Unlocking Funding Opportunities for Conservation, Trails, Parks, and Recreation Projects
State and Federal Funding
American Rescue Plan Act Resources
- Funding Conservation, Trails, Parks, and Recreation with Federal Rescue Act Funds - Download
- US Treasury’s Interim Final Rule Frequently Asked Questions (Download): These updated FAQs (as of July 19, 2021) make it very clear that investing in parks, open space, recreation, trails, and conservation are eligible uses for ARPA funds and that counties and municipalities have significant discretion in how to award funds to such projects.
- Rescue Act Video
- ARPA funds can serve as match to DCNR funds - contact your DCNR Regional Advisor
Finding the Green: A Guide to State Funding Opportunities for Conservation, Recreation & Preservation Project - Download
New! Funding Opportunities (August 23, 2023) - Download
NRPA Weekly Funding Review: Geographic Specific, Partnership, Further Learning Opportunities - Download
Environmental Stewardship Fund:
- Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants (PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)
- Farmland Preservation Conservation Easements (PA Department of Agriculture)
- Drinking Water/Sewer Infrastructure Grants (PA Infrastructure Investment Authority)
Mini-Grant Programs
Supported by Environmental Stewardship Fund Community Conservation Partnership Program Grants
- South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grants - support projects that sustain the South Mountain landscape
- Audubon Pennsylvania Kittatinny Coalition Mini-Grants - support projects that conserve the Kittatinny Ridge
- Pennsylvania Environmental Council PA Water Trail Mini-Grants - support projects that benefit PA's water trails
Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund:
- Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants (PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)
- Historic Preservation Grants (PA Historical and Museum Commission)
- Library Grants (PA Department of Education)
Land and Water Conservation Fund: LWCF funding is intended to protect national parks, areas around rivers and lakes, national forests and national wildlife refuges from development, and to provide matching grants for state and local parks and recreation projects. LWCF Success in Pennsylvania - Download
PA Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program
PA State Association of Boroughs - State and Federal Grant Opportunities Directory
PA Council on the Arts: Arts and Culture Grants
PA Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
PA Department of Community and Economic Development
- Variety of technical assistance programs and funding opportunities including: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and Watershed Restoration and Protection Program, Multimodal Transportation Fund, Flood Mitigation Program (FMP), H20 PA (Flood Control Projects, Unsafe Dam Project and Storm Water Projects), Sewage Facilities Program (SFP)
PA Department of Environmental Protection: Coastal Resources Management (CRM) Program Grants
PA Department of Transportation: Transportation Grants
PA Fish and Boat Commission: Fishing, Boating and Aquatic Resource Conservation Grants
PA Land Trust Association: Conservation Easement Assistance Program
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania: Research Grants
Private
PA State Association of Boroughs - Private Grant Opportunities Directory
Accessibility
Gardening
- National Gardening Association: School and Youth Garden Program Development Grants
- SeedMoney Garden Grants
Park Development & Maintenance
- AARP Community Challenge Grants - support permanent physical improvements in the community, temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change, new and innovative programming or services
- American Academy of Dermatology: Shade Structure Grant Program
- Hydro Flask: Parks for All Grants - support development of new parks, park access/education and park maintenance/restoration
- National Football League Grassroots Program: Capital Field Improvement Grants
- Tony Hawk Foundation: Skatepark Grants
- US Soccer Foundation: Program Development and Field Improvement Grants
POOL
- Association of Aquatic Professionals: Life Jackets & Swim Lesson Grants
- USA Swimming Foundation: Youth Learn to Swim Grants and Adult Learn to Swim Grants
Recreation Programming
- Finish Line Youth Foundation: Supporting Youth and Special Olympics Athletes Nationwide
- Target: Youth Soccer Program Development Grants
- United States Golf Association: Junior Program Development Grants
- US Soccer Foundation: Program Development and Field Improvement Grants
Outdoor Education Programming
- Bogs Footwear Impact Fund: Outdoor Education Program Development Grants
Watershed Protection