2026 Pennsylvania Sojourn Mini Grant Program

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. 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 $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.              

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: February 9, 2026              

Submissions Due: March 20, 2026 by 5pm              

Awards Announced: Beginning in April 2026