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

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.

Electric Vehicle Charger Replacement Grants: PennDOT announced program details for the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (EVC-RAA) program created by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve the reliability of existing EV charging infrastructure across the state.

Townships in one of the 174 locations eligible for funding can apply through August 14, 2024 to repair or replace existing broken or non-operational publicly accessible Level 2 or DCFC EV chargers. Full program details can be found on the PennDOT EVC-RAA Webpage. Questions can be sent to ra-pdevcorridors@pa.gov.

Firefighter Safety Grant Program: Townships are encouraged to spread the word about the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program with their local volunteer fire departments. State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) announced the availability of $500,000 in grants to volunteer fire departments to help them obtain equipment to increase responder safety and improve service to communities. Members of NVFC are eligible to apply between August 1 through August 18, 2024, or until 500 applications are received, whichever comes first. Eligible fire departments must be at least 50% volunteer and serve a population of 25,000 or less. For more information about eligibility, and how to apply, visit the program website.

Digital Connectivity Laptop Program: The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is now accepting applications for the new Digital Connectivity Technology Program through August 19, 2024. Townships are eligible to apply for publicly accessible laptops to facilitate broadband access and literacy training programs to township residents. The laptops can be loaned to individuals for use in their homes or used in public spaces. For more information, visit the program webpage or email Ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.

Broadband Technical Assistance Grants: USDA, Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program to promote broadband expansion in rural areas. Townships with a population less than 20,000 can apply through August 20, 2024 via grants.gov for technical assistance under this program and no match is required!

Examples of eligible projects include: Identifying public and private resources to finance broadband facilities; Preparing studies, reports, and surveys necessary to support broadband services, or to request financial assistance to develop broadband facilities; Improving broadband facilities management and operations. For more information, visit the program page or contact Pennsylvania’s USDA General Field Representative at Robert.Fry@usda.gov.

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

Urban Agricultural Infrastructure Grants. The Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Urban Agricultural Infrastructure Grant Program to reimburse project costs which improve agriculture infrastructure in urban areas.

Townships defined as urban (population density ≥ 291 persons per square mile and total population ≥ 2,500) can apply from July 22, 2024, through September 6, 2024. Townships can refer to this list of rural and urban municipalities created by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania to help determine eligibility.

Eligible projects include those which improve agricultural infrastructure, improve the aggregation of agricultural products in an urban area, entail resource sharing, and support community or economic development. Questions can be directed to Morgan Sheffield at 717-787-3568, msheffield@pa.gov.

Reconnecting Communities Program: The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for another round of funding in the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program. $607 million is available in this combined allocation of FY 2024 through 2026 funding for planning, capital construction, and technical assistance projects. Townships are eligible to apply through September 30, 2024. USDOT is offering two grant types:

Capital Construction Grants to fund reconnecting-focused and smaller projects which reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities. Projects include: Removal of a dividing facility; Enhancement of community connectivity; Improving access by building or improving Complete Streets.

Community Planning Grants to support future construction projects and allow for innovative community planning to address transportation challenges. Projects include: Community visioning or strategies for public input into project plans; Planning studies to assess the feasibility of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible dividing facility to reconnect communities; Other planning activities in advance of the project.

PennDOT will consider providing support for regional grant proposals, including offering data and subject matter expertise. The deadline for requesting PennDOT support is September 16, 2024. For more information, view PennDOT’s grant alert.

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.

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 the applications period closing on 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.

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:

Rural Water Loan Fund: The Rural Water Loan Fund, established through a grant from the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service, provides low-cost loans for short-term repair costs, small capital projects, or pre-development costs associated with larger projects for water and wastewater utilities. Eligible systems must be township or authority-owned serving up to 10,000 persons, or in rural areas with no population limits.

Loan amounts may not exceed $200,000 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less. Projects eligible for loan funding include planning costs for infrastructure projects; replacement equipment, system upgrades, maintenance and small capital projects; energy efficiency projects to lower costs and improve system sustainability; and disaster recovery or other emergency loans.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Townships may contact the PA State Rural Water Association for assistance in preparing and submitting required documents.

Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program: USDA Rural Development’s Electric Infrastructure Loan Program provides insured loans and loan guarantees to finance the construction of electric distribution facilities in rural areas. Funds may be used to finance maintenance, upgrades, expansion, energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, and replacement of distribution, sub transmission and headquarters (service, warehouse) facilities.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Townships in rural areas must contact the Pennsylvania General Field Representative to determine whether the proposed service area qualifies as rural as several factors will determine eligibility under this program. For more information about the program, contact USDA’s Office of Loan Origination and Approval at 202-720-1422.

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.