Environmental Education Grants Program

The Environmental Education Grants Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is designed to enhance environmental literacy and promote responsible environmental stewardship across the state. Created under the Environmental Education Act of 1993, the program is funded through a mandate that allocates five percent of pollution fines and penalties collected by DEP to environmental education efforts. Since its inception, the program has disbursed over $14 million in support of projects that engage Pennsylvania residents in understanding and addressing environmental challenges. This annual funding opportunity supports formal and non-formal environmental education initiatives that align with program priorities, including land use, air quality, water, climate change, and environmental justice. The grants aim to foster skills that empower individuals to make informed decisions and take responsible actions concerning environmental issues. Applicants are encouraged to design innovative programs that involve hands-on student experiences, teacher workshops, and community-based conservation education, with a clear emphasis on behavior change and measurable educational outcomes. The 2026 grant round opens on August 18, 2025, and applications are due by November 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM. The project period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. All applications must be submitted electronically via the Electronic Single Application (ESA) system at https://grants.pa.gov/Login.aspx. Submissions received before the opening date or after the deadline will not be considered. A public informational webinar will be held on September 23, 2025, to guide applicants through the proposal process and requirements. There are three levels of funding available: Seed Grants (up to $5,000) for local projects; Grow Grants ($5,001–$30,000) for larger, multi-site, or regional collaborations; and Impact Grants ($30,001–$65,000) for broad-scale, multi-county, or statewide efforts. All grant types operate on a reimbursement basis. A match is required: Seed Grants require a match in any amount (20% encouraged), while Grow and Impact Grants require a minimum 20% match. Partnerships are encouraged for Seed Grants and required for Grow and Impact Grants. Eligible applicants include public and charter schools (PreK–12), intermediate units, incorporated private schools (under limited circumstances), incorporated nonprofits, conservation and educational institutions, universities and colleges, county conservation districts, and registered businesses operating in Pennsylvania. Ineligible applicants, such as municipalities, may still participate through partnerships with eligible entities. Applicants that previously failed to meet DEP grant obligations may be deemed ineligible. Applicants must submit a comprehensive package including a project narrative, full proposal, scope of work, detailed budget sheet, and letters of commitment. The narrative must summarize project objectives and outcomes. The proposal must cover program priorities addressed, audience engagement, educational content, expected behavior change, use of technology, and sustainability planning. Detailed instructions for each section are available in the 2026 Environmental Education Grants Program Manual and accompanying application instructions. For technical assistance, applicants may contact RA-epEEgrants@pa.gov, while support for accessing the ESA portal is available through egrantshelp@pa.gov or 1-833-448-0647 (Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST).

Review the 2026 Environmental Education Grants Program Manual. Attend the informational webinar on September 23, 2025, for proposal tips and guidance. Register early on Keystone Login and save your progress frequently.