The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, EQT Corporation, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced the 10 recipients of its 2025 National Pennsylvania Day Mini Grants. Grants totaling over $30,000 were awarded to support projects that improve the community and engage volunteers. Eligible projects could include park and cemetery improvements, revitalization efforts, planting, painting community assets, river sweeps, and more.  

Four townships received the mini-grants, including Benezette Township, Elk County; Towamensing Township, Carbon County; Bethel Township, Lebanon County; and Shenango Township, Lawrence County. 

“At America250PA, we believe the strongest legacy we can leave for the Semiquincentennial is a commonwealth that shows up for one another,” says Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “Volunteerism isn’t just something we do — it’s who we are. For 250 years, Pennsylvanians have stepped up for each other in moments big and small. By cleaning up our communities, we’re reminding ourselves what it means to belong to one.” Click here to learn more.  

As a reminder, applications are being accepted until May 15, 2025, for Semiquincentennial Grants, which can be used for programming, projects, and events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Townships are eligible to apply for $1 million in Semiquin Grants toward expenses for programming, projects, or events that connect to America250PA’s themes and platforms. The four themes are education, preservation, innovation, and celebration of everything that makes Pennsylvania what it is, from our past to the people, industry, and organizations that make up our neighbors and communities, laying a framework for the future. For more information, visit the Semiquin Grants page.