Pennsylvania Environment Grants

Feet First Philly's Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant, ranging from $500 to $2000, supports projects that enhance walkability and safety in public spaces across Philadelphia, with applications open to organizations, businesses, and individuals, provided the enhancements are not used for financial gain.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications designed to increase the ability of EPA Region 3 states (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to manage food scraps more sustainably through composting. In particular, the NOFO seeks to increase capacity for food scraps composting in the region through the upgrade of yard waste composting facilities. The upgraded yard waste composting facilities will be capable of processing waste food which increases the capacity for wasted food composting in the region. For further details see the NOFO.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the installation and operation of electric vehicle fast charging and hydrogen fueling stations in Pennsylvania, targeting businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies committed to improving air quality and promoting clean transportation.

The Edna W. Andrade Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation, is dedicated to supporting visual fine artists from the Greater Philadelphia area. This grant program aligns directly with the Philadelphia Foundation's mission by channeling resources to enhance the local and national art landscape, specifically benefiting artists working in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, or sculpture. The foundation acts as a facilitator, allowing donors like the Edna W. Andrade Fund to address specific community needs and artistic development within its broader philanthropic framework. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are visual fine artists residing in the Greater Philadelphia area, which encompasses Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties in New Jersey. The impact goals are to foster artistic careers, increase visibility for regional artists, and enrich the cultural fabric of the Greater Philadelphia area. This is achieved by providing financial support that enables the purchase or commission of artworks, funds one-person exhibitions, and supports artists engaged in educational, cultural, humanitarian, or environmental projects through nonprofit fiscal agents. The fund prioritizes organizations with 501(c)(3) status that have a proven track record of creating, curating, producing, or presenting at least three professional public exhibits or projects within the last five years. There is also a strong focus on non-discrimination, requiring organizations to have adopted a policy inclusive of various protected characteristics. This ensures that the support reaches a diverse range of artists and promotes equitable access to funding opportunities. The strategic priority is to strengthen the visual arts community by empowering both artists and the institutions that support them. The expected outcomes include an increase in the number of commissioned and purchased artworks by Greater Philadelphia artists, a greater prevalence of one-person exhibitions showcasing local talent, and the successful execution of various community-focused artistic projects. Measurable results could include tracking the number of grants awarded, the number of artists directly supported, the number and attendance of exhibitions funded, and the scope and reach of projects undertaken. The foundation's theory of change, in this context, is that by investing in artists and supportive organizations, it can cultivate a more vibrant and sustainable artistic ecosystem that benefits both creators and the wider community.

This program provides funding to schools, organizations, and agencies to support youth-led environmental education projects and professional development for educators focused on local environmental issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for K-12 schools, nonprofits, and local governments in the Delaware Bay watershed to implement hands-on environmental education programs that promote student engagement and community involvement.

This program provides financial assistance to low-income families to improve their homes' energy efficiency, helping them save on energy costs while ensuring their health and safety.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of organizations in Pennsylvania to develop environmental education projects that promote stewardship and awareness of natural resources, particularly focusing on climate change, water quality, and environmental justice.

The William Penn Foundation is offering Climate, Environmental Justice, and Infrastructure Grants to help the Philadelphia region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties) secure federal funding for initiatives in these areas. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's broader mission by focusing on critical environmental and social issues within its geographic scope, leveraging external funding opportunities to maximize impact. The Foundation has allocated up to $3.5 million for this Request for Proposals (RFP), with individual organizations eligible to receive a maximum of $1,000,000 over a two-year grant duration. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the communities and residents of the Philadelphia region, particularly those who will benefit from advancements in climate resilience, environmental justice, and infrastructure development. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the region's ability to access and utilize available federal funding, thereby leading to tangible improvements in these critical sectors. The Foundation aims to empower local organizations to pursue projects that might otherwise lack the necessary financial backing, fostering long-term positive change. The Foundation's strategic priorities for this grant are clearly focused on efforts to access federal funding for climate, environmental justice, and infrastructure. There are few limitations on project designs or the applicants' approach to securing such funding, encouraging innovative and diverse strategies. Proposals can focus on project development, technical or legal assistance, communications, or other methods to advance the objective, whether on a regionwide or more localized scale. This flexible approach allows for a broad range of initiatives to be supported, from initial planning to implementation support. Expected outcomes include an increase in successful applications for federal funding, a greater number of projects addressing climate change, environmental injustices, and infrastructure needs, and ultimately, an enhanced quality of life for residents in the designated counties. While the specific measurable results will depend on the individual projects funded, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in the capacity of organizations to secure federal funding, it can catalyze a larger volume of impactful work in its priority areas, amplifying its philanthropic reach and fostering sustainable progress.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Allegheny County to hire consultants for projects that strengthen their capacity and enhance their impact through collaboration.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is offering Community Needs Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, to fund projects addressing community needs in areas such as education, arts, environment, human services, animal welfare, and civic affairs, with applications evaluated based on community impact, organizational capability, and project feasibility & sustainability.

The Bunbury Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations in central New Jersey, particularly Mercer County, enabling them to effectively pursue their missions and achieve sustainable organizational maturity. The foundation's core mission revolves around "capacity building," which is defined as work that enhances an organization's ability to deliver its mission with increased confidence. This strategic alignment ensures that grants directly contribute to the long-term effectiveness and stability of recipient organizations. The fund targets non-profit organizations that operate and provide services within the geographic region covered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This includes Mercer County, Eastern Bucks County (PA), Northern Burlington County (NJ), Southern Hunterdon County (NJ), Southern Middlesex County (NJ), and Southern Somerset County (NJ). The primary impact goal is to strengthen the ability of these non-profits to "do their best work" by empowering them with the necessary resources and strategies. The fund encourages projects that prioritize anti-racism strategies and embed racial equity at the core of their work, signifying a commitment to inclusive and equitable community development. The Bunbury Fund offers various grant types with specific focuses. One-year capacity-building grants, up to $50,000, support areas such as board governance, leadership succession planning, strategic partnerships, scenario planning, systems upgrades, racial equity and inclusion practices, human resources, and technology improvements. Multi-year capacity-building grants, up to $150,000 over three years, are designed for comprehensive, phased projects that require extended development for organizational effectiveness. Additionally, planning grants of up to $10,000 are available to help organizations evaluate the resources needed for more extensive capacity-building initiatives, acting as an initial step in assessing viability. The expected outcomes include enhanced organizational effectiveness, improved service delivery, and a greater ability for non-profits to achieve their missions with confidence. Measurable results would stem from the specific capacity-building areas addressed by the grants, such as improved governance structures, stronger leadership, more efficient systems, and the successful implementation of racial equity strategies. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower non-profits through capacity building, operating on the theory of change that by strengthening the internal capabilities of these organizations, they will be better equipped to serve their communities and create lasting, positive impact, particularly through the lens of racial equity.

This program provides funding to Pennsylvania school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to help them transition to cleaner transportation through projects like purchasing alternative fuel vehicles and installing refueling equipment.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Pennsylvania Water Trails Program Mini Grant, overseen by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service, aims to address urgent issues on designated water trails that compromise safety or access. With a total of $2000 available, this grant supports projects that can quickly resolve situations like storm-induced damage, navigational obstructions, or critical sign destruction that impedes safe water trail access. Eligible projects must match the grant 1:1 with cash or in-kind services. The grant serves as a last-resort funding source for unforeseen issues affecting Pennsylvania's 28 designated water trails, emphasizing safety and accessibility while fostering recreational opportunities and sustainable natural resource use. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 30, 2024, with awards based on urgency and committee discretion.

The Franklin County Community Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, conducts an annual competitive grant program to benefit nonprofits serving Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The foundation’s purpose is to invest in programs and services that produce positive outcomes for residents and families. The program prioritizes innovative and collaborative approaches that demonstrate achievable outcomes, potential for replication, and sustainability beyond the grant term. Funding aligns with arts and culture, community development, education, environment, and health and human services. Additional areas of interest include music and the arts, cancer related health services, services for people in need or with special needs, programs for children with special or accessibility needs, and access to early childhood education. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or projects using a qualified fiscal sponsor that serve Franklin County. Grants do not fund advertising, capital campaigns, direct lobbying, individuals, umbrella organizations without a local presence, new staff roles without a sustainability plan, religious purposes, or retroactive projects. Awards are typically up to 7,000 dollars, with an overall stated range from 1,000 to 10,000 dollars, for projects occurring between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. Applications are submitted through TFEC’s process by May 1, 2024. Proposals are assessed for community impact, collaboration, and alignment with stated priorities. Official details are provided by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) offers Planning Grants specifically for counties needing to produce 95% complete construction plans and specifications for full courthouse restoration projects. The primary focus and goal of this grant are to restore historic courthouses to their original historic period while simultaneously ensuring they meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. The program prioritizes getting counties "shovel ready," which serves as the immediate expected outcome. Counties that successfully complete these planning documents gain a strategic advantage, including up to 10 additional points on future restoration funding applications, maximizing the state's preservation efforts by encouraging approved plans to transition into funded restoration projects in subsequent cycles. The provided description is too brief to generate a detailed breakdown covering foundation mission alignment, target beneficiaries (beyond "counties"), detailed impact goals, strategic priorities, or theory of change across four to six paragraphs. More extensive documentation regarding the THCPP or the foundation overseeing it would be required to meet the full scope of the request.

The Vision Partnership Program (VPP) – Cash Grant is offered by Chester County to its municipalities and multi-municipal groups. Established in 1996, and revised in 2010 and 2019 to align with Landscapes and then Landscapes2 and Landscapes3, the program aims to improve planning efforts at the local level. This grant program is deeply aligned with Chester County's comprehensive plan, Landscapes3, by promoting consistency and implementation of its goals, objectives, recommendations, and map. The core mission of the VPP is to foster cooperation between local governments and the County to achieve impactful, lasting, and positive benefits through innovative municipal and multi-municipal planning. The VPP targets all Chester County municipalities that have endorsed or acknowledged Landscapes3, including single municipalities or multi-municipal groups. The program aims to achieve a variety of impact goals, such as advancing consistency with the county comprehensive plan, accomplishing positive benefits for municipalities through innovative planning, and addressing community concerns through new and revised municipal plans, ordinances, and planning studies. The program prioritizes projects enabled by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247, and also includes "Planning Studies" for projects not adopted under the MPC. The VPP focuses on a broad range of eligible projects. These include comprehensive plans, open space, park, and recreation plans, zoning and subdivision ordinances and amendments (covering topics like agriculture, historic resources, natural resources, housing, and traditional neighborhood development), official maps and ordinances, urban center revitalization plans, resource protection/stewardship plans, environmental and community sustainability/resilience plans, community design guides, village master plans, heritage interpretation plans, historic resource surveys, housing plans/studies, economic development studies, transportation corridor plans/studies, streetscape master plans, multimodal plans/studies, trail feasibility studies, and plans/ordinances that support the transition to renewable or alternative energy, as well as agricultural economic development plans. Expected outcomes of the VPP include the successful adoption of plans or ordinances, for which grants of $50,000 are provided, with an additional $10,000 for each additional municipality involved. For planning studies, the expected outcome is acceptance, with grants of $30,000 plus $5,000 for each additional municipality. The strategic priorities of Chester County, as evidenced by the VPP, are to support local governments in developing robust planning programs that align with the county's comprehensive vision, ultimately leading to well-planned, sustainable communities. The theory of change is that by providing financial incentives and guidance, municipalities will be empowered to implement the principles of Landscapes3, resulting in tangible community improvements and a coordinated approach to regional development.

This program provides financial support to grassroots watershed organizations in Western Pennsylvania for projects focused on water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and community outreach to protect and restore local watersheds.