Endless Mountains Heritage Region Partnership Grants

The Endless Mountains Heritage Region Partnership Grants program, commonly referred to as mini-grants, is administered by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, a regional nonprofit organization that supports heritage conservation, outdoor recreation, and community development across northeastern Pennsylvania. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to organizations operating within a defined four-county service area consisting of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties. Funding for the program is supported through partnerships with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, enabling the organization to distribute state-backed funding at the local level. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support projects that enhance heritage tourism, environmental conservation, and community engagement. Eligible projects may include historic preservation initiatives, outdoor recreation development, interpretive and wayfinding signage, educational programming, special purpose studies, environmental conservation activities, and building rehabilitation efforts. Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to the public and align with the mission of promoting regional heritage and tourism development. Additionally, projects may represent a defined phase of a larger initiative, provided that the phase results in a complete and usable deliverable. Funding is available in the form of mini-grants, with applicants able to request between 500 and 10000 dollars. The total cost of any proposed project must not exceed 50000 dollars. A matching requirement is mandatory, and recent program updates have reduced the required match from 100 percent to 20 percent of the total project cost. This match may be satisfied through cash contributions, in-kind services, or a combination of both. Only project costs incurred after approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are eligible for reimbursement, and all expenditures must align with the agency’s established guidelines. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities and municipal agencies, county governments, and public education institutions. All applicants must be located within and serve one of the four eligible counties. Additionally, applicants are required to be active, paying members of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. The program emphasizes collaboration and community involvement, encouraging applicants to identify project partners and provide letters of support demonstrating community backing and stakeholder engagement. The application process requires organizations to complete a formal application form that includes organizational information, a detailed project description, a proposed budget, and documentation of matching funds. Applicants must also participate in a required pre-application meeting with either the Grants Coordinator or Executive Director to review project eligibility and discuss proposal details. Supporting documentation such as contractor estimates, project plans, and letters of commitment for matching funds must be included where applicable. Applications for the 2026 funding cycle are due by May 4, 2026 at 4 p.m. Following submission, applications are reviewed by the organization’s grant review committee, which evaluates proposals based on alignment with program goals, project feasibility, community impact, and readiness. Selected projects must be completed by September 3, 2027. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications typically opening in the spring each year, and continues to serve as a key funding source for regional development initiatives.