Pennsylvania Association for Non-Profit Organizations

• The Pennsylvania Association for Non-Profit Organizations (PANO) is a site that helps non-profit organizations by providing resources and information. The site provides tips and fund-raising and budgeting ideas, including where to turn for possible grants. According to PANO, six components are essential to a successful non-profit organization -- fund-raising, marketing, internal operations, programs, volunteer development and community involvement. Register with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations if you will be accepting donations.
  
  

Community Action Agencies

• Community Action Agencies are private organizations in each county responsible for administering programs funded by grants that come from federal, state and local sources. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is the core source of funding for Community Action Agencies. Many Pennsylvania counties administer the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help with utility bills.
  
  

Local Grants

• Non Profit Program Development Grants are restricted to specific projects. The grants are used to support the development of an organization to carry out its goals. At the time of publication, 389 foundations are known to give out these types of grants in Pennsylvania. Local organizations, such as the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania offer grants to non-profit organizations that meet the needs of the community. The Philadelphia Foundation provides grants and scholarship opportunities to organizations that work with under-represented groups.
  
  

Government Grants

• Grants.gov is the government website that allows you to search and apply for legitimate grants. You are never asked to pay a fee for the service or charged to submit applications. You can narrow search results based on area, type of grant, source of grant or keyword. Grants are specific, so it is important that your non-profit organization meets the eligibility requirements.