Welcome to Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and our supporting organization the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) currently administer eight 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, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PEC administers the Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program on behalf of the Circuit Trails Coalition and in collaboration with coalition member organizations.
Round 2, funded by the William Penn Foundation, is now open. The program provides one-year grants of $1,000-$12,000 for projects that increase a sense of welcome, belonging, and safety among under-represented groups on the Circuit Trails, a network of 400 miles of multi-use trails throughout nine counties in the Greater Philadelphia region (PA and NJ).
Priority is 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 $250,000. Full guidelines and the application can be found at the bottom of this page. Applications are due by Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5pm.
Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini Grants: PEC administers the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape (LHCL) Mini Grant Program with funding from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program.
Projects must be within Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties and complement the LHCL 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: These 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 awards are open to any organization, individual, company, or project that has had a positive impact on the environment. Nominees must be located within Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties.
*This is not a monetary grant program.
Pennsylvania River of the Year: 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 waterways and recognize important conservation needs and achievements. Waterways selected through a nomination process go up for public vote on the POWR website (www.pawatersheds.org) Voting is restricted to one vote per 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.
Once a waterway is designated, the host organization plans a comprehensive series of events throughout the year to honor and highlight the waterway, including a kick-off sojourn. The host organization receives a $10,000 grant to support the events celebrating the River of the Year.
Pennsylvania Sojourn Mini Grants: POWR administers the PA Sojourn mini grant program with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and support from the American Canoe Association.
This program provides mini grants on a competitive basis for single and multi-day paddling events on Pennsylvania’s waterways. Sojourns must incorporate educational programming and be open to the public (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. Grants are $1,000 per on water day. A 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination) is required.
Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grants: PEC works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service to facilitate the PA Water Trails Program. With 28 designated trails across the Commonwealth, the Program brings technical and financial assistance and 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 inclusive 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 $7,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Urgent Issue on a Water Trail Mini Grant
A grant of $2000 is available for a project or solution that can quickly and efficiently address an ‘urgent’ issue on a designated PA 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. 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 likely not qualify for funding. Grant must be matched 1:1 within a reasonable amount of time with cash or in-kind services related to the issue/solution. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations and public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency).
Pocono Forests & Waters Conservation Landscape Mini Grants: PEC administers the Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape (PFWCL) Mini Grant Program with funding from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program.
Projects must be within Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties and help protect and sustain the natural resources of the PFWCL in one or more of these topic areas Conservation, Community, Connection.
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).
Protect Your Drinking Water Grant Program: Supported by funding from Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, PEC administers the Protect Your Drinking Water grant program on behalf of and in collaboration with Aqua.
This program provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for watershed protection 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.
Proposals selected will improve stream water quality and engage area residents in work to protect our watersheds. Outcomes could include on-the ground projects, as well as the development and delivery of citizen, municipal and student educational programs.
Please note that while some tree planting may be included in your project, this grant program is not currently focused on riparian buffer or other reforestation projects. If your project is primarily a tree planting project, please consider applying to Aqua’s Trees for Watersheds grant program, in partnership with Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and SEPA conservation districts.
Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG): POWR administers the SWAG program with funding from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Eligible projects include acquisition, design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access to Pennsylvania waterways. 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.
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.
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 coordinate the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program. With 28 designated trails established across the Commonwealth, the Program partners are committed to providing technical assistance, critical resources, and meaningful support to the diverse network of Managers and their partners.
The top partnership goals include:
- Creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails
- Developing trails that support sustainable enjoyment of natural resources and assets
- Increasing and improving physical and psychological access to Pennsylvania Water Trails for all
- Connecting water trails to land trails
The program’s guiding principles are:
- Partnership
- Stewardship
- Volunteerism
- Education
- Conservation
- Community Vitality
- Diversity
- Wellness and Well-being
Details about how these principals are implemented through the Water Trails program can be found on the program website.
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.
Important Dates:
Submissions Due: November 1, 2024 by 6 PM
Awards Announced: Week of December 2, 2024
Image: Healing Through the Land, 2023 Community Grant Program grantee partner
The 2025 Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program
Administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Instructions & Guidelines
August 2024
General Information
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), on behalf of the Circuit Trails Coalition and with funding from The William Penn Foundation, is excited to launch Round 2 of the Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program.
The program provides one-year grants of $1,000 to $12,000 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). The program will distribute at least $100,000; PEC may distribute more based on availability of funds.
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 $250,000.
Current Community Grant Program grantee partners who are funded through December 2024 are welcome to apply for Round 2. Current grantee partners who are funded through December 2025 are not eligible for Round 2. Full details are below.
Applications are due on Monday, September 30, 2024 by 5pm. For selected applicants, the project implementation period is January 2025 - December 2025.
Scroll down to create a Submittable account and find application questions.
Eligibility
Your project is eligible for funding if:
- You are working in the geography of the Circuit Trails network, which includes Circuit Trails in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Mercer, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties in New Jersey.
- You are an individual, group, or organization. You are NOT required to have 501(c)3 designation or a fiscal sponsor to be eligible for funding.
- You are a current Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program grantee partner who is funded through December 2024.
The Circuit Trails Coalition will prioritize:
- Organizations or projects led by and engaging under-represented and marginalized groups. This includes but is not limited to: Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color; Asian American and Pacific Islanders; disabled people/people with disabilities; immigrants; people with limited financial resources; and queer, trans, and gender-expansive people.
- Projects that serve geographic areas or neighborhoods that historically have been subject to systemic racism and disinvestment, with a higher than average concentration of low-income residents; residents who are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color; and/or ethnic minorities.
- Organizations with an annual budget of less than $250,000.
- Projects that will be conducted in partnership with a Circuit Trails Coalition member organization.
This grant program is intended to invest in communities directly. We encourage public sector applicants from municipalities, counties, or agencies to partner with a local group or organization who will receive funds to increase their own capacity and implement a community-driven project.
Purpose
The Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program intends to fund projects that make the Circuit Trails more inclusive by making them safer, more welcoming, more enticing, and more comfortable spaces for under-represented and marginalized groups. This includes but is not limited to Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color; Asian American and Pacific Islanders; disabled people/people with disabilities; immigrants; people with limited financial resources; and queer, trans, non-binary, and gender expansive people.
The Circuit Trails Coalition is guided by the Equity of Access to Trails report (find links below) -- the product of research conducted in fall 2020 within four focus areas: Camden, NJ; Trenton, NJ; Cobbs Creek, PA; and Norristown, PA -- each an underserved community with a Circuit Trail running through it.
The study revealed that many people living near a multi-use trail do not know the trail is there. Residents expressed strong interest in being outside and in nature, but many study participants did not feel safe or invited to use public spaces near them.
When asked what would get them outdoors to use a trail, respondents had similar answers:
- Programming and a sense of welcome
- Outreach
- Physical infrastructure, like better access to a trail and signage
- An increased sense of safety, but not an increased police presence
- Greening, like gardens and nature
The Circuit Trails Coalition welcomes project ideas that address these general themes.
Resources
For a full list of resource links, click here.
For a more detailed list of grant program objectives and previously funded project examples, click here.
For a description of what constitutes a Circuit Trail, click here.
For a detailed map of the Circuit Trails network, click here.
For a summary of the Equity of Access to Trails report, click here.
For the complete Equity of Access to Trails report, click here.
To watch the Community Grant Program informational webinar held on Wednesday, August 28, click here.
To sign up for a one-on-one meeting with grant program staff before submitting your application, click here.
Completing the Application
Written and video applications will be accepted. Click "Apply" to find application questions.
If you choose to apply by video, the online application will offer an opportunity to upload your video file instead of submitting written answers. Your video should answer all questions from the application (please read the question aloud and then state your answer). In the online application's required fields, please answer "See video" for all questions addressed in your video. Videos should be no longer than 12 minutes.
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 before your final submission.
Thank you to Justice Outside and the Liberated Paths Grantmaking Program, which the Circuit Trails Coalition used as a model for the Community Grant Program guidelines and application.
Important Dates
PEC staff are available to discuss your project idea before you apply for funding. Optional one-on-one 30-min sessions will be held the first and second weeks of September. Sign up for a session here.
If you think your project is a good fit, submit your application by 5pm on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Applications will be reviewed through October 2024. Grants will be selected and awarded in November 2024. Projects should be implemented from January 2025 through December 2025.
Throughout 2025, grantee partners will be invited to join activities hosted by PEC to foster community among the grantee cohort. This may include two one-day convenings, seasonal skill-building trainings (virtual), and occasional outdoor activities.
Support
- For answers to content-related questions about this application and the grant program more generally, contact Emilia Crotty, PEC, ecrotty@pecpa.org or 267-479-6106.
- For answers to technical questions about how to complete 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 the Circuit Trails, visit www.circuittrails.org.
- To sign up for a one-on-one meeting with grant program staff before submitting your application, click here.