Program Grants, also up to $25,000, support initiatives that help low-income residents move towards self-sufficiency. Collaboration Grants, up to $30,000, are specifically for significant collaborative projects that advance affordable housing, transportation, and economic development. These defined priorities ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for systemic impact. Expected outcomes include increased effectiveness of nonprofits, a measurable increase in self-sufficiency among low-income residents, and tangible progress in affordable housing, transportation, and economic development initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the emphasis on systemic change and collaboration, with a clear theory of change that by investing in capacity building, impactful programs, and collaborative projects, they can achieve lasting positive change for vulnerable individuals and the wider community.

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.

Cindy's Wind Fund for Women and Girls Grants, part of the Community Grants Program by the Community Foundation of Greene County, awards two $500 grants annually during the Community Grant cycles with deadlines on June 1 and October 1. This fund focuses on supporting projects that help women and girls in Greene County, Pennsylvania, reach their full potential through information programs, direct services, special activities, and more. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations, including churches, educational organizations, and government agencies, with proposals aimed at empowering women and girls. Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall Annual deadline: October 1st

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 08/26 to 09/20, prioritizes Trauma, Healing and Support for Youth Impacted by Violence , offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Grant Opportunity: Improving Youth Mental Health Overview: The Cigna Group Foundation is committed to addressing youth mental health challenges post-pandemic. With a focus on supporting underserved communities, the foundation is allocating $9 million over three years to fund evidence-informed programs and services. The goal is to increase access to mental health intervention, equip parents and caregivers, and promote social-emotional skills among youth. Grant Details: Grant Range: $100,000 – $150,000 Term: One-year Eligibility & Requirements: Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Budgets should cover eligible expenses related to the grant project, excluding certain overhead costs. Clear progress and impact measurement plans, aligned with addressing health disparities, are required. Grantees must provide progress and final reports during the grant term. Geographical Focus: Connecticut Georgia Missouri New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Application Timeline: Application Opens: April 17 Application Closes: May 22 Notification of Awards: Early July Grant Term Begins: August 1 Contact Information: For inquiries, contact grants@redfordcenter.org.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Pennsylvania, for collaborative projects that promote community impact in areas like health, education, and economic growth.

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 Statewide Agricultural Organization Reimbursement Program in Pennsylvania offers financial support to Pennsylvania's Statewide Agricultural Organizations for their annual events with an agricultural mission. The program provides base funding up to $2,000 of total expenses and reimburses 50% of premium costs not exceeding $10,000. The goal is to support organizations in covering a portion of their overall activity costs, emphasizing the importance of agricultural education, promotion, and community engagement. It's a reimbursement grant, requiring organizations to cover all expenses upfront, with grants awarded based on the funds available. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

Allegheny Foundation Grant Program in Pennsylvania does not provide grants to individuals or organizations largely dependent on government subsidies. Proposals for event sponsorships, endowments, or government agencies are usually declined. Applicants must provide a copy of their organization’s current ruling letter evidencing tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Additional information may be requested for further evaluation. For more details, visit Allegheny Foundation website.

Community Grants Fall Round applications for projects beginning after December 1: The Community Foundation of Greene County's General Community Grants are funded through the Field of Interest Funds and discretionary funds such as The Good For Greene Fund and The Francis “Bob” Bradford Fund. These grants support projects aligning with the goals of specific funds, aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Greene County, Pennsylvania. Projects can span various sectors including animal welfare, environmental protection, arts and culture, community development, education, health, and human needs. The award for a Community Grant does not exceed $5,000. Applications are considered based on their potential impact, promotion of cooperation among agencies, and effectiveness in addressing community needs. Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer Annual deadline: June 1st

The Erie Community Foundation is offering the Shaping Tomorrow Grant Program to strengthen nonprofit organizations in Erie County that address key community needs. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the well-being of Erie County by supporting initiatives that foster a stronger, more vibrant community. The grant seeks to empower local nonprofits to make a significant impact on the county's most pressing challenges. The program's primary beneficiaries are marginalized communities within Erie County, with a strong focus on fueling inclusive growth strategies. The foundation aims to achieve this through a collective impact approach, ensuring that projects not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term systemic change. The expected outcomes include a more resilient and equitable community, with measurable results tied to the specific projects funded and their reach within the targeted populations. A key priority for the Shaping Tomorrow Grant Program is to support projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive growth. This means initiatives that actively work to reduce disparities and create opportunities for all residents, particularly those who have historically been underserved. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on creating a lasting positive impact through collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes the power of collective action to drive community-wide improvement. The grant funding ranges from $50,000 to $250,000, with a stated size of $100,000 to $500,000. Eligible applicants are nonprofits defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code that are located within Erie County or demonstrate a sizable population within Erie County. This ensures that the funding directly benefits the community it is intended to serve and supports organizations with a proven commitment to public service.

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