The Environmental Education Grants Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), provides funding to support both formal and non-formal environmental education projects. The program's aim is to foster an environmentally literate citizenry capable of making informed decisions to protect the state's natural resources. Established under the Pennsylvania Environmental Education Act, the program draws funding from a portion of environmental fines and penalties to promote educational initiatives related to environmental stewardship.
Eligible applicants for the grants include a variety of organizations such as public and private schools, universities, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, and businesses registered in Pennsylvania. Projects may target diverse audiences, including students, educators, community members, and individuals in Environmental Justice areas. The program prioritizes initiatives focusing on climate change, water quality improvement, and environmental justice, particularly those aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating water pollution, and engaging communities in vulnerable areas.
The grant program offers three levels of funding: Mini Grants up to $5,000 for local projects; General Grants Level I, ranging from $5,001 to $30,000 for larger initiatives that may cover multiple communities or schools; and General Grants Level II, which range from $30,001 to $65,000 for statewide or multi-level educational efforts. All projects must include a cash or in-kind match, with General Grants requiring a minimum of 20% matching funds. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, covering eligible expenses such as wages, educational materials, travel, and certain project-related costs. However, items like food, promotional materials, and general overhead costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
Applications for the grants must be submitted electronically and include a project proposal, scope of work, budget sheet, and letters of commitment. The proposal should outline the project goals, target audience, anticipated outcomes, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant period. Projects must also incorporate an evaluation strategy and potentially share results through events or conferences. The application deadlines and grant cycle dates are determined annually, with awarded projects typically beginning in July and concluding by June of the following year.
The Environmental Education Grants Program is designed to encourage partnerships and collaborative efforts. For larger grants, partnerships are mandatory, while they are recommended for Mini Grants. The program aligns with the state's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting projects that serve all Pennsylvanians and enhance the protection of shared natural resources. Interested applicants should review the current program manual for specific guidance and ensure all submission requirements are met to avoid disqualification.
