The York County Community Foundation's Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program aims to create a coordinated and connected landscape by preserving the agricultural economy, providing land for recreation, preserving natural habitats, and protecting waterways. This mission aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities to promote open space and land preservation for current and future generations. The program is specifically designed to support communities and non-profit organizations in York County, Pennsylvania, in their efforts to protect vital natural resources.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant program include municipalities in York County, the York County Parks Department and other County agencies, school districts (for Marcellus Shale Legacy Funding), and charitable non-profit organizations with 501(c) status that have a focus on natural resource protection, land preservation, parks/recreation, or conservation. These organizations must have been in existence for at least five consecutive years to be eligible, with multi-municipal applications encouraged. The program's impact goals revolve around creating public access to preserved lands, safeguarding water and other natural resources, protecting wildlife habitats, and offering active or passive recreational opportunities.
The program offers financial assistance across three distinct categories: Land Acquisition, Planning and Ordinance Assistance, and Act 13 of 2012 – Marcellus Shale Legacy Funding. For Land Acquisition, the maximum annual grant request is $150,000 over a three-year period, specifically for purchasing properties that provide public access and natural resource protection or parkland benefits. Grants in this category are strictly for land acquisition and cannot be used for structures or improvements.
The Planning and Ordinance Assistance category allows for a maximum annual grant request of $25,000 over three years. This funding supports planning studies, updates to comprehensive plans, and the development or amendment of ordinances related to open space, land protection, sensitive natural features, and agricultural protection, aligning with the County Comprehensive Plan's objectives. Eligible activities include new or amended comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, official map ordinances, and special plans such as park master plans or natural resource protection plans.
Finally, the Act 13 of 2012 – Marcellus Shale Legacy Funding provides a maximum annual grant request of $40,000 over a three-year period. These funds are intended for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, natural areas, community conservation, beautification projects, community and heritage parks, and water resource management. While these funds can cover planning and acquisition, priority is given to development, rehabilitation, and repair projects, ensuring public accessibility for park, recreational, and trail improvements.
The expected outcomes of this comprehensive grant program include a more coordinated and connected landscape throughout York County, enhanced preservation of agricultural economies, increased public access to recreational lands, stronger protection of natural habitats, and improved water quality. By supporting these varied activities, the York County Community Foundation's theory of change posits that strategic investments in land preservation and related planning will lead to a healthier environment, a more vibrant community, and a sustainable future for the region. Measurable results will likely involve the acreage of land acquired, the number of updated plans and ordinances, and the scope of development and rehabilitation projects completed across the county.
