Preservation Partnership Program

The Preservation Partnership Program (PPP), administered by the Chester County Department of Parks + Preservation, offers targeted grant funding to support the permanent protection and enhancement of open space in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Now in its 38th round, the PPP is a competitive, reimbursement-based funding program open to both municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations. Its purpose is to support the county’s long-standing strategic commitment to land preservation, promote sustainable land use aligned with the Landscapes3 comprehensive plan, and enhance public access to natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural resources throughout the region. The program offers distinct funding tracks for municipal and conservancy applicants. Municipalities may apply for Acquisition Grants to purchase land or easements and for Park & Trail Improvement Grants that fund recreational infrastructure on eligible lands. Acquisition grants may reimburse up to 50% of the appraised value plus eligible transaction costs, while park and trail projects may receive up to $250,000 (or 50% of costs) for properties 20 acres or larger, and up to $100,000 (or 25%) for smaller parks. Eligible uses of funds include recreational facility construction, nature-based improvements, and easement transactions. Similarly, eligible nonprofit conservation groups may apply for Acquisition Grants covering natural or farmland preservation, as well as Public Benefit Improvement Grants for projects like trail development and habitat restoration. Farmland Preservation grants have a separate formula—reimbursing up to $5,000 per acre or 33% of appraised value for fee simple purchases and up to $3,000 per acre or 33% for easements. Applicants must be located in Chester County. Municipal applicants must be local governments or land-owning recreation authorities. Nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status, meet DCNR qualifications, and have operated continuously for five years. The land involved must generally be permanently preserved or designated for public benefit, and applicants must demonstrate alignment with County plans. Projects already underway may still be eligible if a waiver for retroactivity is obtained before settlement or construction begins. The program encourages projects that maximize external funding sources and demonstrate public benefit through access and ecological or cultural significance. The PPP program is designed as a reimbursement-only initiative. Grantees must complete acquisition or improvement projects, record all necessary legal instruments (including declarations or conservation easements), and provide documentation such as appraisals, surveys, settlement statements, title insurance, and photographs before any grant funds are disbursed. The contract term for most grant types is three years from the date of award, with shorter periods for some conservancy improvement projects. All grants require a visible sign acknowledging the County's contribution. Applications for Round 38 opened March 1, 2026 and are due by 4:00 PM on April 30, 2026. Approximately $2 million is available in this expedited cycle, with preference given to projects that leverage external funds, provide public access, and request reimbursement in 2027 or later. Submission can be made electronically to the program coordinator Monica Mullaji ([email protected]) or via USB or unbound hard copy. Selected projects will be announced publicly by the Chester County Board of Commissioners. Evaluations will consider project readiness, consistency with County policy, public benefit, and stewardship commitment. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Monica Mullaji, the Preservation Programs Coordinator, at 610-344-6937 or via email. The program guidelines, application forms, and required documents can be accessed via the County’s official website. Detailed criteria apply to each grant type, and award amounts are contingent on project characteristics, matching fund documentation, and County approval. The County reserves discretion over all grant awards and funding levels.

Preference given to projects with public access, leveraging external funds, and reimbursement timing in 2027 or later. Clarity and readiness are key.