The Pennsylvania Native Plant Society (PNPS) administers an annual grant program to support projects that promote the conservation, study, and appreciation of native plants and native plant habitats across the state of Pennsylvania. Founded on its mission to encourage the widespread use and understanding of native flora, PNPS extends financial support to volunteer organizations, student groups, individuals, educators, and artists engaged in outreach, education, habitat restoration, and community engagement initiatives centered on native plants.
The PNPS Grants are awarded on a yearly basis through a competitive application process. For the 2026 cycle, the program opens on January 15 and closes on February 15, with awards announced by March 1 and acceptance confirmations due by March 15. All applications must be submitted in full by the close date to be considered. Importantly, applicants must be current PNPS members at the time of submission, making membership a requirement for eligibility. Funding is typically distributed as reimbursements after project completion, with the exception of student projects, which receive upfront disbursements.
The 2026 program offers three targeted funding categories. The first, “Native Plant Habitat Restoration & Creation,” provides funding for the installation or restoration of native gardens or woodlands in publicly accessible locations. The second category, “Student-Led Native Plant Projects,” is open to student applicants of any age and supports both native plant research and habitat installation projects led by students. The third, a newly introduced category titled “Community Art for Native Plants,” supports artists and community collaborations that use creative expression to highlight the importance of native flora. Eligible projects under this category include public murals, sculptures, interactive workshops, and other forms of public art.
Each proposal is evaluated based on how closely it aligns with the mission of PNPS. In the previous cycle, the program saw over 50 applications, a record number, and awarded a total of $7,738 across seven projects. Projects ranged from pollinator gardens in public parks to student-led research and installations in environmental justice (Justice 40) areas. The grants are typically modest in size and are tailored to match the requested budgets of applicants.
The PNPS grant program reflects a grassroots commitment to native species and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship across Pennsylvania. Key components of a successful application include a clearly defined project goal, adherence to the category criteria, submission of any required supporting documents such as landowner permissions or student advisor forms, and a detailed budget. For questions or application assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact [email protected].
