Schuylkill River Restoration Fund

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund provides financial support for watershed restoration initiatives aimed at improving water quality and quantity within the Schuylkill River and its tributaries. Administered by the Schuylkill River Greenways, this grant program is intended to align with regional restoration and water management goals, supporting projects that address key sources of pollution and degradation. Funding is specifically targeted at non-profit organizations, watershed groups, conservation districts, and county, municipal, and local governments operating within the Schuylkill River watershed. The Fund emphasizes implementation projects that mitigate water issues caused by abandoned mine drainage, agricultural runoff, and stormwater. In addition to general watershed improvements, the program highlights three priority focus areas. First, at least 10% of Exelon’s contributions will be directed toward eligible projects in the Perkiomen Creek Watershed, addressing stormwater, agricultural runoff, and pathogens. Second, efforts that protect Philadelphia’s water supply through similar interventions will also receive dedicated funding. Finally, projects focused on source water protection and aligned with the Schuylkill Action Network Strategic Plan are encouraged, especially those that directly affect drinking water quality for communities in the watershed. Applicants may also pursue funding under the Land Transaction Assistance program, which supports land trusts and conservation organizations with transaction costs tied to land preservation efforts. However, this initiative follows a separate set of guidelines and does not require a Letter of Intent. For implementation grants, the submission process involves a two-step application: an initial Letter of Intent due by February 12, 2026, followed by a full application (if invited) due by April 16, 2026. Finalist organizations must also present their project proposals in person to the Advisory Committee in May at the Schuylkill River Greenways offices in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Eligible expenses under the grant include labor, materials, permitting, signage, and up to 10% of the award for direct project management costs. Design work may also be considered if it does not delay implementation beyond the required three-year period. All contractors must be selected competitively unless an exemption is approved by the Schuylkill River Greenways. Projects are expected to be completed by December 31, 2028, with the option to request a one-year extension. Award amounts for general implementation projects range from $20,000 to $100,000, while projects within the Perkiomen Creek Watershed may request as little as $5,000. Historical data indicates that the average grant awarded is around $40,000. A minimum 25% match is required for all projects, with higher match levels positively influencing evaluation. Match contributions may include both cash and in-kind support from a variety of governmental and private sources. Applications are evaluated on several criteria including their environmental impact, planning quality, alignment with existing plans, readiness for implementation, scalability, and ability to demonstrate results. Strong preference is given to projects that leverage multiple partners, include underserved community impacts, and utilize innovative or sustainable design strategies. Funds may not be used to meet regulatory compliance obligations or for land acquisition.

Priority to projects with high match, volunteer use, and partner leverage.