Pennsylvania Social Advocacy Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide services and initiatives benefiting residents within the Johnsonburg Area school district.

POISE Foundation is accepting Letters of Intent for its Community Impact Grants to assist the Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices through strategic leadership, collective giving, grantmaking, and advocacy. Donor Name: Poise Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Community Impact Grants, the Foundation provides small grants to nonprofit organizations located in the Pittsburgh Region that provide services, and seeks to bring change to the Black community which leads to empowerment and self-sufficiency.  In general, grants are one year in duration. POISE typically provides grants to Black-led, Black serving nonprofit organizations offering programs and services that fit within one or more of their Priority Areas: Community & Economic Development Programming that helps community leaders, residents and their communities build capacity to engage in civic participation, to collaborate, to make decisions and to advocate for the well-being of Black communities and the residents that live there.  These types of programs also seek to  engage community members in learning about and understanding community issues, and the economic, social, environmental, political, psychological, and other impacts on their way of life.  In addition, these programs should aim to foster pathways from poverty to prosperity for individuals and families in Black communities.  They also look for programming that encourages diverse and robust neighborhood and community economies. Education Programming that supports and advances the Educational achievement of Black youth in the Pittsburgh Region. They also invest in programming that offers innovative approaches to learning experiences that engage families and communities in the academic and social success of Black youth. Entrepreneurial Activities Programming that advances the creation and development of Black businesses and cooperatives in the Pittsburgh Region. Young Ladies Programming that supports and advances the well-being of young ladies in preparation for future endeavors in the Pittsburgh Region. Strengthening Black Families Through Strengthening Black Families, they can envision a region where the Black Family is restored a core institution that is actively thriving and engaged in the re-development and transformation of Pittsburgh’s Black community.  The Foundation will invest in programs and activities that build, strengthen, and support Black families. Priority will be given to programs and projects that focus on: being family-driven; building, strengthening, and supporting family development; increasing family time, interaction, engagement and communication; being culturally and contextually responsive in approach; assisting families with building authentic support networks with other families; providing families with tools and opportunities to build the skills necessary to advocate for their needs; and promoting and supporting family healing and wellness. Funding Information Grants are typically between $1,000-$5,000. Eligibility Criteria Only organizations classified as one of the following are eligible for grants from the Foundation: A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity Organizations/Groups with a Fiscal Sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity Churches seeking support for non-religious activities (i.e. food banks, after school programs, etc.) They do not give grants to individuals or for-profit organizations. Preference will be given to organizations that are Black-led meeting two of the three following criteria: Executive Director is Black and/or African American 50% of Board is Black and/or African American 75% of community served is Black and/or African American For more information, visit POISE Foundation.

This funding opportunity supports community-based programs in Pennsylvania that aim to prevent child abuse and neglect by engaging families and caregivers through evidence-based, long-term interventions.

The Trans Resilience Fund is a grant program of Gender Justice Fund to support regional trans communities. Donor Name: Gender Justice Fund State: Pennsylvania County: Bucks County (PA), Chester County (PA), Delaware County (PA), Montgomery County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fund uses a participatory grantmaking process in which a committee of trans and non-binary community members sets guidelines and makes funding decisions. The Trans Resilience Fund is a pooled fund supported external funding partners. The 2024 funding partners are: the Claneil Foundation, the Collective Future Fund, the Homeless Assistance Fund, the Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and the Valentine Foundation. Priorities  The grantmaking committee will prioritize: Groups working in Philadelphia Groups serving BIPOC trans communities. Groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership. Groups serving trans youth and/or disabled and/or elderly trans individuals. Funding Information Applicants may apply for grants of $5,000 or $10,000. Uses of funds  Organizations/ groups may use funds for different purposes, depending on their size and who they serve. Organizations with budgets of under $250,000, who also exclusively serve trans communities can apply to use funds for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Providing services to trans individuals. Organizing and advocacy for the trans community. General operating support. Organizations with budgets of under $250,000, who do not exclusively serve trans communities can apply to use funds for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Providing services to trans individuals. Organizing and advocacy for the trans community. Organizations with budgets of over $250,000, can ONLY apply for funds to be used for the following: Direct financial support for trans individuals via food, cash or transportation assistance; covering medical, housing, or utility costs; or payment of other expenses related to health and safety. Organizations applying in this category may use 10% of their grant to cover the cost of administering funds. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be non-profit groups/organizations (two or more individuals working collectively to provide services to the broader community), not individuals or for-profit entities. Applicants do not have to be incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) organization but must certify that their work meets IRS criteria for funding. Applicants must be located in and serving Philadelphia and/or Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, or Delaware Counties. Both new and established groups/organizations are welcome to apply. Traditional nonprofit organizations as well as grassroots groups, including those with non-hierarchical leadership structures can apply. Applicants who received funding in 2023 are eligible to reapply but MUST complete a report on their previous grant in order to be considered. For more information, visit Gender Justice Fund.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education is inviting applications from Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to develop or expand experiential learning opportunities. The goal is to engage secondary and postsecondary students in learning about working with students with disabilities, aiming to inspire future special educators. These opportunities include structured activities, programs, or events guided by current educators. The grant aims to foster the establishment or expansion of such opportunities and increase interest in special education careers among secondary and postsecondary students.

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.

The Media Artist + Activist Residency (MAR) provides grants of $25,000 to women, trans, and gender nonconforming media artists working in close collaboration with social justice/cultural organizations to document, reframe, and/or amplify the issues and campaigns addressed by the organization. Donor Name: Leeway Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Bucks County (PA), Chester County (PA), Delaware County (PA), Montgomery County (PA), Philadelphia County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The residency aims to reveal and extend the ways that artists and artistic processes can work within cultural and social justice organizations to achieve social change. Media artists and organizations apply collaboratively with proposals for a project that embeds the artist in the work of the organization for one year. Impact of Art With Vision Art for social change is art with a vision and an intentional analysis. It is an artistic or creative cultural practice that may operate in traditional or nontraditional mediums, modes, or disciplines. Art with a vision impacts people in many ways. It can: Raise consciousness Alter how they think about themselves, their society, or their culture Create a vision of a more just world Be a tool for organizing and movement building Preserve or reclaim traditional cultural practices using your artistic practice as a form of resistance or empowerment Create space for expression and build a sense of community Challenge racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, ageism, ableism, or other oppressions Question mainstream culture and beliefs Shifts or transform the perception of power and/or privilege and the dynamics associated with justice, equality, and/or accountability Value healing justice practices focused on strengthening communities, not just individuals Engage and utilize a reciprocal process where there is teaching and learning simultaneously and consent for engagement is mutual, as is the benefit for yourself as an artist and the community you are engaging. Leeway understands Media Arts as an expansive category including but not limited to: film and video (narrative, documentary, experimental) audio podcast  installation/projection animation interactive design digital art games/gaming web-based content multimedia/multi-disciplinary work Funding Information Three residencies will be awarded, with each residency providing a $15,000 grant to the artist, and a $10,000 grant to the organization. Eligibility for Artists You are eligible to apply if you: Are a media artist Live in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County Are at least 18 years old Identify as a woman, trans, and/or gender nonconforming person Are working collaboratively with a social justice/cultural organization Eligibility for Social Justice/Cultural Organization You are eligible to apply if your organization is: A social justice/cultural organization with a 501(c)3 status or fiscal sponsor Located in Bucks, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia County Working with an operating budget less than $1.5M Collaborating with a media artist For more information, visit Leeway Foundation.

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 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

This fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that help meet basic human needs and improve access to education and safe recreational activities for marginalized groups, particularly children, seniors, and individuals with special needs, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

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.