The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is seeking three (3) artists interested in connecting diverse community audiences to Pennsylvania Water Trails in the Susquehanna Basin and the remarkable recreation opportunities on those trails through creative, experiential, interactive, and exploratory engagement. We are looking to showcase unique ways to reconnect the people of central Pennsylvania to their local waterways and to the rich culture, history, and recreational assets of the Susquehanna.  Through participatory art, storytelling, and placemaking, artistic expressions of inclusivity and belonging can be created. 

The artists who will be selected for this three-week Artist in Residency (AiR) experience will be tasked with:

· Exploring and researching the local narratives of the respective Water Trail of their residency geography and places nearby, 

· Interpreting and sharing those narratives using their own unique creative talents and interpretations, and 

· Attending at least one event at which the artist’s creation, activity, or program will be shared and presented.

Artists should consider how to connect and reflect the unique people, history, culture, and natural features of these places and encourage direct, participatory engagement by community members.

For more information, please review the entire Request for Applications.

Questions:

• For content questions about this application, contact Tali MacArthur at tmacarthur@pecpa.org
• For technical questions regarding completion of this application, contact support@submittable.com Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. with limited availability on the weekends.

Completing the Application: It is possible to complete the application during multiple sessions. Be sure to save as you go and before you end any session. Please answer all questions and upload necessary documents before your final submission. 

Important Dates

February 21, 2025: Application Period Opens

Informational Q&A Session: March 11, 2025 at 11 AM

March 31, 2025: Applications Due

No later than April 30, 2025: Notify Applicants

May 2025: Contracts Executed

June 1 – Oct 31, 2025: AiR takes place

 

 

 Pennsylvania Water Trails Program

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service to direct the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program. With 28 designated trails established across the Commonwealth, the program brings technical assistance and executive oversight to the diverse network.

The top partnership goals include:
 

• Creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails
• Developing trails that support sustainable use of natural resources
• Increasing and improving physical and psychological access to Pennsylvania Water Trails for all
• Connecting water trails to land trails

The program has 8 guiding principles, but the safety of water trail users is paramount and serves as a foundational element of everything else program partners and managers implement and prioritize.
This mini grant's purpose is to assist in restoring safe access conditions on a designated water in a timely manner.
A grant of $2000 is available for a project that can quickly and efficiently address an ‘urgent’ issue on a designated water trail that is causing, or could reasonably be expected to cause, an unsafe or dangerous situation for those wishing to access the river for recreation or enjoyment.
Grant must be matched 1:1 within a reasonable amount of time with cash or in-kind services related to the issue/solution.
Additional Information
The pilot project is an approach to providing funding for urgent, unforeseen situations on designated water trails that impede or impair access, create unsafe conditions/ safety concerns for paddlers or others who want to access the water trail, affect safe ingress/egress from the water trail, etc.
Such situations could include, but are not limited to,
· Storm induced scouring, flooding, debris impoundments that severely impact navigation.
· Fallen trees or other large obstructions caused by a storm or other event that will prohibit or severely impact an imminent sojourn, paddle fest, race, etc.
· A situation where there is a major in-water litter/trash issue immediately prior to a planned community event, paddle, race, etc.
· A situation in which an access improvement/ enhancement project was funded and is almost complete, but an unforeseen event or situation threatens to prevent the project from being completed without a small infusion of extra funding.
· The destruction of a safety or wayfinding sign at an access point, if the sign was critical to orienting paddlers or providing critical information about a river hazard, portage, dam,
In short, the situation must be caused by an “unanticipated” event, or one that could not be reasonably planned for. A known on-going situation that was simply not addressed in time would not qualify. This funding should be viewed as a “last resort.”
If the applicant is not the Water Trail Manager, applicant must contact the Water Trail Manager before applying to this funding. Additionally, all applicants must contact one of the Water Trail Program Partners at PEC, DCNR or PFBC prior to applying.

Questions:
 

• For content questions about this application, contact Tali MacArthur (tmacarthur@pecpa.org) or (570) 285-8013.
• For technical questions regarding completion of this application, contact support@submittable.com Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. with limited availability on the weekends. 

Completing the Application: It is possible to complete the application during multiple sessions. Be sure to save as you go and before you end any session. Please answer all questions, complete the budget worksheet, and upload necessary documents before your final submission.   

Note: Applications for this mini grant award will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2024. The award(s) will be made based on the urgency of the situation and at the discretion of the review committee. There are only $2000 available in total for this min-grant.

POWR Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG) Program
Instructions & Guidelines

General Information
The Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG) mini grant program is being offered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), in partnership and with funding support from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR). (PA DCNR funding is provided through the Environmental Stewardship Fund administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation).
This program will provide grants of up to $30,000 for design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access projects throughout the Commonwealth. Priority will be given to projects that improve recreational access on waterways as well as those that support and advance POWR’s mission, specifically the facilitation, stewardship, and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s waterways.

Eligibility

• Grants are available to public entities, including townships, boroughs, municipal and county governments as well as to 501c3 nonprofit groups who are registered with the PA Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organization. (i.e., land trusts, conservancies, water trail managers, and community watershed associations) that have or will have the capability to provide boat access facilities that are open and available for public use.
• Eligible projects must occur on lands owned by the project applicant, or where the applicant has a long-term lease or agreement on the site.
• Projects must remain open to the public and free of charge for 25 years (successful grantees will be required to sign a 25-year maintenance agreement).

Funding and Match
The program is funded through the PFBC and PA DCNR. All projects, related costs and funding must conform to the guidelines of the PFBC, PA DCNR and POWR. All grants require a one-to-one match (match can consist of cash, in-kind, or a combination of cash and in-kind).

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must agree to provide for all costs for ordinary and routine maintenance of the facility for the term of the agreement.
• Applicants, dependent on type of project, may be required to provide a sign that acknowledges that the facility was constructed or improved with funds from this program. (Language will be provided)
• Applicants must obtain all the necessary permits and local land use approvals required for the construction and operation of the proposed facility.

Questions

• For content questions about this application, contact Janet Sweeney, POWR, jsweeney@pecpa.org
• For technical questions regarding completion of this application, contact support@submittable.com Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. with limited availability on the weekends.
• For additional information on POWR, visit www.pawatersheds.org

Completing the Application
It is possible to complete the application during multiple sessions. Be sure to save as you go and before you end any session. Please answer all questions and upload all necessary and supporting documentation before your final submission.

Important Dates
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded on a rolling basis. All projects must be completed no later than November 1, 2025. There will be no extensions beyond this date.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• Project integrates/reflects/ implements initiatives of existing community plans.
• Project advances one or more of POWR’s priorities as listed on application.
• Project is clearly described, complete, and well thought out.
• Project can be completed in a year or less.
• Budget is comprehensive and realistic to complete project.
• Match is secured and documented with letters of commitment of match.
• Support letters are included in application and indicate need and partnering efforts.

*Note: It is possible to receive additional bonus points if you show that your project addresses a unique or extraordinary need within your community. 

The Northeast Environmental Partners (Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and Wilkes University) are seeking Nominations for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards, the Thomas P. Shelburne Award and the Emerging Environmental Leader Award. 

  In order to be considered for the 2025 awards, nominations must be submitted no later than June 30, 2025. 

 The Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards are presented annually to recognize the achievements of individuals or organizations that, through partnerships, have achieved excellence in environmental protection or conservation. The Evening also showcases the recipient of the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award, which was established to recognize an individual who stands out for his or her lifetime achievement and long-term commitment to environmental quality through inspirational leadership, dedication, and commitment to partnering. The 2025 Emerging Environmental Leader Award will also be awarded to an individual 30 years of age and under who demonstrates environmental leadership, creativity, and dedication to inspire others to adopt similar actions to protect the environment. 

 To date over 250 individuals and groups involved in agriculture, forestry, business, industry, education, science, environmental awareness, community service, and government have been honored. 

Who is eligible?
 The Partnership Awards are open to any organization, individual, company, or project that has had a positive impact on the environment in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Nominees for the awards must be located within the following counties: Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming.
 

Who may nominate?
 Individuals, groups, businesses or organizations may nominate themselves or a third party can make nominations.
 

How are honorees selected?
 Honorees are selected by a distinguished panel of judges. The panel includes representatives from the Partners, as well as other individuals with regional environmental interests, including past honorees.

In evaluating nominations, the judges consider the following:
 

• Number, quality, and effectiveness of partnerships formed to achieve goals.
• Impact on the environment and quality of life.
• Extent to which activity serves as a model of partnering for others.
• Overall quality of the application.

*For the Shelburne Award, in addition to the eligibility guidelines listed above, the judges are seeking to honor an individual who has demonstrated inspiring leadership and partnering for greater than 20 years.
*For the Emerging Environmental Leader Award, in addition to the eligibility guidelines listed above, eligible candidates are 30 years old and under and have demonstrated environmental leadership, creativity, and dedication to protecting and enhancing the environment.

Important Dates:

      Nominations Due: June 30th (no later than 6pm)
      Awardees Announced: July
      Awards Dinner: October 2025

Pennsylvania River Sojourn Mini-Grant Program

       Pennsylvania River Sojourns are guided paddling trips, sponsored by POWR with funding support through the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources and the American Canoe Association. Grants are available on a competitive basis for single and multi-day paddling events on Pennsylvania’s rivers. Events must incorporate significant educational programming and be open to all participants (i.e., private trips are not eligible). Grants funds are distributed based on the number of on-water days, with up to $1,000 given per on-water day.

* POWR may consider awarding additional funding to applicants that propose creative and unique ideas for inclusive community engagement or demonstrate a legitimate budgetary need.

Mini Grants require a 1:1 match in the form of cash and/or eligible non-cash (in-kind) services, or a combination of both cash and in-kind. No portion of the cash match can originate from DCNR funding.

       A nationally unique program, Pennsylvania Sojourns annually engage with over 4,000 people who participate either on the water or by attending celebration events and educational programs. Over the course of a typical sojourn season, paddlers cover over 500 rivers miles. Collectively, sojourn hosts offer more than 100 educational programs.

       Please Note:

       If you are successfully awarded a 2025 POWR Sojourn Mini-Grant, in addition to supplying the mandatory closeout materials, you will be required to submit the following:

• Post event Success Story (a list of questions will be supplied with your contract documents which will assist in creating this document)
• Your organization logo and several photos from your event(s)
• Summary analysis of participant survey responses (if you conduct a post event survey)

Questions:

• For questions about completing this application, contact Angela Vitkoski (avitkoski@pecpa.org) or (570) 718-6507.
• For questions regarding your potential project idea(s), contact Janet Sweeney (jsweeney@pecpa.org) or (570) 718-1635.
• For technical questions regarding completion of this application, contact support@submittable.com Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. with limited availability on the weekends. 

Completing the Application: It is possible to complete the application during multiple sessions. Be sure to save as you go and before you end any session. Collaboration is enabled so that you can work with other colleagues on the application. Please answer all questions, complete the budget worksheet, and upload necessary documents before your final submission. 

Scoring: 

Registration fee structure and explanation = 5 points

Well thought out detailed safety plan = 5 points

Partners - number and roles delineated in a clear manner = 5 points

Inclusivity - thoughtful outreach to diverse audiences = 5 points

Programming - Is there a variety of programming incorporated into the sojourn = 5 points

Event description - activities and complete agenda = 10 points

Budget - well thought out and realistic = 10 points

WOW - If project is exceptional or unique and will merit extra points = up to 5 points

Important Dates:

       Application Available: January 31, 2025

       Submissions Due: March 14, 2025 by 5pm

       Awards Announced: By end of March 2025

 
2025 Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape Mini Grant Program

Instructions & Guidelines

General Information

             The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) was awarded a total of $60,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) through their Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) to administer the 2025 Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape (PFWCL) Mini Grant Program. The DCNR funding is provided through the Environmental Stewardship Fund administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The PFWCL mini grant is administered by PEC as a reimbursement funding program.

             Mini grants of $2,000 to $10,000 that support and advance the priorities of the PFWCL will be considered. All projects, related costs and funding must conform to the guidelines of the DCNR C2P2 Program: Partnership Grants

             Mini Grants require a 1:1 match in the form of cash and/or eligible non-cash (in-kind) services, or a combination of both cash and in-kind.

• Cash Match - No portion of the cash match can originate from DCNR funding.
• In-kind Match - the value of municipal labor and/or professional services is equal to the hourly billable rate multiplied by the number of hours performing that service or job. The value of volunteer in-kind will be valued at the current Independent Sector Volunteer Rate for Pennsylvania at the time the work was performed. No portion of the in-kind match can originate from a DCNR funded project.
• For more information on eligible and ineligible match and costs click here. 

*Applicants should provide proof of match commitment.

             As mentioned above, the 2025 PFWCL Mini Grant Program is a reimbursement funding program. Costs should be described in the budget and will be paid only to the extent that they are incurred by the Grantee in performance of the Project Scope of Work. Grantees can receive reimbursement distributions as they are incurred but reimbursement requests must include documentation and proof of expenditures. Grantees are also required to submit a mid-grant progress report and a final Success Story (template provided). All project deliverables (if applicable) must also be submitted at the close-out of the grant.

             Grants are awarded to projects that will be undertaken after the award of the grant, not to retroactively reimburse the cost of projects that have already begun or been completed prior to the grant award. No match can be expended prior to award of the grant, you cannot retroactively use match.

Important Dates:

             • Grant Round Opens: March 6, 2025

             • Pre-Application Meeting: March 20, 2025 (Not required - but highly recommended)

             • Application Deadline: May 2, 2025 (5:00 pm)

             • Grant Awards Announced: End of May 2025

             • Mini-Grant Kick-off meeting: June 2, 2025

             • Projects Begin: June 1, 2025

             • Project Completion: May 31, 2026

Questions

             For project and content related questions contact:
 

• Janet Sweeney or Rachael Stark
• Phone: 570.718.6507
• Email: jsweeney@pecpa.org or rstark@pecpa.org

             For technical questions regarding completion of this application contact:
 

• support@submittable.com
• Monday-Friday, 11:00am - 7:00pm, with limited availability on weekends. 

Completing the application: It is possible to complete the application during multiple sessions. Be sure to save as you go and before you end your session.  It is now possible to "Collaborate" on your application with project partners. Please answer all questions, complete the budget worksheet, and upload necessary documents before your final submission. 

Eligibility

Who is eligible?
 

Non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3), municipalities, counties and educational institutions.
 

Non-profit organizations must submit proof of non-profit status and be registered with the PA Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations.

What kind of project is eligible?

       Projects must be located within the PFWCL region which includes the counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne.

       Projects should advance the priorities of the PFWCL. To see past projects that have been funded by this mini grant program, please click here.
 

PFWCL Vision - Amplify regional efforts to conserve the Landscape’s natural resources through partnership and networking with core values of Conservation, Community, and Connections.
 

PFWCL Priorities - This year the PFWCL Leadership is giving priority to projects that advance the recommendations outlined in the NEPA Trails Assessing Connections and Community in Northeastern Pennsylvania (pages 158-166)

Examples of additional projects that support PFWCL connection, conservation, and community priorities that will be considered for funding include:

Connections - Identify and create greenway and trail connections to public lands and communities throughout the landscape.

• Conduct trail corridor studies/feasibility studies

• Enhance and provide trailheads and trail amenities

• Develop wayfinding and educational signage

• Construct public access amenities
 

Conservation – Conserve important natural landscape areas through methods such as acquisition, easements, and other land protection measures while championing stewardship of the region’s array of natural resources.

• Mapping, Signage, Access Improvements

• Promote land stewardship through education and outreach

• Develop educational programs regarding land and water conservation

• Protect waterways by addressing AMD and non-point source pollution

Community - Engage communities to promote, enhance, and sustain local natural, cultural, and outdoor recreational resources.

• Promote recreational opportunities and use of land and water trails and conserved lands

• Implement projects identified in Open Space and Greenway Plans

• Create educational programs that engage participants using the natural, cultural, and outdoor recreational resources

• Develop tools to highlight the natural, cultural, and outdoor recreational assets and their benefits

Application Submission

Applicant Responsibility:

• For non-profit applicants: provide current proof of IRS 501(c)3 non-profit status and registration with the PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations. If you are not able to provide this documentation, a qualifying entity must serve as your fiscal agent.
• Identify projects within the conservation landscape region that advance the priorities of the PFWCL.
• Provide a budget that reflects realistic expenditures and complies with DCNR guidelines. (Eligible and Ineligible costs and match)
• Secure local match at a minimum ratio of 1:1 (can be cash, in-kind services, or a combination of both). No portion of the match can originate from DCNR funding or a DCNR funded project. Provide letters of commitment from partners providing local match; letters should describe the type of program assistance, match amount and how that partner is contributing to the success of the project.
• Provide letters of Support from partners for your proposed project.

Application Review

             Applications will be ranked by a review committee.

             Applications will be ranked on the following:

             Project Details - Project Description - Scope of Work, Partners and Plan Integration = 20 points

• Scope of work well thought out and explained = 5 pts.       
• Promotes partner collaboration = 5 pts.
• Consistency with NEPA Report and/or existing plans = 10 pts.

             Goals, Outcomes & Activities = 20 points

• Aligns and advances the priorities of the PFWCL and is clearly defined = 10 pts.
• Project goals, outcomes and activities are defined, implementable, and measurable = 10 pts.

             Budget = 10 points

• Budget is complete and local match is documented and secured = 5pts.
• Budget costs reflect realistic expenditures and complies with DCNR guidelines = 5pts.

             WOW = Up to 5 bonus points

• You can earn up to an additional 5 points if you show that your project incorporates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) elements = 0 - 5 pts.

             The review committee reserves the right to request additional proposal information if they feel such information is crucial to the ranking process.