Township officials are encouraged to take advantage of the many grant opportunities currently available!

ATV and Snowmobile Grants: DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation is now accepting applications for the All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Program‘s fall grant round. Townships are eligible to apply through September 30, 2024. There is no match requirement for this funding!

Grant funds can be used towards projects proposing land acquisition, planning, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, equipment purchase or educational programs for ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities. For more information, visit DCNR’s grant application portal. 

Reconnecting Communities Program: The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for another round of funding in the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program. $607 million is available in this combined allocation of FY 2024 through 2026 funding for planning, capital construction, and technical assistance projects. Townships are eligible to apply through September 30, 2024. USDOT is offering two grant types:

Capital Construction Grants to fund reconnecting-focused and smaller projects which reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities. Projects include: Removal of a dividing facility; Enhancement of community connectivity; Improving access by building or improving Complete Streets.

Community Planning Grants to support future construction projects and allow for innovative community planning to address transportation challenges. Projects include: Community visioning or strategies for public input into project plans; Planning studies to assess the feasibility of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible dividing facility to reconnect communities; Other planning activities in advance of the project.

PennDOT will consider providing support for regional grant proposals, including offering data and subject matter expertise. The deadline for requesting PennDOT support is September 16, 2024. For more information, view PennDOT’s grant alert.

Recreation for Rural Communities Planning Assistance: The U.S. EPA is now accepting applications for planning assistance in the 2024 round of the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program to help communities develop a vision for community revitalization through outdoor recreation.

Townships and regional organizations, including councils of governments, are eligible to apply through October 16, 2024. Small towns, rural communities, and communities located in the Appalachian region will receive special consideration during the selection process.

Planning assistance includes targeted facilitation from subject matter experts; connection with regional, state and federal partners; and the convening of an in-person workshop to identify the community’s vision, goals, and actions they wish to take to boost outdoor recreation. For more information and a recorded webinar, visit the program page.

Fire and EMS Grants: The Office of the State Fire Commissioner is accepting applications for the Fire and EMS Grant Program until October 20, 2024. All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads may apply for this grant. Fire and rescue companies must be actively reporting to PennFIRS monthly to qualify.

Funds may be used towards construction and/or renovation of fire company or EMS facilities; purchase of equipment; debt reduction; training and certification costs; and recruitment and retention, including volunteer firefighter length-of-service award programs and programs for minors.

Additional information and guidelines for the 2024-2025 program are available at www.osfc.pa.gov under “Resources.” Questions can be directed to ra-vfcvasgp@pa.gov.

DEP Coastal Zone Grant Program: DEP’s Interstate Water Resources Management Division is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2025 Coastal Zone Grants. Townships located within the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone or the Lake Erie Coastal Zone boundaries are eligible to apply through October 21, 2024. 

Funding can be used towards a variety of studies, plans, designs, research, acquisition and construction projects. Examples include efforts to educate the public on environmental protection and nonpoint source pollution; Preparation or revision of local comprehensive plans or ordinances; Projects to improve port facilities and infrastructure or providing public access for recreational use of docks, piers and wharves; and Preparation of designs, plans and specifications for coastal recreational sites.

For more information, guidelines, and application instructions. visit DEP’s Coastal Grants page. Questions can be directed to RA-epcoastalzone@pa.gov or (717) 772-4785.

Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency Program: The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority announced $1.8 million in funding for a new grant and financing opportunity, the Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) Program, to help local governments improve their energy efficiency.

MORE Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis to townships who didn’t receive EECBG funds to support the identification, planning, and financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Eligible projects include conducting Level 2 Commercial Energy Audits of buildings and/or facilities and Energy Conservation Measure project design.

Townships can apply for MORE grant funding through October 25, 2024. The MORE Loan will remain open as long as funds are available. Visit the MORE Program website for more information and updates.

Energy Efficiency Grant Program: The U.S. Department of Energy announced the availability of nearly $300 million in funding dedicated for local governments under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Townships are eligible to apply through October 31, 2024, for projects to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, replacement of traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient technologies; installation of onsite renewable energy technology in any township building that generates electricity from renewable resources; developing/implementing energy efficiency and conservation strategies; programs to conserve energy used in transportation; and activities to increase participation and efficiency for recycling. For more information visit the EECBG program page or contact EECBG@hq.doe.gov.

Susquehanna Watershed Project Grants: The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) is opening a second round of Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grants to support local organizations dedicated to the health and wellness of local waterways. Townships are eligible to apply through October 31, 2024.

The grant program provides funding for community-based environmental and water resource projects or events that improve, restore, or protect the basin’s watersheds. First-year awardees included an ADA-accessible boat launch, water trail signage, microplastics monitoring, water rescue equipment, a pollinator meadow, and many more basin-benefiting projects.

Main Street Matters Grant: DCED is now accepting applications for the Main Street Matters (MSM) program to support and create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available in several grant categories of planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and safety and security. Townships are eligible to apply through November 15, 2024. 

Townships may be especially interested in applying for the following:  

Planning Grants can be used for architectural, engineering, legal, consulting, and other costs required for a construction project to improve or revitalize a neighborhood or community such as streetscape, anchor building, or development projects.

District Development Grants can be used for development projects which improve buildings and infrastructure in Main Street and Elm Street districts and for public safety improvements. Eligible projects include acquisition, rehabilitation, or restoration of older buildings; demolition of blighted structures; or public infrastructure and public safety improvements such as road rehabilitation or construction, streetscape improvements, water and sewer improvements, and purchase and installation of police cameras or street lighting.

More information on these grants and other funding options under the MSM can be found in the program guidelines. Questions can be directed to dced-msm@pa.gov. 

EPA Community Change Grants: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the new Environmental and Justice Community Change Grants program. $2 billion in funding is available for technical assistance and competitive awards to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. Townships are eligible to apply if partnering with a community-based non-profit and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 21, 2024.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, webinar recordings, and link to apply, visit EPA’s website. Questions can be directed to CCGP@epa.gov.

Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is now accepting applications for the Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program focusing on accelerating the use of materials and products that have lower levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions. About $800 million is available for non-State DOTs for the use of substantially lower carbon materials and products on construction projects along with necessary work to identify appropriateness for use of these materials on eligible projects.

Townships are eligible to apply through November 25, 2024 and no match is required! Funds may be used to determine material eligibility, availability, and appropriateness for use on eligible projects, including training and education, collection of environmental product declarations, identification of local or regional “substantially lower” embodied carbon thresholds, specification development, engineering materials testing, and placement costs associated with low carbon materials during construction. For additional information, visit the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Program website or email FHWALowCarbonMaterials@dot.gov.

Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants: DEP is now accepting applications for the 2024 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG) program. Townships and municipal authorities are eligible to apply for funding to transition to cleaner fuel transportation. $5 million in grant funding is available to support:  

Incremental costs related to retrofitting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels. 
Incremental costs to purchase new alternative fuel vehicles.
Costs to purchase and install fleet-refueling or home-refueling equipment for alternative fuel vehicles.  
Cost to perform research, training, development, and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative fuel vehicles.

The AFIG will remain open throughout the year, with the applications period closing on December 20, 2024. For more information, visit DEP’s website. Questions can be directed to Josh Dziubek, Energy Programs Office, at jdziubek@pa.gov or (717) 705-0374.

Recycling Performance Grants: DEP is now accepting applications for the Municipal Recycling Program Performance Grant (Section 904 Grants) for eligible materials recycled and marketed in calendar year 2023. Performance grant awards are based on the weight of source-separated recyclable materials recovered by municipal recycling programs. Townships, authorities, councils of governments, or similar entities with recycling programs are eligible to apply through December 31, 2024.

Grant applications must be submitted through eGrants at esa.dced.state.pa.us. Questions can be directed to the Bureau of Waste Management at 717-787-7382 or mvottero@pa.gov.

National Fish Passage Program: The U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service is now accepting applications for funding and technical assistance under the National Fish Passage Program to remove instream barriers and restore aquatic organism passage & aquatic connectivity for the benefit of Federal trust resources. Townships are eligible to apply for projects including dam removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration, & the installation of fishways. Applications are due December 31, 2024.

Ongoing Opportunities:

Rural Water Loan Fund: The Rural Water Loan Fund, established through a grant from the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service, provides low-cost loans for short-term repair costs, small capital projects, or pre-development costs associated with larger projects for water and wastewater utilities. Eligible systems must be township or authority-owned serving up to 10,000 persons, or in rural areas with no population limits.

Loan amounts may not exceed $200,000 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less. Projects eligible for loan funding include planning costs for infrastructure projects; replacement equipment, system upgrades, maintenance and small capital projects; energy efficiency projects to lower costs and improve system sustainability; and disaster recovery or other emergency loans.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Townships may contact the PA State Rural Water Association for assistance in preparing and submitting required documents.

Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program: USDA Rural Development’s Electric Infrastructure Loan Program provides insured loans and loan guarantees to finance the construction of electric distribution facilities in rural areas. Funds may be used to finance maintenance, upgrades, expansion, energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, and replacement of distribution, sub transmission and headquarters (service, warehouse) facilities.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Townships in rural areas must contact the Pennsylvania General Field Representative to determine whether the proposed service area qualifies as rural as several factors will determine eligibility under this program. For more information about the program, contact USDA’s Office of Loan Origination and Approval at 202-720-1422.

EPA Free Water Technical Assistance: The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the availability of Water Technical Assistance program to help communities address challenges in providing safe drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services to their residents. Townships are eligible to apply for free technical assistance services that will support communities and their water utilities. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis to: Identify water infrastructure or water quality improvement needs; plan for capital improvements; build technical, managerial, and financial capacity; and prepare for, and develop, application materials for financing a project through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs or other programs under the funding agency.

Statewide Waterway Access Mini Grants: The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers is now accepting applications for the Statewide Waterways Access Grant (SWAG) Program, funded by the PA Fish and Boat Commission and DCNR for projects related to public access to Pennsylvania waterways, including acquisition, design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized access areas and launches. Townships are eligible to apply, and applications will be accepted and awarded on a rolling basis through January 1, 2025. For more information, visit the grant page or contact Janet Sweeney, POWR, jsweeney@pecpa.org.

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grants: USDA Rural Development administers the Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program to provide clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. Townships with populations of 10,000 or less are eligible to apply for funding to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of:

Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

Applications are accepted year-round and may be filed electronically using RD Apply or through your township’s Local RD office.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants: USDA Rural Development administers Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants to help communities prepare for, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Events that qualify as an emergency include, but are not limited to, droughts, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and chemical spills. Townships with populations of 10,000 or less are eligible to apply for funds for the following purposes:

Water transmission line grants up to $150,000 to construct waterline extensions, repair breaks or leaks in existing water distribution lines, and address related maintenance necessary to replenish the water supply
Water source grants up to $1,000,000 for the construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, and/or other sources of water (water source up to and including the treatment plant)

Applications are accepted year-round. Interested townships are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania state program specialist prior to filling out any forms or applications for this opportunity.

Municipal Assistance Program: DCED’s Governor’s Center for Local Government Services offers the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to provide funding to assist local governments to plan for and efficiently implement a variety of services and improvements, and soundly manage development with an emphasis on intergovernmental approaches. Funding is available for two groups of activities: shared services, and community planning. Townships are eligible to apply throughout the year to cover up to 50 percent of eligible costs related to:

Community Planning: Planning activities to support community and economic development, including, the development of comprehensive community plans, land use ordinances, and Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) studies
Shared Services: Intergovernmental cooperation initiatives including, regional police and fire services, shared personnel agreements, and boundary change studies

For more information including program fact sheet, guidelines, and link to apply, visit DCED’s MAP website.

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Grants: The Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Maintenance Program is a non-point source pollution control program for local municipal road officials. Under this program, the State Conservation Commission provides grant funding through county conservation districts to townships to eliminate stream pollution caused by runoff and sediment from dirt, gravel and low volume roads

Grants may be used for expenses related to the implementation of environmentally sound road maintenance practices on dirt and gravel roads and low volume paved roads. Townships may apply to the conservation districts for grant funding. Conservation districts establish their own grant application periods. Applicants must attend a two-day “Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance” training. For additional information, contact your county DGLVR program specialist.

The Pipeline Investment Program Grants: The Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) provides grants to construct the last few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks, existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises, which will result in the creation of new economic base jobs in the commonwealth while providing access to natural gas for residents. Funds may be used for acquisition, construction, and site preparation costs associated with extending natural gas pipelines to serve eligible applicants. Townships are eligible to apply for funding throughout the year. A 50% match of the total project cost is required. For more information, visit DCED’s website or email ra-dcedsitedvpt@pa.gov.

Peer and Circuit Rider Local Capacity Building Project Funding: The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers grant programs to fund projects that help municipalities, multi-municipal partnerships, and council of governments to increase local capacity for recreation, parks and conservation.

The Peer Program is available to assist municipal entities with hiring a professional consultant to study specialized small-scale issues. A minimum ten percent (10%) local cash match is required.
The Circuit Rider Program provides grant funds for regional organizations, including Council of Governments and multi-municipal entities, to hire a professional, full-time staff person. This is a four-year commitment of funding. Match is variable based on the year of funding.

Townships are eligible to apply for funding throughout the year. All applicants must contact Kelly Rossiter before applying at 717-772-3319 or krossiter@pa.gov. For additional information, including frequently asked questions and grant instructions, visit DCNR’s Grants website.

Clean Energy Tax Credits: The U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service issued guidance on accessing clean energy tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA’s “elective pay” provisions allow townships, for the first time, to be able to receive a payment equal to the full value of tax credits for building qualifying clean energy projects. Townships can also transfer certain tax credits through a process known as “transferability” to other parties. 

Tax credits eligible for direct payment or transferability include projects that generate clean electricity through solar, wind, and battery storage projects; installing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure; and purchasing clean vehicles for vehicle fleets. Please note, the tax credit for commercial EVs is up to $7,500 for vehicles under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000 for vehicles over 14,000 pounds. Only certain vehicles are eligible for the credit, as there are manufacturing and final assembly requirements. 

Townships can refer to the National Association of Towns and Township’s Guidance to Accessing Clean Energy Credits for additional information, as well as the IRS’s Frequently Asked Questions document or the White House fact sheet on direct pay. 

Pilot Program for Economic Development: The Shapiro Administration announced a new pilot program, PA SITES, which will make $10 million in grant funding available to help municipalities and authorities prepare “shovel ready” sites to attract and retain businesses. Grants may be used for transportation access improvements, utility extensions, or grading of pad-ready sites, including redevelopment of previously used or underused sites. Click here for the press release and here for program guidelines.

USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently accepting applications for the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. Rural townships with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data are eligible to apply for grants and low-interest direct loans to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.

Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment, and pay related project expenses. Essential community facilities include public facilities (municipal buildings, courthouses, street improvements); community support services (community centers, fairgrounds); public safety services (fire departments, police stations, public works vehicles or equipment); and more. Townships are eligible to apply for funding throughout the year. For more information, visit the Community Facilities Program website or call the PA Rural Development office at (717) 237-2299.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has grant funding to support the recruitment of approximately 2,000 new full-time law enforcement officers throughout the commonwealth. This solicitation is open to local law enforcement agencies to support Act 120 mandatory training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers provided through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC).

Supported by funding through the Local Law Enforcement Support (LLES) Grant Program established under Act 54 of 2022, eligible law enforcement agencies that do not cover the costs of Act 120 training can request up to $7,000 per new officer to support costs associated with the training or, if they currently hire officers that are already Act 120 trained or the agency already covers training costs, apply for up to $5,000 per new officer to support stipends, signing bonuses, or marketing efforts. Priority consideration in awards will go to law enforcement agencies serving areas with high rates of violent crime and that have low clearance rates for violent crimes.

Applicants can find more information on funding requirements and how to apply on PCCD’s active funding announcements webpage. The solicitation will remain open until all funding is committed. Awards will be announced on a rolling basis.

U.S. Department of Transportation Grant Dashboard: The DOT Discretionary Grants Dashboard is a helpful resource developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide communities with an overview of grant opportunities related to transportation infrastructure needs. Townships can use the “Eligible Applicants” dropdown tool and select “Local Governments” to see all eligible grant opportunities or narrow down the search to just those related to specific activities, transportation types, and match requirements. The dashboard is updated weekly and will also soon include a Rural Grant Applicant Toolkit to assist rural townships in utilizing the dashboard.