Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program

The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program (PSFIG), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), is designed to provide financial assistance to public school districts and area career and technical schools undertaking vital infrastructure and facility improvement projects. Established through legislative acts in 2023 and subsequently amended in 2024 and 2025, this program reflects Pennsylvania's commitment to upgrading educational environments to promote health, safety, and technological advancement for students and staff alike. Eligible applicants include public school districts and area career and technical schools within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Grants may be used for a broad range of facility improvements, including but not limited to roof repairs and replacements, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, boilers and controls, plumbing systems, and energy-saving upgrades. Projects that address health and safety concerns, such as lead abatement, asbestos removal, mold remediation, and the installation or maintenance of automated external defibrillators, are also supported. Additional eligible uses include projects related to emergencies, accessibility improvements under federal disability standards, improved internet connectivity (excluding hardware/software purchases), window repairs or replacements, and demolition. The CFA also retains discretion to approve other project types. Funding is available for projects with a total eligible cost of $500,000 or more, with the maximum grant capped at $5,000,000 per project. A key requirement of the program is a 25% cash match from the applicant, which must be secured at the time of submission. This match requirement may be waived or reduced for school districts under financial watch or recovery status, and for emergencies where a building is deemed unoccupiable. Administrative costs incurred by applicants are limited to 2% of the total grant, while contingencies tied to construction are capped at 5% of construction costs. Ineligible costs include public relations, lobbying, interest payments, application preparation fees, and expenses incurred prior to grant approval. The application window for the upcoming cycle opens on January 5, 2026, and closes on March 13, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically through the DCED's Single Application for Assistance system. Required supporting documentation includes detailed project descriptions, building condition assessments, cost estimates, proof of matching funds, resolutions from the applicant’s governing body, and, if applicable, emergency justification materials. A $100 non-refundable application fee is required, payable online prior to final submission. Once applications are submitted, the CFA evaluates them based on cost efficiency, strategic importance, and overall impact. Successful applicants will receive a grant agreement and commitment letter, which must be signed and returned within 45 days. Projects may not commence until CFA approval has been granted, except in the case of qualified emergencies. Approved applicants will be reimbursed on a periodic basis, not less than every 30 days, upon submission of verified expense documentation. Final payments are contingent upon submission and approval of a final report detailing project outcomes. For further information or technical assistance, inquiries can be directed to the DCED's Center for Community Enhancement. Contact details include email ([email protected]) and phone (717-787-6245). The most up-to-date program guidelines and submission instructions are accessible on the program’s official webpage.

Complete payment and full submission to generate application ID; incomplete submissions are ineligible.