The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has been awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, (DCNR) to administer the 2024 Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini-Grant Program. This program will provide mini-grants of $1,000 to $10,000 for projects within Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties that support and advance the goals of the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape (LHCL). 

Intent: The LHCL Mini-Grant Program is designed to support small to mid-sized projects and programs that connect to one, or a combination, of the priorities listed below:

• Conservation
• Outdoor Activities 
• Visitor Experience/Tourism 
• Sustainable Communities/Climate Resiliency
• Communication

Projects should identify and advance conservation opportunities, promote stewardship, strengthen partnerships, expand recreational and cultural amenities, and foster information exchange between stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to focus on the impact of their project from a regional perspective. Small-scale or localized projects should consider how the ‘story’ of their project can benefit or inform partners’ work throughout the Landscape.

Funding and Match: The program is funded through DCNRʼs Environmental Stewardship Fund administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and managed by PEC. All projects, related costs and funding must conform to the guidelines of the PA DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/index.aspx All mini-grants require a one-to-one match. No part of the match can originate from other DCNR funding. Mini-grant request must not exceed 50% of the total project costs up to a maximum of $10,000. (See budget section for details.) Consistent with the intent of the 'mini-grant' format, the maximum total cost for any given project is $50,000. 

Questions:

• For content questions about this application, contact Chris Corbran, PEC, ccorbran@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, complete the budget worksheet, and upload necessary documents before your final submission. Important Dates: Application Available: November 8, 2024 Application Due: December 30, 2024 Awards Announced: February 2025  

Scoring: Applications will be scored based on the following criteria:

• Project is clearly described, complete and concise - 10 points
• Project goals, measurements of success, and actions are clear and reflect the project scope - 10 points
• Project advances one or more Landscape priorities as listed on application - 10 points
• Project identifies connection to the landscape from regional perspective - 5
• Application clearly identifies the need for the project/program - 5 points
• Budget is comprehensive and adequate to complete scope of work; funding is secured - 5 points
• Project outlines the role of partners and application includes letters of support or commitment from key partners - 5 points

Total Points = 50

Grant Guidelines 

General Information: Aqua’s "Protect Your Drinking Water" Grant Program is being offered by Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), in partnership and with funding from Aqua, an Essential Utilities company. This program provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for watershed protection and education projects that serve to protect the sources of public drinking water by addressing potential sources of contaminants (i.e., excess nutrients, sediment, road salts, pathogens, etc.) to our waterways. Grants may be used for a variety of projects that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies, such as green stormwater infrastructure, stream bank stabilization, agricultural best management practices, spill prevention planning, and educational programming.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3), educational institutions, municipalities, and local government entities. The geographic areas for the grant program are Aqua priority source water protection regions. During 2025, grants are targeting the Chester/Ridley Crum Watersheds area again along with the Neshaminy Creek and the East Branch of Brandywine Creek Watersheds in southeast Pennsylvania. Please click here for maps showing additional details.

Funding and Match: This program funding is provided by Aqua. All grants given will require a 20% match of cash, in-kind, or a combination of cash and in-kind donations. 90% of funds awarded will be dispersed up-front and the remaining 10% will be dispersed following the completion of the project report. 

Additional Requirements: 

• Projects should be ready for implementation with any landowner approvals, partners and match funding in place. 
• Projects must be able to be completed within the timeframe of the grant period.
• All construction projects must demonstrate high standards of planning and design.
• Funding for staff time related to the project may be covered for 501(c)3 organizations only.
• Applicants may submit up to two (2) projects for consideration.
• Organizations selected to receive grants will be invited to attend a public ceremony to announce the awards. This event will take place on April 22nd - please hold the date. 

Grantees will be required to follow program guidelines for acknowledging Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Aqua as the source of funding, including:

• The approved use of PEC and Aqua logos on any signage, brochures, web pages or other media related to the project.
• Tagging @MyAquaWater and @PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil in any social media posts related to the project.
• Using the following funding language in all communications related to the project: “Funding for this project was awarded through the “Protect Your Drinking Water” grant program, administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council with funding from Aqua, an Essential Utilities company.”

Contact

For questions regarding the application, please contact PEC's Paul Racette at pracette@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. 

Please visit www.pecpa.org to learn more about Pennsylvania Environmental Council or visit www.aquawater.com to learn more about Aqua. 

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: 

• January 15, 2025 at 5:00PM EST – Grant applications due
• February 8, 2025 - Grantees notified
• March 1, 2025 – Grant project period of performance begins 
• March 1, 2025 – Funding dispersed for 2025 - 26 projects
• April 22, 2025 - Grantees announced at press event 
• June 1, 2026 – Final Reports due with success story template required to release final 10% of grant funds

 

 

 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. 

2025 Pennsylvania River of the Year Nominations

Pennsylvania organizations are invited to nominate waterways for the “2025 Pennsylvania River of the Year.” 

The nomination period is open through November 11, 2024, until 5pm. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November.

“Each year, the River of the Year competition highlights one of Pennsylvania’s special waterways, and I'm excited to announce that we are again partnering with the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers to accept nominations for the 2025 competition,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Our beautiful rivers and streams support Pennsylvania's $17 billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, provide habitat for wildlife, and anchor communities. I look forward to this year’s competition and can’t wait to see what the public selects as the 2025 Pennsylvania River of the Year.”

All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except those from the past 5 years which include:

2024 – Allegheny River

2023 – Susquehanna North Branch

2022 – French Creek

2021 – Shenango River

2020 – Lackawanna River

About the River of the Year Program

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) administers the River of the Year program with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Pennsylvania’s River of the Year is an honor designed to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements. River of the Year designations have been presented annually since 1983.

"POWR is thrilled to announce the opening of the nomination period for the 2025 Pennsylvania River of the Year! This highly anticipated program shines a spotlight on the Commonwealth’s treasured waterways," said POWR representative Janet Sweeney. "We look forward to another opportunity for Pennsylvanians to support their favorite rivers in a friendly competition across the state." 

After a waterway is chosen, local groups implement a year-round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a River of the Year Sojourn. The nominating organization of the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund their River of the Year activities.

In order to be considered for PA River of the Year, the nominated waterway must be navigable and the nominating organization:

• Must be either a 501c3, county, educational institution, or a municipality
• Must be registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations, if a nonprofit
• Must have the capacity to host a yearlong slate of activities celebrating the River of the Year
• Must hold at least one on-water sojourn kayak/canoe event
   

Questions:

• For content questions about this application, contact Angela Vitkoski (avitkoski@pecpa.org) or (570)718-6507.
• 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.

Important Dates:
      Application Available: October 7, 2024
      Nominations Due: November 11, 2024 (no later than 5pm)
      Nominated Waterways Chosen for Public Vote Announced: By the End of November 2024
      Public Voting Period: End of November 2024 through Mid-January 2025
      2025 PA River of the Year Announced: End of January 2025

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