State and Regional Partnerships

The State and Regional Partnerships grant program is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing statewide and regional capacities in the areas of recreation, park management, and natural and heritage resource conservation. This opportunity supports projects that encourage plan implementation, education, training, and capacity-building efforts across local, county, and state levels. The program targets nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status and those registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations, regional municipal entities, and state-designated Heritage Areas, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive applicant pool within Pennsylvania. The program funds several types of projects categorized under four major groups: Convening, Education, or Training; Special Purpose and Planning Studies; Implementation Projects; and Mini-Grant Programs. Convening, education, and training initiatives typically focus on the development and dissemination of educational materials or technical assistance, and on organizing workshops, conferences, or similar public engagement efforts. These efforts aim to improve professional and public knowledge related to conservation, recreation, greenways, trails, and open space preservation. Special Purpose and Planning Studies provide more in-depth and focused long-range planning to support the organization and execution of conservation and cultural preservation strategies. These studies are developed through a competitive RFP process and may include economic assessments, marketing strategies, interpretive plans, and feasibility analyses tied to previously completed plans. Implementation Projects under this program must be based on recommendations from completed studies and include tangible deliverables such as educational exhibits, interpretive signage, promotional materials, or public engagement tools. Similarly, the Mini-Grant component allows regional or statewide partners to distribute smaller awards to local projects that align with broader strategic goals. Each mini-grant or project under this component must reflect the objectives outlined in past planning documents and is subject to a 20% matching fund requirement. Applicants are encouraged to consult their regional advisors and ensure they have met administrative prerequisites, such as obtaining a Non-Procurement Vendor Identification Number and a Unique Entity ID (UEI). A resolution from the applicant’s governing body is also required, as is a clear calculation of billable hours for personnel involved. Commitment letters for matching funds must be secured in advance. Applicants are guided to carefully review all program requirements and submit their applications by the deadline of April 30, 2026. Application support is offered through a variety of tutorial videos and guidance documents available on the official website. These include detailed grant instructions, FAQs, a Ready-to-Go Checklist, and Partnership Program Forms. This comprehensive support framework helps applicants ensure accuracy and completeness before submission. The program does not list an annual recurrence but suggests establishing an internal submission timeline and proactive coordination to enhance competitiveness and compliance.