Show Me The Money!
Township officials are encouraged to take advantage of the many grant opportunities currently available!
DCNR ATV and Snowmobile Program Grants: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation has announced the All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Program‘s fall grant round. Townships are eligible to apply through Friday, September 29, 2023.
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 and the grant application, visit DCNR’s grant application portal.
Recompete Pilot Program Funds: The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is now accepting applications for the new $200 million Recompete Pilot Program to make investments in communities most in need of economic resources. The program is based on the belief that communities know best what they need to address persistent economic distress. Townships in targets areas where prime-age employment trails the national average are eligible to apply for this first round of funding through October 5, 2023.
Phase 1 awards can be used towards strategy development and planning. Applicants with approved plans from Phase 1 will be invited to apply for Phase 2 funding, which can be used for implementation across workforce development, infrastructure, and additional planning or technical assistance.
EDA will host an informational webinar on July 11 at 4:30 pm. For more information, including frequently asked questions and an eligibility map, visit EDA’s Pilot Program page.
USDOT SMART Grants: The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced the availability of $100 million in funding for the FY2023 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program. Townships are eligible to apply through October 10, 2023.
This new program was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve transportation efficiency and safety using technology interventions to solve real-world challenges. This program will fund technology-driven projects, including coordinated automation, connected vehicles, sensor-based infrastructure, systems integration, leveraging use of innovative aviation technology, and smart technology traffic signals.
PennDOT has requested interested applications contact their Transformational Technology Division prior to submitting an application to refine the project concept and coordinate efforts around the state. Townships interested in applying can reach out to Derrick Herrmann at deherrmann@pa.gov to notify PennDOT.
Department of the Interior U.S. Small Grants: The Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the availability of funding under the US Small Grants Program which provides matching funds towards activities supporting the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Townships are eligible to apply through October 12, 2023 and the program requires a 1:1 non-federal match.
Eligible projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, enhancement and/or establishment of wetland and associated upland habitats to benefit migratory birds. For more information on eligible activities, proposal instructions, and more, visit the Fish and Wildlife Service website.
DEP Coastal Zone Grants: The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the federal fiscal year 2024 Coastal Zone Grant Program is now open for applications. Townships, regional planning agencies, and conservation districts are eligible to apply through October 16, 2023.
Funding is available for projects located within the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone or the Lake Erie Coastal Zone boundaries. Proposals must support the mission of DEP’s Coastal Resources Management Program to protect and enhance coastal resources. Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application website. For more information, guidelines, and application instructions, visit DEP’s website or contact RA-epcoastalzone@pa.gov or (717) 772-5622.
DEP Clean-Diesel Grants: The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the availability of $3,659,904 in funding through the Pennsylvania State Clean Diesel Grants under the Driving PA Forward Program. Townships and municipal authorities that operate diesel-powered fleets are eligible to apply through October 20, 2023.
Funds are available for projects that replace or retrofit diesel-powered highway and nonroad fleet vehicles, engines, and equipment. Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application website. For more information, visit the Driving PA Forward website. Questions can be directed to the Bureau of Air Quality at ra-epvwmitigation@pa.gov or (717) 787-9495.
Clean Vessel Act Grants for Boating Facilities: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has announced the availability of Pumpout Grant funds through the Clean Vessel Act grant program. Townships that own and operate boating facilities open to the general boating public are eligible to apply through October 23, 2023.
Grants awarded through this program will reimburse recipients for up to 75% of the installation cost of pump-out and dump stations, including the cost of new equipment, or the renovation or upgrading of existing equipment, as well as necessary pumps, piping, fitting, lift stations, on-site holding tanks, pier or dock modifications, signs, permits and other miscellaneous equipment needed for a complete and efficient station.
For more information, including a link to the Clean Vessel Act Guidebook, visit PHBC’s website or contact Mark McLaughlin at markmclaug@pa.gov
PennDOT Multimodal Grant: The state Department of Transportation is accepting applications for a new round of Multimodal Transportation Fund grants. Applications are due November 13, 2023. Townships and councils of governments may apply for these grants.
Projects that will be considered should coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities; improve streetscape, lighting, sidewalk facilities, and pedestrian safety; improve connectivity or use of existing transportation systems; or advance transit-oriented development. Click here to learn more.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – FY2023 Thriving Communities Program: The U.S. Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the FY 2023 Thriving Communities Program (TCP), funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The TCP will provide a two-year path of technical assistance, planning, and 3 years of facilitated peer learning support to community partnerships that may lack staffing or expertise to scope, fund, and develop infrastructure projects. Projects supported through this program include revitalization activities that increase mobility, reduce pollution, and expand affordable transportation options.
Townships are eligible to apply to receive technical assistance and must identify community partners and together submit a Letter of Interest by November 15, 2023. For more information, including how to apply and recorded webinars, visit the program website.
New Stream and Watershed Enhancement Grants: The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has announced a new Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grant program aimed at environmental and water resources projects that improve, restore or protect the Susquehanna River Basin’s waterways. Townships are eligible to apply through November 30, 2023.
Funds can be used towards watershed education; voluntary water quality monitoring support; instream and streamside debris management and collection; water-based recreation opportunities; and watershed resiliency projects including riparian buffer, stream, or wetland restoration; tree plantings on cleared or impacted lands; and rain gardens to reduce impervious surfaces. For more information, including a link to register for a webinar on October 3, visit SRBC’s website.
DCED Local Share Account Grants: The Department of Community and Economic Development has announced the availability of Local Share Account Grants. Townships, municipal authorities, and councils of government are eligible to apply through November 30, 2023.
Funds may be used towards projects that improve the quality of life in the community including infrastructure projects, purchase of vehicles, machinery, or equipment, planning projects, construction and more. Applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application site. Questions can be directed to DCED at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov.
Abandoned Mine Land and Acid Mine Drainage Grants: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting applications for the 2023 Abandoned Mine Land (AML) and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Grant Program. A total of $96 million is available in three funding rounds. Townships, councils of government, and municipal authorities are eligible to apply through the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application. DEP will accept applications during the following application rounds:
- Application Round 3—October 2, 2023 through December 2, 2023
Eligible projects must reclaim or enhance AML sites posing a threat to the environment and/or public health and safety. Sites must be determined to be eligible by the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, entered into AML inventory systems, and, in most cases, be associated with a coal mine that was abandoned prior to August 3, 1977.
For AML/AMD grant program guidance and application instructions, please visit DEP’s website. Questions can be directed to RA-EPAMGrantProgram@pa.gov or (717) 783-2267.
Alternative Fuels Grants: The state Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program. Townships and municipal authorities are eligible to apply for funding through December 15, 2023.
Approximately $3 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.
Townships may apply to this grant program through the Commonwealth’s eGrants system. For more information, including program guidelines and recorded webinar, visit the AFIG website.
PFBC Erie Access Improvement Grants Available: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is now accepting applications for the Erie Access Improvement Grant Program. Townships are eligible to apply through December 30, 2023.
Grant funds can be used for acquisition and development of angler access and the protection and improvement of fish habitat in the Erie watershed. Eligible projects include acquisition of lands and property rights including public fishing easements, and development of lands to improve or maintain angler access. A 50% funding match is required. For more information, visit the PFBC website or contact Mark McLaughlin at markmclaug@pa.gov
PFBC Boating Facility Grants Available: The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is accepting applications for the Boating Facility Grant Program. Townships and certain nonprofit groups including land trusts and watershed associations are eligible to apply through December 30, 2023.
Grant funds can be used for site acquisition, development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species, and rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities. Eligible construction projects include boat ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs, and towards making facilities ADA compliant. Special consideration will be given to projects that provide public boating access in the Delaware River watershed and a 50% match is required. For more information, visit the PFBC website or contact Mark McLaughlin at markmclaug@pa.gov
Community Forest and Open Space Program: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service is requesting applications for the Community Forest & Open Space Conservation Program (CFP). CFP is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to local governments to establish community forests through acquisition of private forest land. Public access is required for all projects. Interested townships must submit applications to the State Forester where the property is located by January 12, 2024.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants: The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Formula Grant Program offers funding for larger local governments to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy use. Townships may apply for a voucher for technical assistance, an equipment rebate, or a grant to fund one or more of 15 eligible project types. A required Pre-Application Submission was due by July 31, 2023; Full Application Deadline: January 31, 2024.
The DOE is providing a series of blueprints that help guide eligible entities through high-impact activities in energy planning, energy efficiency, renewables, transportation, sustainable financing, and workforce development. Local governments are encouraged but not required to use these blueprints and can expect expedited application review if they do. Check here to see if your township is eligible (PA on page 38-39).
Statewide Waterway Access Mini Grant Program: The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) has announced the new Statewide Waterway Access Mini Grant Program. This program, supported by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is designed to help meet growing demand for non-motorized boating opportunities. Townships are eligible to apply and awards will be granted on a rolling basis.
Grants of up to $30,000 are available to create new or improve existing access points along the region’s rivers, streams, and waterways. Eligible projects include acquisition, engineering, construction, and rehabilitation projects which benefit and directly support non-motorized recreational boating. A one-to-one match is required. For more information, visit POWR’s website.
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 (717) 237-2199.
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.
