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

DEP Grant Programs: The state Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for funding under the Growing Greener Plus Grants Program and Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grants through the Watershed Planning and Restoration Grants Program. Both opportunities intend to improve and protect water from nonpoint source pollution associated with agricultural activities, abandoned mine drainage (AMD), stormwater runoff, energy resource extraction, and streambank and shoreline degradation. 

Townships, council of governments, and municipal authorities can apply through June 21, 2024. DEP is focusing grants on projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in targeted areas with watershed implementation plans, especially projects that reduce nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment pollution from agricultural and stormwater runoff, along with AMD-related pollution from iron, aluminum, and acidity. DEP is particularly interested in projects that implement effective best management practices which lead to local water quality improvements. 

Applications must be submitted through the eGrants system. For more information, visit DEP’s website.

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 applications periods closing on June 28, 2024 and 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.

Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Grants: PennDOT will be accepting applications for the 2024 Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) Funding Program from through June 30, 2024. Townships are eligible to apply for funding toward safety and mobility projects, including roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades; bicycle and pedestrian improvements; Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) projects; and traffic signal improvements.   

A pre-application scoping form is required prior to submitting an application. For additional information and a link to the pre-application form, visit PennDOT’s Traffic Signal Resource Portal by clicking here. Questions, as well as completed scoping forms, can be directed to ARLE@pa.gov.   

Wild Resource Conservation Program: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications under the Wild Resource Conservation Program (WRCP). The WRCP identifies research and conservation needs on the Commonwealth’s native flora and non-game wildlife, including surveys and elucidation on conservation, management, and stewardship techniques.

Townships, conservation districts, and municipal authorities are eligible to apply through July 1, 2024, for projects intended to protect and conserve biological diversity. This grant round has specific priorities for birds, mammals, plants, fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. More information on these priorities, along with how to apply, can be found on DCNR’s grants portal.

Tree Planting Grants: The GIANT Company, in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, announced the return of the Healing the Planet grant program to plant trees native to Pennsylvania across The GIANT Company’s operating areas. Eligible projects must be shovel ready with any required permits already secured. Eligible projects include tree planting and direct costs relating to tree planting.

Townships within the following counties are eligible to apply through July 1, 2024: Adams, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union and York counties. For more information, visit the Healing the Planet grant page.

Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service is now accepting applications for the Community Facilities Technical Assistance & Training Grant program to identify and plan for community facility needs, and from there, in identifying resources to finance facility needs. Funds may also be used to improve the management, including financial management, related to the operation of community facilities. Townships is rural areas are eligible to apply through July 3, 2024. Questions can be directed to your local USDA Rural Development office.

PennDOT National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Round 1B: PennDOT’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding (NEVI) Round 1B is now open for proposals through July 10, 2024. Round 1B funds can be used for projects directly related to charging stations including pre-construction work; construction; costs to acquire and install on-site electric service equipment; minor grid updates to connect a charging station to the electric grid distribution network; and other costs for stations planned to always be open to the public, 24/7. Funding is available to designated Alternative Fuel Corridors to build out the national EV network.

Additional information, including the Round 1B Corridors Map, can be found on PennDOT’s NEVI Homepage. Questions can be directed to ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov.

Manufactured Housing Preservation and Reinvestment Grants: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is now accepting applications for the preservation and revitalization of manufactured housing through Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) grants. Townships are eligible to apply through July 10, 2024 for two categories of grant funding.

“PRICE Main” funding focuses on affordable housing preservation and enhancement of existing manufactured housing communities and units (MHCs/MHUs). “PRICE Replacement Pilot” funding can be used to benefit households living in substandard housing or in disaster-prone areas.

Eligible uses include: Repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of existing units; Installation or upgrades to infrastructure supporting manufactured housing (roads, sidewalks, water, wastewater, utility hookups); Planning activities; Resilience activities; Environmental improvements, like remediation of contaminants; and Resident and community services. For more information, visit HUD’s PRICE webpage.

2024 Abandoned Mine Land and Acid Mine Drainage Grants: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced 2024 funding rounds for the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Grant Program. 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 2—June 3, 2024 through July 19, 2024
Application Round 3—September 23, 2024 through November 8, 2024

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.

Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program: The U.S. EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant program is now open to award up to $932 million for the replacement of class 6 and 7 heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles. Townships are eligible to apply through July 25, 2024.

Existing vehicles eligible for replacement with grant funds must be a Class 6 or 7 heavy-duty vehicle, model 2010 year or older, with GVWR between 19,501 and 33,000 lbs. The vehicle must be fully operational at the time of application submission. Replacements must be purchased (not leased) zero-emission vehicles of model year 2023 or newer. For more information, including a link to a recorded webinar, visit EPA’s website.

CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund: The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) is accepting grant applications for its Multimodal Transportation Fund. Townships are eligible to apply through until July 31, 2024 through DCED’s online single application for assistance. Please note this opportunity is separate from PennDOT’s Multimodal Program. 

The CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable transportation system is available to commonwealth residents. Eligible projects include projects which coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities; the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of transportation assets; streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, and pedestrian safety projects; and connectivity of transportation assets, and transit-oriented development.  

Townships may request a full waiver of the funding match for this DCED grant opportunity. For more information, including frequently asked questions and an application checklist, visit DCED’s grants page. 

Historical & Archival Records Care Grants: The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) announced the reinstatement of the Historical & Archival Records Care (HARC) grant program. Townships are eligible to apply now through August 1, 2024.

Funding is available for records reformatting and equipment and collections care, including surveying, inventorying, preserving, arranging, and describing historical records significant to Pennsylvania.

PHMC will host two webinars about the program, eligibility, and suggestions for a successful application on June 18 at 10:00 AM and July 8 at 1:00 PM. Questions can be directed to Grant Manager at RA-PHARCHIVESGRANTS@pa.gov or 717-705-1676.

Our Towns Art and Design Project Grants: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced the FY 2025 Our Towns grant program to support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. Eligible projects include:

Planning activities such as artist/designer-facilitated community planning, cultural planning, cultural district planning, or creative asset mapping
Design processes, including design of cultural facilities or public spaces
Creating opportunities for community building and arts engagement through arts festivals or performances. These activities may honor traditions and customs shaped by the community’s residents.

Interested townships may apply as part of a partnership between a local government entity and a nonprofit organization and by August 1, 2024. For more information, visit the NEA website.

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program: The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) grant program to support planning and demonstration projects to prevent death or serious injury on roads involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, motorists; and commercial vehicle operators. Townships are eligible to apply for Planning & Demonstration Grants through August 29, 2024.

Planning and Demonstration Grants can be used to develop an Action Plan; conduct supplemental safety planning; and carry out demonstration activities to inform the development of/an update to an Action Plan. For more information and the notice of funding, visit the SS4A webpage.

Wildlife Crossings Grant Program: U.S. DOT, Federal Highway Administration has announced the solicitation for FY 2024-2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program to improve safety, protect motorists and wildlife by reducing wildlife vehicle collisions, and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. $145 million is available for FY24-25 and another $80 million will be available in FY26.

Grants are available for all activities related to wildlife crossing structures and habitats, including research, planning, design, and construction projects. Townships are eligible to apply through September 4, 2024. FHWA will award 60% or more of available funds for projects in rural areas.

For more information, visit the notice of funding or download the grant summary document. Questions can be directed to Agreement Officer, Freida Byrd at wildlifecrossings@dot.gov

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.

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.

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:

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.