South Mountain Partnership Flex Grants

The South Mountain Partnership, a regional conservation initiative managed through a public-private partnership by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, is offering its 2025 Flex-Grants program to support small-scale projects that align with the organization’s mission. The Partnership promotes stewardship, planning, and action across communities in the South Mountain region of Pennsylvania. The Flex-Grants initiative complements the broader suite of funding opportunities administered by the Partnership and is designed to increase access and support for initiatives that might not qualify for other programs such as the SMP Mini-Grant. The Flex-Grants are intended to assist community-driven projects that enhance the accessibility and enjoyment of the South Mountain Region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals that improve equity in outdoor access and engagement across diverse communities. The grant prioritizes increasing local capacity and supporting smaller organizations or less traditional partners who may not be eligible or competitive under other funding schemes. The grants are deliberately limited in scale to maintain flexibility and encourage innovative or pilot efforts. The funding available for each awarded project ranges between $1,000 and $2,000. All applicants must ensure their funding request is distinct from any submission to the 2025 SMP Mini-Grant program. A match is not required for the Flex-Grants, making this opportunity particularly accessible for organizations with limited financial resources. Spending must be consistent with the goals of the South Mountain Partnership and should support its mission of preserving the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the region. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, educational institutions, community groups, and businesses. All project proposals must be located within Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, or York Counties in Pennsylvania. The eligibility criteria are designed to promote wide participation across sectors while maintaining geographic focus to support place-based conservation outcomes within the designated counties. Applications for the 2025 Flex-Grants are due by June 27, 2025. The program does not require a pre-application or Letter of Intent. The application portal is currently open, and proposals must be submitted before the close date. Detailed instructions and sample project ideas can be found in the downloadable Flex-Grant Packet on the South Mountain Partnership’s website. Additional information about past grant recipients is also available through the grant archive. The program is administered by the Friends of South Mountain Partnership in conjunction with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Interested applicants may refer to the official site or contact the administrative office for additional details. While no direct contact information is listed in the public announcement, inquiries may be routed through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which oversees grant administration and communications. This funding opportunity is not currently listed as recurring or rolling, and there is no specified timeline for future cycles.

Projects should align with the South Mountain Partnership’s mission and goals, and provide community access or enhancement benefits within the four eligible counties.