Lumber Heritage Region Mini-Grant Program

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) Mini Grant Program supports innovative local projects that promote the history, culture, outdoor recreation, and conservation values of the region. These mini grants are made possible through the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program Fund and are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), specifically through its Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. As a designated heritage area, LHR spans 15 counties in Pennsylvania, encompassing regions rich in lumbering history and natural beauty. The program aims to support community-based initiatives that celebrate and preserve this unique heritage while encouraging sustainable development and public engagement. The Mini Grant Program is specifically designed for small-scale, impactful projects that can be completed within 12 months. Applicants can request up to $5,000 in funding, although higher requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A key stipulation of the program is a required 50/50 match from the applicant, which can be provided in cash and/or in-kind contributions. This reimbursement-based grant only covers costs incurred after the execution of a signed contract. Projects seeking to use these funds to match other DCNR-funded grants are ineligible, and expenses must be directly related to the proposed project—administrative and overhead costs are not allowable. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with current certification from the Bureau of Charitable Trusts, municipalities, councils of government, conservation districts, educational institutions, and housing or redevelopment authorities. Importantly, all projects must be located within LHR’s 15-county service area: Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, and Warren counties. Applicants from Indiana, Cambria, or Clarion counties are advised to confirm eligibility prior to submission due to potential boundary uncertainties. Qualifying activities for grant support are wide-ranging but must align with the mission of LHR. Examples include the development of educational resources about the forest products industry and regional heritage, projects that promote diversity and historical significance, outdoor recreation initiatives, interpretive panels, community health programs that incorporate nature, and packaged tourism itineraries. Projects may also draw from existing regional plans, such as those focused on greenways, trails, and watersheds. Proposals that reflect themes from LHR’s Uncovering Our Roots initiative are especially encouraged. The application period for the 2025 Mini Grant Program is currently open and will close at 4:00 PM on September 30, 2025. Awards will be announced on October 29, 2025, and projects must be completed by October 29, 2026. There are no noted pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers. The application must be submitted via the official LHR website, and applicants are encouraged to prepare their responses in a separate document before final submission to avoid technical issues. For larger-scale projects, LHR invites potential applicants to consult with the Executive Director to explore additional funding opportunities beyond the Mini Grant Program. Interested parties with eligibility or project-specific questions are encouraged to reach out directly. The grant contact information is not explicitly listed in the materials provided, and applicants may need to refer to the program website or contact page for direct assistance.

It is strongly recommended to draft responses in a separate document and paste into the application form to avoid data loss.