Community Recreation and Conservation Planning

The Community Recreation and Conservation Planning grant is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This grant supports the early-stage planning processes that inform future land acquisitions, development, or management of parks, recreation facilities, critical habitats, greenways, open spaces, and river or watershed corridors. The goal of the program is to produce studies and plans that will lead to actionable projects for community recreation and natural conservation, promoting long-term ecological sustainability and community well-being. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include county or municipal governments, higher and other educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations that possess both IRS 501(c)(3) status and registration with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. The grant supports planning activities such as community assessments, feasibility studies, site inventories, environmental mapping, and public engagement that collectively help guide future development, stewardship, or restoration work. The application process places strong emphasis on comprehensive data gathering, community participation, and the production of detailed narrative and graphical deliverables. There are several types of planning projects eligible under this opportunity. These include Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space and Greenway Plans, which assess existing conditions and define actionable recommendations. Land Conservation and Stewardship Plans focus on ecological research and environmental mapping. Indoor Recreation Facility and Swimming Pool Complex Feasibility Studies gauge physical and financial viability, and assess community need. Master Site Development Plans are site-specific studies leading to design-ready documents. Rivers Conservation Plans examine watershed-level ecological, recreational, and cultural resources, identifying threats and management strategies. To apply, applicants must have a Non-Procurement Vendor Identification Number and a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Applicants must also secure matching funds equal to or greater than the grant request. Matching contributions from third parties must be accompanied by commitment letters. Three cost estimates from qualified consultants must be obtained, and detailed, itemized budgets must be prepared. Certain project types, such as Master Site Development and Feasibility Studies, also require site control through ownership or a 25-year lease and a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) review. The grant opens annually on the third Tuesday in January and closes on the first Wednesday in April. For the 2025 cycle, applications open on January 21 and are due by 4:00 PM on April 2. This is not a rolling application. Applicants are encouraged to consult DCNR regional advisors for early guidance and to review extensive online resources, including planning program documents, application instructions, sample timelines, and instructional videos. The grant is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The main point of contact is Lori Ross, who can be reached at nrsvcgrants01@pa.gov or 1-800-326-7734. All applications must be submitted through the DCNR online portal before the deadline. This annual program plays a foundational role in the long-term planning and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s natural and recreational assets.