Welcome to Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) currently administers seven mini grant programs. Each program is unique with specific goals and objectives but all focus on one or more of the following areas of interest: land and water trails; outdoor recreation; resource protection and conservation; and community engagement.
Scroll to the bottom of this screen to view programs that are currently accepting applications and to apply.
Mini grant and award programs administered by PEC include:
Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program: Supported by funding from the William Penn Foundation, PEC administers the Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program on behalf of the Circuit Trails Coalition and in collaboration with coalition member organizations.
The program provides one-year and two-year grants of $1,000 to $10,000 per year for projects that increase a sense of welcome, belonging, and safety among under-represented groups on the Circuit Trails, a network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails throughout nine counties in the Greater Philadelphia region (PA and NJ).
Individuals, groups, and organizations are welcome to apply. 501(c)3 designation or a fiscal sponsor is NOT required to be eligible for funding. Projects must take place in the geography of the Circuit Trails network, which includes trails in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Mercer, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey.
Priority will be given to projects led by and engaging under-represented and marginalized groups; projects that promote equity and serve historically disinvested communities; and organizations with a budget of less than $500,000. Find full details in the program guidelines below.
Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini Grants: Supported by funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program PEC administers the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini Grant Program.
This program provides mini grants for projects within Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties that support and advance the goals of the Laurel Highlands Conservation Lanscape.
Priorities: Projects should complement the mission to foster conservation and stewardship of the natural and man-built environments while promoting sustainable economic development through outdoor recreation in one or more of these topics: Land Conservation, Water Conservation, Trails, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation, Infrastructure Maintenance and Development, Climate Resilience, or Communication.
Eligible applicants include 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. Applicants can request $1,000 - $10,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Northeast Environmental Partnership Awards: 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 event also showcases the recipients of the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award and the Emerging Environmental Leader Award.
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.
*This program is not a monetary grant program.
Ohio Basin Access for Canoes and Kayaks Mini Grants: The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are excited to offer the Ohio Basin Access for Canoes and Kayaks Mini Grant Program.
This program provides grants for design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access projects within the Ohio River Basin. Priority will be given to projects that improve recreational access on rivers and streams as well as those that support and advance POWR’s mission, specifically the facilitation, stewardship, and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Eligible applicants include 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. Applicants can request up to $30,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Pennsylvania River of the Year: 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 (DCNR). Pennsylvania’s River of the Year is an honor designed to elevate public awareness of specific waterways and recognize important conservation needs and achievements. River of the Year designations have been presented annually since 1983.
Waterways selected through this nomination process go up for public vote on the POWR website (www.pawatersheds.org) The POWR website enables voting and offers details on nominated waterways and the River of the Year program. Voting is managed through Woobox, an online contest application restricting voting to one email address.
Eligible applicants include 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.
After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups implement a year-round slate of activities and events to celebrate the waterway, including a paddling trip, or sojourn. The organization nominating the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant from DCNR to help fund the River of the Year activities.
Pennsylvania Sojourn Mini Grants: Supported by funding from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the American Canoe Association PEC administers the Pennsylvania Sojourn Mini Grant Program under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (a supporting organization of PEC).
This program provides mini grants on a competitive basis for single and multi-day paddling events on Pennsylvania’s waterways. Sojourns must incorporate significant educational programming and be open to all participants (i.e., private trips are not eligible).
Eligible applicants include 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. Applicants can request up to $1,000 per day for multi-day sojourns and $500 for a single-day sojourn. Proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership Mini Grants: The Pennsylvania Environmental Council works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service to facilitate 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.
Grants are available on a competitive basis for projects that implement the PA Water Trail Program’s eight guiding principles: Partnership, Stewardship, Volunteerism, Education, Conservation, Community Vitality, Diversity, and Wellness & Well-being.
Proposed projects must demonstrate that they will advance program goals such as 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; and connecting water trails to land trails or to other culturally significant community assets.
Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations and public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency). All projects must occur on or for a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail (view map here: https://www.pawatertrails.org/pa-water-trails). Applicants can request up to $5,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Pocono Forests & Waters Conservation Landscape Mini Grants: Supported by funding from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program PEC administers the Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape (PFWCL) Mini-Grant Program.
This program provides mini grants for projects within Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties that support and advance the goals and objectives of the Landscape.
Priorities: Projects should help protect and sustain the natural resources of the Pocono Forests & Waters Conservation Landscape in one or more of these topics: Conserve Critical Lands and Waters, Engage our Communities and Create Connections.
Eligible applicants include 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. Applicants can request $2,000 - $10,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG): The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are excited to offer the Statewide Waterway Access Grant Program.
This program provides grants for design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access projects within the Commonwealth. Priority will be given to projects that improve recreational access on rivers and streams as well as those that support and advance POWR’s mission, specifically the facilitation, stewardship, and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Eligible applicants include 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. Applicants can request up to $30,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Programs that are currently accepting applications will be listed below.
Once you select a submission opportunity you must then create a free Submittable account to get started. Your account will allow you to save/review your work before submitting.
POWR Ohio Basin Access for Canoes and Kayaks (OBACK) Mini Grant Program
Instructions & Guidelines
General Information
The Ohio Basin Access for Canoes and Kayaks Mini Grant Program (OBACK) 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), the Richard King Mellon Foundation (RKMF) 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 within the Ohio River Basin. 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, RKMF 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.
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.
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. Additional, 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’s Northeast Office, 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 2024 awards, nominations must be submitted no later than June 30, 2024.
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 2024 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 240 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
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has been awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, (DCNR) to administer the 2023 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, develop approaches to experience recreational and cultural amenities, and foster information exchange between interdisciplinary 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. Mini-grant request must not exceed 50% of the total project costs up to a maximum of $10,000. (See budget section for details.)
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, 2023 Application Due: December 29, 2023 Awards Announced: January 2024 Scoring: Applications will be scored based on the following criteria:
- Project is clearly described, complete and concise - 10 points
- Project goal(s), outcome(s), and action(s) 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
- Project integrates/reflects initiatives of existing community, state, county, heritage, park and related plans - 5 points
- Budget is comprehensive and adequate to complete scope of work; funding is secured - 5 points
- Letters from all partners are included in application - 5 points
Total Points = 50