Healing the Planet Grant Program

The Healing the Planet Grant Program is administered by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and funded by The GIANT Company, operating as GIANT and MARTIN’S. The program reflects a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and sustainable practices across Pennsylvania. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving communities through environmental initiatives, partners with corporate sponsors to fund projects that enhance public spaces and ecological health. Through this program, the funder seeks to support local organizations in implementing planting projects that improve air and water quality while contributing to healthier and more vibrant communities. The primary purpose of the grant program is to invest in community planting initiatives that utilize native species within Pennsylvania. Eligible projects focus on planting trees, shrubs, perennials, pollinator species, and community gardens that provide direct environmental and public benefits. These projects are intended to improve ecosystem resilience, support biodiversity, and enhance quality of life for residents. The program emphasizes the importance of native plant species, requiring that all plantings be native to Pennsylvania, thereby ensuring ecological compatibility and long-term sustainability. Funding is available for up to 4000 dollars per project, with eligible expenses including the direct costs of planting such as plant materials, tools, equipment, signage, and shipping. However, the program explicitly excludes administrative costs, staff time, and planning or permitting expenses. Projects must be shovel-ready at the time of application, meaning all necessary permits must already be secured and implementation can begin promptly upon award. While matching funds are encouraged to demonstrate community investment, they are not required for participation. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofit organizations, conservation districts, schools, churches, and local or county governments. Applicants must provide an EIN and demonstrate prior successful planting experience. Projects must be located within specific counties in Pennsylvania where GIANT and MARTIN’S operate, although applicants themselves may be based outside those areas. Additionally, projects must occur on public land or provide a clear public benefit, reinforcing the program’s focus on community-wide impact. Applications must be submitted online through the designated portal, with no alternative submission methods accepted. The application window for the 2026 cycle opens on April 21, 2026 and closes on May 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are required to provide project details, documentation demonstrating readiness and experience, and any supplemental materials requested through the online system. The review process is competitive, with applications evaluated by a grants committee based on criteria aligned with program goals and project feasibility. Grant recipients are expected to complete their projects by November 30, 2026 and submit a final report, including photographs and potentially carbon offset calculations, by December 11, 2026. Awardees must also sign a grant agreement outlining expectations, reporting requirements, and recognition obligations. Selected projects are announced in late June 2026, and all applicants are notified of the outcome at that time. The program operates on an annual cycle, supporting a diverse portfolio of community-driven environmental projects across Pennsylvania.

Ensure project is shovel ready with permits secured prioritize native Pennsylvania species clearly demonstrate prior planting experience and focus on projects with strong public benefit and environmental impact