Spotlight State: Pennsylvania
Ah, Pennsylvania, one of the first thirteen colonies, founded by William Penn. This state was the site of the First and Second Continental Congresses in 1774 and 1775. The Second Congress produced the Declaration of Independence, and sparked the American Revolution. Sadly, Pennsylvania was not our first state, as Delaware holds that title. Despite that, this beautiful state has recorded more firsts than one might expect, and in a variety of different categories. Some of the many examples: first ‘planned city’ in America (Philadelphia); first internet emoticon (‘humble smiley‘); and first transplant of human brain cells. In addition, it boasts the first public library, founded by Benjamin Franklin. And, let’s also not forget the first complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA! And it doesn’t stop there. There are so many famous Pennsylvanians! Here’s a short list: Taylor Swift (known by all!), Benjamin Franklin (Founding Father), Frank Lloyd Wright (architect), Kevin Hart (comedian), Mark Cuban (sports/business mogul), and Andrew Carnegie (steel magnate and philanthropist).
GrantWatch is turning our light to shine on the incomparable state of Pennsylvania. Moreover, GrantWatch has a list of grants to help individuals and communities in Pennsylvania achieve continued success. Finally, GrantWatch offers a list of close to 1,800 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants list category.
Interesting Facts About the State of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania is nicknamed “The Keystone State”…A keystone is a stone on which associated stones depend for support. The state had a central location along the ‘arch’ of the original thirteen colonies.
- Pennsylvania is the only one of the original thirteen colonies not bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
- On the original Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania is spelled with only one “n.” When created, this was an acceptable spelling.
- Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest manufacturers of chocolates in the world. Hershey is headquartered in Hershey, PA. Their products are sold in over 60 countries.
- Philadelphia, the state’s largest city, is known as “the City of Brotherly Love” because of the religious tolerance of William Penn, the state’s founder. (thefactfile.org, “77 Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania“)
More Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania has the highest concentration of Amish people in the U.S. (known for simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt many conveniences of modern technology).
- President Lincoln delivered his famous “Gettysburg Address” speech in Gettysburg, PA.
- The world’s largest ‘unboxing‘ happened in Pennsylvania when a 3-year-old was invited by Volvo Trucks to ‘unbox’ their new model Volvo VNL.
- The license plates on all automobiles registered in Pennsylvania also display the state’s official tourism website URL (www.visitpa.com). It is the first state to do so.
- Pennsylvania produces more mushrooms than any other state in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department National Agriculture Statistics Service, nearly two-thirds of the white button mushrooms consumed in the United States come from Pennsylvania.
- The interesting celebration of Groundhog Day is held every year in Punxsutawney, PA. Once upon a time, a clever groundhog predicted the arrival of early spring. (thefactfile.org, “77 Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania“)
Uniquely Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh…has more bridges than in Venice. It is also known as “the City of Bridges.” The city has more than 440 bridges.
- Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Bicycle Heaven is the largest transportation museum in the world dedicated to bicycles…some bikes worth more than $50,000. The museum is open daily at no charge (closed Christmas Day).
- (Was) home to a hair museum. Locks of Napoleon, Jefferson, Washington, and many more were on display.
- If you are looking for some fun and magic, visit the Ringing Rock Park in Bucks County. Here you can make the rocks ring by striking them with a hammer.
- Have you ever heard of the Steagles? It was a team that existed for only one day when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles merged in 1943. (thefactfile.org, “77 Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania“)
Below is a current list of grants and other funding of potential benefit to communities and individuals in the State of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development Grants
- Grants to eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits to enhance the quality-of-life for local residents. Funding promotes job preparedness, self-sufficiency, and higher education. Also, project support for human welfare, civic affairs, and arts and culture. Additionally, grants will support general operating expenses. The goal of the grant program is to support results-oriented opportunities to prepare individuals for full and equal participation in the economic and social mainstream.
- There are grants up to $2,000 to eligible Pennsylvania park organizations to augment local recreational facilities. Funding supports park programs, and financial assistance for park maintenance and improvements. The funding source strives to improve the community by enhancing the lives of children through the revitalization of recreational facilities and parks.
- In addition, a $40,000 grant to an eligible Pennsylvania nonprofit for programs benefitting local residents. Projects categories: environment and animals; community development; and education and research. Project categories will also include veteran services; health and human services; youth program development; and arts, culture and humanities.
- Opportunity for eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits for fundraising campaign participation. The opportunity will support local charities serving the community in a wide range of focus areas.
- There are grants of up to $15,000 to eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits for activities benefitting local girls and women. Funding is for economic development programs and projects. Additionally, focus areas also include health and safety, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Additional Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development Grants
- Also, grants to eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and school districts to address community needs. Moreover, grants will be to promote mental health initiatives. Foundation funding supports a range of focus areas and gives priority to projects and organizations that benefit local residents.
- Grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits for innovative activities to create positive social change in communities. Funding is for programs, projects, and interventions that address community needs and solve problems at their source. This grant opportunity is open to individual or collective nonprofits. The projects will serve both individuals and groups.
- There are grants to eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits, government agencies, and school districts to enhance the quality-of-life for local residents. Funding supports programs and activities within the focus areas of community promotion and awareness, job creation and retention, and strategic planning initiatives.
- In addition, grants of up to $50,000 to eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits for programs to enhance the quality-of-life in local communities. Funding is for organizations serving their local community in the focus areas of education, sustainable communities, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grant funds will also be used for day-to-day program management.
- Lastly, grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Pennsylvania nonprofits for services and advocacy of community development, education, and youth development. Funding is to enhance the quality-of-life for low-income, vulnerable, and disadvantaged women, children, and youth. The program goal is for the individuals in these community groups to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, we hope you’ll make time to visit Pennsylvania and take advantage of the unique opportunity to explore and relive major historical moments, such as the Liberty Bell (at the beginning of the United States as a country), to the more recent inspiration of the “Rocky” statue. At the same time, be sure to enjoy the many fun and exciting activities available throughout the State of Pennsylvania, including the iconic Hersheypark Family Amusement Park and the Carnegie Science Museum – “You gotta see it to believe it!”
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