Pocono Forests & Waters Conservation Landscape Mini Grants

The 2026 Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape Mini Grant Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The funding originates from DCNR's Community Conservation Partnership Program and is distributed through the Environmental Stewardship Fund, managed by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. PEC is responsible for overseeing the application process, managing funds, and ensuring project compliance. This reimbursement-based program is designed to support localized environmental initiatives that align with the Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape (PFWCL) priorities—Conservation, Community, and Connection. The total funding available for this grant cycle is $80,000, with individual mini-grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. All funded projects must be located within the PFWCL region, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties in Pennsylvania. Each project must further the objectives of the PFWCL, such as developing trail amenities and signage, advancing land stewardship through educational programming, or implementing strategies to protect waterways from pollution. The program encourages innovative projects that distinguish themselves through novel ideas, strategic partnerships, or creative problem-solving. Applicants must provide a 20% match of the total project cost. This match can be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, such as municipal labor or professional services, provided they are not sourced from DCNR funds. Volunteer time is calculated at the Independent Sector’s current Pennsylvania volunteer rate. All matching contributions must occur during the project period, which begins on June 1, 2026, and ends on May 31, 2027. Applicants must submit proof of the match at the time of application and ensure that project costs do not exceed $50,000. Eligibility is open to a variety of organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities, municipal authorities, and educational institutions. Nonprofits are required to provide proof of tax-exempt status and a certificate of registration from the PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed for applicants who cannot independently meet these criteria. All applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application, including a detailed project description, budget worksheet, proof of match, and letters of support from project partners. The application window opens on March 16, 2026, and closes on May 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM. A pre-application meeting will be held on April 3, 2026, though attendance is optional. Award notifications are expected by the end of May 2026, followed by a required mini-grant kickoff meeting on June 1, 2026. Awarded projects can begin immediately after this date. Progress reports and final deliverables, including a success story, must be submitted by the end of the grant period. Applications will be evaluated by a review committee based on several criteria: project detail and need, alignment with PFWCL priorities, clearly defined goals and outcomes, budget completeness and accuracy, and innovation. Up to five bonus points are available for projects that show unique approaches or particularly innovative concepts. PEC and its partners reserve the right to request further documentation if necessary during the review process.

Clearly align project with PFWCL priorities; secure and document 20% match; describe innovation for bonus points