South Mountain Partnership Flex Grants

The Flex Grant program is a small-scale funding opportunity offered by the Friends of the South Mountain Partnership (FOSMP) in collaboration with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. It is part of a broader conservation effort led by the South Mountain Partnership, a regional initiative focused on the South Mountain Conservation Landscape in south-central Pennsylvania. Launched in 2006, the Partnership represents a collaboration among citizens, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and governmental bodies aimed at sustaining the natural and cultural assets of the region. The program is administered through a public-private partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and is supported in part by the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). The Flex Grant is designed to fund projects that support the South Mountain Partnership's mission and goals, particularly those that enhance community access to and enjoyment of the South Mountain Region. The funding is intended for projects that may not be eligible for the more traditional SMP Mini-Grant program. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that align with the Partnership’s vision of conserving and promoting the region’s landscape resources, fostering community collaboration, and supporting sustainable development. Awards under this grant program range from $1,000 to $2,000, and applicants must ensure that proposals are distinct from those submitted through the 2025 SMP Mini-Grant program. Matching funds are not required for eligibility. While the Flex Grant itself does not mandate matching, it has often been leveraged with additional private investments, enhancing its impact. All proposed projects must be located within Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, or York County in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, educational institutions, community groups, and businesses. The application deadline for the current funding cycle is June 27, 2025. There is no rolling submission; applications must be submitted by this date to be considered. Prospective applicants can download the Flex-Grant Packet from the South Mountain Partnership website to access further program details and examples of fundable projects. The Friends of the South Mountain Partnership, as a project of TFEC, manages donations and sponsorships for the Flex Grant program. TFEC serves as the fiscal sponsor, enabling the acceptance of federally tax-deductible donations and providing administrative support for annual events such as the Spring and Fall Partnership Meetings and the “Power of the Partnership” celebration. For questions or to discuss custom sponsorship options, applicants may contact Katie Hess via email at khess@appalachiantrail.org or phone at 717-609-4581.

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