Best Grants for Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks can obtain funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and related security activities. Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) administers this federal reimbursement grant, offering up to US $200,000 per site for planning, target hardening equipment, training, contracted security, construction or renovation, and administration.

Graduating high school or home-schooled seniors pursuing cybersecurity, accounting, emergency services, or skilled trades can apply for the Eugene Curfman Foundation Scholarship, including students in Pennsylvania. Offered through the Community Foundation of Carroll County, this award supports tuition and books for college or trade school and may be renewable for up to three additional years.

Pennsylvania research institutions, universities, and interdisciplinary teams working on cybersecurity-related AI, energy, or computer science projects can access funding through the United States Department of Energy to accelerate scientific discovery and R&D workflows. Awards of US $500,000 - US $16,000,000 support novel AI models and frameworks in areas like semiconductors, microelectronics, discovery science, and energy across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, computer science, information systems, information technology, cybersecurity, and related STEM fields at eligible Pennsylvania-area universities can receive US $1,000 - US $2,000 scholarships to support their studies. Society of Women Engineers Philadelphia Section prioritizes applicants with strong academics, leadership, SWE involvement, and an essay on their motivations for pursuing engineering or related disciplines.

Nonprofits, individuals, and academic teams working on cybersecurity, AI risk, or related long-term future projects, including those in Pennsylvania, can apply for US $1,000 - US $500,000 from the Centre for Effective Altruism’s Long-Term Future Fund. Funding supports research, direct work, up-skilling, seed organizations, and movement-building to mitigate global catastrophic risks.

Open-source ecosystems working on cybersecurity and related computer science initiatives, including those in Pennsylvania, can apply for National Science Foundation funding up to US $1,500,000 to address safety, security, and privacy vulnerabilities. Projects should strengthen open-source products and their supply chains and improve capabilities to manage current and future risks, attacks, and breaches.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity and related fields from the U.S. or Australia can receive up to US $40,000 for study or research between the two countries, including applicants from Pennsylvania. With a mission to support advanced security, technology, and diplomacy studies, American Australian Association provides funding for tuition, travel, living, and research costs.

Pennsylvania graduate-level students and researchers in defence, space, or cybersecurity can access funding through the American Australian Association for PhD or post-doctoral research between the U.S. and South Australia. Awards up to US $40,000 support tuition, travel, living expenses, and other research costs for projects affiliated with accredited universities or research institutions.

Graduate-level students and researchers in cybersecurity and related emerging technologies who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in Pennsylvania can access funding for study in Australia through the American Australian Association’s AUKUS Scholarships. Focused on security, technology, and diplomacy, this program provides up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, living, and research costs.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM research doctoral programs can apply for National Science Foundation support to expand research capacity and increase production of research doctoral graduates, including in cybersecurity and related emerging technologies. This U.S. program offers US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 for CREST-RISE projects that align with institutional strategic plans, including eligible programs in Pennsylvania.

Nonprofit organizations running cybersecurity or AI workforce programs for underrepresented learners can seek support from Kyndryl Charitable Foundation, including those serving Pennsylvania within its U.S. focus. With a mission to power human progress, the foundation funds future-forward education, climate action, and inclusive economy initiatives in select countries, emphasizing technology-enabled training and job placement.

Pennsylvania cybersecurity and tech-focused organizations developing impact-driven real-time 3D projects can access funding through Unity Technologies’ Unity for Humanity Grant, with awards up to US $500,000. Eligible projects use RT3D (e.g., games, XR, simulations) to advance UN Sustainable Development Goals, including themes like cybersecurity, education, health, environment, or humanitarian issues.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) institutions working on cybersecurity and other global issues can access funding through the Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. Grants support Japan–U.S. collaborative, policy-oriented research and dialogue projects involving nonprofits and universities, especially on themes like cyber security, AI, digital transformation, climate resilience, and inclusive, resilient societies.

Graduate-level cybersecurity and related STEM students in Pennsylvania can receive scholarship funding for tuition and required course expenses. AFCEA provides U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in a qualifying U.S. graduate program with US $3,000 awards. Eligible majors include cybersecurity, computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, geospatial science, and other fields supporting national security missions.

The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation, fosters innovative research in multi-agent systems, resource allocation, and machine learning. It focuses on applications in energy, transportation, and robotics, while emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into power systems. EPCN also explores advanced power electronics, cybersecurity for grids, and the development of adaptive systems. This program encourages groundbreaking advancements in energy-efficient technologies and promotes collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

The Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund is a pioneering initiative empowering youth and intergenerational organizations to shape the responsible technology movement. With $1.5 million in funding, it offers grants between $25,000 and $200,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities. The fund focuses on enhancing human rights, addressing social issues through tech, and ensuring equitable access, while encouraging innovative and equitable solutions from youth-led initiatives.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Capacity Fund

The NAFC Capacity Fund supports investments that strengthen clinic and pharmacy infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to help NAFC members build the systems, tools, and capabilities needed to operate more efficiently, improve quality, and expand their ability to serve patients over time.

Staunton Farm Foundation

Working for mental wellness

Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment and support by advancing best practices through grant making to non-profit organizations in ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland.

Investing in a future where behavioral health is understood, supported, and accepted.

Purpose

Staunton Farm Foundation (SFF) recognizes that strong organizational capacity is essential to sustaining high-quality mental health and substance use services over time. Capacity-building investments strengthen nonprofit organizations’ internal systems, leadership, and infrastructure, enabling them to more effectively carry out their missions. By supporting capacity-building efforts, SFF seeks to empower organizations to innovate, adapt, and enhance programs and resources in response to evolving community needs, ultimately broadening and deepening positive impact for the individuals and communities they serve.

Guidelines for Use of Funds

Capacity-building grants may be used to support activities that strengthen an organization’s infrastructure, systems, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Funds may be used to contract for technical assistance, training, evaluation, planning, technology upgrades, and other expenses necessary to achieve the goals of the proposed project. Specific grant terms will be outlined with successful applicants.

Allowable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Organizational Infrastructure & Systems
  • Strategic planning, sustainability planning, or business model development
  • Data collection, evaluation, or outcomes measurement systems
  • Technology upgrades that support service delivery, coordination, or reporting (e.g., EHR enhancements, client tracking systems, cybersecurity improvements)
• Workforce & Leadership Development
  • Staff training and professional development related to behavioral health or substance use services
  • Leadership development or succession planning
  • Workforce initiatives aimed at improving retention
• Program & Operational Effectiveness
  • Program design or redesign to improve quality, accessibility, or cultural responsiveness
  • Implementation support for evidence-based or promising practices
  • Quality improvement initiatives
  • Policy, procedure, or compliance development related to licensure, accreditation, or best practices
• External Expertise & Technical Assistance
  • Consultants or technical assistance providers with relevant expertise (e.g., finance, evaluation, clinical quality, operations, or technology)
  • Compliance support related to organizational operations (excluding litigation)