Pennsylvania grants for Nonprofits

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for agricultural research grants for projects to be conducted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The projects should address various critical areas such as pest infestation impacts, Chesapeake Bay farm management practices, pollinator protection, food action plans, urban agriculture, energy in agriculture, animal health, and robotic technology in farming. Funding is contingent upon the 2024-2025 budget appropriations, and the deadline for application submission is June 7, 2024. The department will evaluate the proposals based on a 100-point scale considering project needs, research outcomes, methodology, evaluation and replicability, industry support, and research team diversity.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and promote tourism initiatives that encourage overnight stays through events, facility improvements, and marketing efforts.

This program provides funding to support projects that promote business retention, expansion, and attraction by marketing the state as an investment destination and highlighting regional assets.

Erie Arts and Culture is partnering with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to help creative entrepreneurs and their businesses. Donor Name: Erie Arts and Culture State: Pennsylvania County: Crawford County (PA), Erie County (PA), Lawrence County (PA), Mercer County (PA), Venango County (PA), Warren County (PA) Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Description and Purpose This program is designed to pair access to existing small business consulting services with financial resources for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business. Creative entrepreneurs are invaluable assets to communities. They lead innovation, deliver creative products and services, generate economic opportunity, and build community identity. Assisting creative entrepreneurs is part of the pathway to recovery and increased opportunity within a rapidly changing economic environment. Additionally, this program advances and prioritizes the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ overarching value of diversity, equity, and inclusion and prioritize investment in creative entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color (BIPOC) or those located in and whose work benefits low-income communities as defined under federal guidelines. For the purpose of the Program, low-income communities are those where the poverty rate is greater than or equal to 20% or the median family income is less than or equal to 80% of the area median income. Funding Information Ranges from $500 – $2,000. Eligible Uses of funds Funds must support business formation or development. Eligible uses of funds include: Professional fees for workshops, consultants, and career coaching. Participation in events, trade shows, festivals, etc. that offer access to audience and revenue generation potential. Business development fees for courses or seminars for business skills. Research and development. Marketing and promotion. Development or upgrades to technology related to business practices. Studio/rehearsal/retail space rent. Reasonable fees for supporting/collaborating artists. Purchase of supplies and/or equipment. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must be: At least 18 years of age and has been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least twelve months preceding the CEAP application The applicant is a creative entrepreneur intending to form or operate an eligible creative business as defined in the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) Guidelines Creative entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for the Creative Entrepreneurs Accelerator Program once every three years. Non-profit organizations are not eligible for funds through this program. Be a creative entrepreneur intending to form a business or operating a business in Pennsylvania within one or more of the following creative industry areas: Marketing – Advertising and marketing agencies and professionals Architecture – Architecture firms and architects Visual Arts & Crafts – Galleries, artists, artisans, and makers Design – Product, interior, graphic, and fashion design firms and designers Film & Media – Film, video, animation, television, and radio businesses Digital Games – Companies, programmers, and individuals producing games Music & Entertainment – Producers, venues, musicians, and performers Publishing – Print or electronic businesses and content creators, editors, and writers For more information, visit Erie Arts and Culture.

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF). Donor Name: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts State: Pennsylvania County: Carbon County (PA), Lehigh County (PA), Monroe County (PA), Northampton County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Creative Sector Flex Fund provides support to eligible applicants that provide consistent annual levels of artistic programming and/or arts services in Pennsylvania. One application per applicant per year may be submitted. Eligible uses of funds are flexible, including the support of applicants’ administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses.  Depending on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) budget and availability of funds, grant amounts will be $5,000 per applicant.  Annual grants are not guaranteed. Project Period January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must:  Be a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, or a unit of local government (counties, cities, boroughs, townships, and municipal authorities). Pre-K -12 public, private and parochial schools including all charter schools are NOT eligible. (K-12 schools should contact the Arts in Education Program of the PCA for other opportunities).  Be located in Pennsylvania, except for nonprofit, tax-exempt corporations acting as a fiscal sponsor on behalf of an unincorporated group or not-for-profit limited liability company (LLC) that is located in Pennsylvania.  Be registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations, except for local governments and fiscal sponsors.  Have a history of at least TWO years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania. Have an annual average arts revenue of $10,000 to $200,000. An applicants revenue size by a two-year average is demonstrated by:  Arts Organization: most recent form 990 of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service  Arts Program of Non-Arts Organization or whose 990 is a postcard: applicant’s board/committee approved, arts-specific program financial statement from the most recently completed TWO fiscal years.  The program financial statement must detail program revenue, including contributed and earned income and income realized from investments, as applicable, and expenses. In-kind is not included. For more information, visit PCA.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to support their operating or program needs based on their budget size.

The Emerging Erie Fund, (formerly the Young Erie Philanthropists), a field of interest fund of the Erie Community Foundation, was created to champion local initiatives that will significantly benefit the Erie community both now and in the future. Donor Name: The Erie Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania City: Erie Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The foundation seeks to support innovative and ambitious projects where the funds can move the needle.  Grantmaking Areas  PEOPLE: Talent Development and Retention (i.e. organizations whose mission is to create career development)  PLACES: Neighborhoods Public Spaces  Funding Information The Emerging Erie Fund (EEF) has committed up to $75,000. Grant Request Should not exceed $75,000. Project Period 18 months Eligibility Criteria Any Erie County 501 (c)3 nonprofit. Ineligibility For-profit, sectarian religious activities, fundraising solely, or hospitality projects For more information, visit The Erie Community Foundation.

The Pittsburgh Foundation is accepting applications for the Raymond C. and Martha S. Suckling Fund to improve the lives of low-income residents in Sewickley and the surrounding communities. Donor Name: The Pittsburgh Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Allegheny County (PA), Beaver County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Types of Grants Recognizing that nonprofits need flexible support that allows them to adapt to changing community needs, they offer applicants the opportunity to apply for two types of grant support: Project/Program Support:  Funds are used to develop and/or implement a specific set of programmatic activities. These grants are usually time-bound and aimed at achieving specific goals and milestones. General Operating Support: Funds can be used at the discretion of the organization to cover any costs necessary to carry out its mission. This means that the grant award can be used to cover day-to-day activities or ongoing expenses such as administrative salaries, rent and office supplies, etc., as well as for program costs, software and hardware purchases, and professional development. Priorities  Foundation will prioritize funding for organizations that reflect one or more of the following: Are representative of the communities they serve. Intentionally serve Black, Indigenous, Latino and people of color communities. Address the intersection of race with other groups that experience marginalization (i.e., LGBTQIA, disability, women, age, immigration status, etc.). Have a mission and/or programs that seek to advance racial justice. Have an established history in the communities in which it works. Primarily serves communities disproportionately impacted by poverty. Funding Information Duration: Generally, grants will be awarded for no more than two years due to limited availability of funds. Amounts: One-year grants generally range from $10,000 to $75,000. Two-year grants will generally not exceed $150,000. Actual grant amounts are determined based on staff review of each individual application and consideration of the funding available at the time the application is received. In limited situations, proposals that align with one or more of the grantmaking focus areas and with racial justice, and that clearly demonstrate the need and potential impact, may be considered for a larger grant. Organization leaders should have a conversation with a program officer before submitting a request for more than $150,000. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for grantmaking support, your nonprofit organization must be: Located within Allegheny County or Beaver County. Demonstrate service to residents in Sewickley, Aliquippa, Ambridge, Haysville, Leetsdale, McKees Rocks and Coraopolis communities. Designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. (If your organization does not have 501(c)(3) status, you may apply utilizing a fiscal sponsor.) For more information, visit The Pittsburgh Foundation.

The Pittsburgh Foundations is accepting applications for its Direct Care and Medical Assistance for Specific Disease Areas grant. Donor Name: The Pittsburgh Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Allegheny County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Robert N. Kohman Trust for Medical Assistance and Research Field of Interest Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation in 2003. A portion of the income from this fund “shall be used to help social service organizations providing direct care and assistance to people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and other serious afflictions of the general population.” The Foundation is now seeking proposals from organizations engaged in this work. Types of Grants Recognizing that nonprofits need flexible support that allows them to adapt to changing community needs, they offer applicants the opportunity to apply for two types of grant support: Project/Program Support:  Funds are used to develop and/or implement a specific set of programmatic activities. These grants are usually time-bound and aimed at achieving specific goals and milestones. General Operating Support: Funds can be used at the discretion of the organization to cover any costs necessary to carry out its mission. This means that the grant award can be used to cover day-to-day activities or ongoing expenses such as administrative salaries, rent and office supplies, etc., as well as for program costs, software and hardware purchases, and professional development. Priorities  Foundation will prioritize funding for organizations that reflect one or more of the following: Are representative of the communities they serve. Intentionally serve Black, Indigenous, Latino and people of color communities. Address the intersection of race with other groups that experience marginalization (i.e., LGBTQIA, disability, women, age, immigration status, etc.). Have a mission and/or programs that seek to advance racial justice. Have an established history in the communities in which it works. Primarily serves communities disproportionately impacted by poverty. Grant Duration and Amounts Duration: Generally, grants will be awarded for no more than two years due to limited availability of funds. Amounts: One-year grants generally range from $10,000 to $75,000. Two-year grants will generally not exceed $150,000. Actual grant amounts are determined based on staff review of each individual application and consideration of the funding available at the time the application is received. In limited situations, proposals that align with one or more of the grantmaking focus areas and with racial justice, and that clearly demonstrate the need and potential impact, may be considered for a larger grant. Organization leaders should have a conversation with a program officer before submitting a request for more than $150,000. Eligibility Criteria  To qualify for a grant, your nonprofit organization must be: Located within Allegheny County and/or primarily serve Allegheny County residents (unless otherwise specified in the grant criteria). Designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity. (If your organization does not have 501(c)(3) status, you may apply utilizing a fiscal sponsor.) For more information, visit The Pittsburgh Foundation.

The Adams County Community Foundation focuses its Adams County Grants program to encourage bigger thinking around strengthening vulnerable people on a systemic level through three primary focus areas. Donor Name: Adams County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Adams County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Capacity Building Grants intended to help nonprofits become more effective at addressing the needs of vulnerable residents. (Up to $25,000) Program Grants to help nonprofits make a meaningful and sustained difference in people’s lives, by helping low-income residents move toward self-sufficiency. (Up to $25,000) Collaboration Grants to support significant collaborative projects that advance affordable housing, transportation and economic development. (Up to $30,000) Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofits with tax-exempt status under IRS Section 501(c)(3) serving Adams County residents, whose nondiscrimination policies are consistent with the Adams County Community Foundation Nondiscrimination Policy on Employment and Grantmaking. Ineligibility  Adams County Grants Will Not Fund: Organizations that are not tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) Public Charity of the Internal Revenue Code Organizations based outside Adams County, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that Adams County residents will benefit from the grant requested Grants to individuals Private foundations Projects aimed at promoting a particular religion or construction project for religious institutions Programs at private schools that benefit only their students Political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts Debt retirement or funding for projects already completed Fundraising events and galas Core curriculum for schools Travel for bands, sports teams, classes and similar groups. For more information, visit ACCF.

The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant Awards are focused on fostering connections between the arts and the health and wellness of residents in Cambria and Somerset Counties. Donor Name: 1889 Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Cambria County (PA), Somerset County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant offers opportunities for local non-profit organizations that have arts and health and wellness initiatives to support arts projects, performance activities, exhibitions, and other activities that relate to health and wellness.  The 1889 Foundation was founded on the principle of supporting innovative programs and initiatives to improve and transform the overall health and wellness of region. The 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grant (CHIG) has been created and funded to lead foundation efforts in Cambria and Somerset Counties. The grant application process is managed by the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance (PRAA).  Funding Information Grant request amounts up to $6,000 will be considered. Grant award amounts will be no less than $1,000 and no greater than $6,000. Project Period Project Year September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Grant Guidelines Funding will be used to support local non-profit organizations which have arts and health and wellness initiatives that have demonstrated results and have had an impact on improving the needs within the community The 1889 Foundation has priority goals that determine project funding.  Understanding these priorities will help in the development of grant projects for this Creative Health Impact Grant. Collaborative approaches with quality partners (individuals or other non-profit organizations) that have the same principles and beliefs are encouraged Arts partner and health care partner should be clearly defined Funded activities could include but are not limited to: exhibitions, performances, festivals, and continuing programs that relate to health and wellness Eligibility Criteria Any entity organized under section 501(c)3 or similar section of the tax code is eligible to apply. Fully accredited post-secondary educational institutions may apply. Projects supported by this grant must take place in Cambria and/or Somerset Counties. Multiple applications from one organization will be accepted if each application is distinctly different from the other – for example: a movement/dance project for senior citizens in a retirement community, and a visual arts project involving a visually handicapped population. Both new programs and projects and well-established programs and projects are eligible. For more information, visit 1889 Foundation.

The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers is offering a grant of $4300 in 2024 to non-profit organizations, including 501(c)(3) agencies, that serve the Borough of Knoxville, Tioga County, Pennsylvania for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.

The Adams County Community Foundation announces a competitive request for proposals, for up to $1,000, for nonprofit leadership development. Donor Name: Adams County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Adams County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Objective Enable Adams County nonprofit executive directors and boards of directors to participate in training opportunities that increase their knowledge and effectiveness. Consideration may be given to training for strategic planning, reorganization, leadership development of staff and/or board members, and any other activities that will strengthen the nonprofit’s ability to carry out their mission. Eligibility Criteria  The Community Foundation Distribution Committee will award grants based on the following criteria: The applicant must be in a paid or volunteer leadership position for a qualified charity 501(c)(3) as the Executive Director or in a position that could lead to promotion to Executive Director or Board Chair. Financial need of the organization and/or the financial need of the individual may be considered. College courses, certification programs or professional conferences in finance, fundraising, human resources or other skills are eligible for grants. Travel and lodging costs may be covered. The expected outcomes must be sound and measurable. The grant will be paid to the nonprofit, not the individual. For more information, visit ACCF.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers Simplified Equipment-Only Grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, aimed at strengthening food system infrastructure. These grants provide financial support solely for equipment purchases necessary for food production and processing. Each grant ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 and does not require cost-sharing or matching. Recipients must substantiate equipment costs through documentation such as contracts or quotes. The program emphasizes enhancing the capabilities of small and mid-size producers and benefits diverse groups including underserved and veteran farmers. Projects must be completed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.

The Infrastructure Grants, part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, aim to enhance the middle of the food supply chain through improved aggregation points, food processing infrastructure, and storage facilities. This grant supports projects that upgrade equipment, facilitate transition to licensed spaces, and expand storage capacities to boost local food production. Priority is given to projects that benefit underserved and veteran farmers, and socially disadvantaged individuals. Funding is prioritized for needs such as food hubs, cooperative developments, and increased cold storage, especially in urban areas.

The Clean Water Cumberland is now accepting applications for the Clean Water Grant Program (CWGP). Donor Name: County of Cumberland State: Pennsylvania County: Cumberland County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The CWGP provides financial support for “shovel-ready” initiatives that aim to enhance local water quality in Cumberland County. Program Objectives  The objectives of the CWGP are: Maximize the impact of limited pollution reduction funding by investing in priority water quality projects. Develop a water quality project backlog that can help leverage additional government and nonprofit funding. Pursue multifaceted pollution reduction strategies across a variety of water quality stakeholders. Accelerate progress toward the county’s pollution reduction goals through activities of other water quality stakeholders. Institutionalize an annual project identification process that can be integrated into county CAP development plans. Funding Information Annual program funding is variable and dependent upon the level of federal, state, corporate and nonprofit sources secured by the county. It is anticipated that approximately $500,000 will be available for subawards in 2025. There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount. There is no cash match requirement, however, projects with local match will receive higher priority consideration in the evaluation process. All funding decisions are at the sole discretion of Cumberland County and contingent upon the approval of PADEP. Grant Period Period of Grant Performance: March 2025-December 2025. Eligible Applicants Eligible CWGP applicants are limited to the following groups: Non-profit 501(c) organizations, Municipal governments, Educational institutions, Businesses with headquarters located within Cumberland County, Other organizations as deemed eligible by the county. For more information, visit County of Cumberland.

The Arts for All Partnership is a partnership between the Cultural Enrichment Fund and the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Donor Name: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities State: Pennsylvania County: Cumberland County (PA), Dauphin County (PA), Franklin County (PA), Lebanon County (PA), Perry County (PA), York County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Priorities Applications will be accepted from any nonprofit organization in the Capital Region conducting a program designed to integrate cultural appreciation in the everyday lives of underserved audience. Priority will be given to programs that increase arts engagement and access among diverse audiences, underserved and/or economically disadvantaged communities. The Arts for All Partnership is most interested in proposals that will increase access to the arts in the Capital Region through: Free public performances for families Ticket subsidy programs that fill houses Innovative programs that engage and build young audiences Educational outreach programs Equipment may be requested if its acquisition would result in the achievement of a significant efficiency, is required to initiate a new program, or would greatly enhance an existing program. Funding Information Up to $7,500 Funding Period Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, and the Dillsburg Area of Northern York County and/or nonprofit organizations who are located within 20 miles of center city Harrisburg. Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project. For more information, visit TFEC.

The Franklin County Community Foundation (FCCF), a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), conducts an annual competitive grantmaking program for nonprofit organizations serving Franklin County. Donor Name: Franklin County Community Foundation State: Pennsylvania County: Franklin County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Priorities FCCF’s strategic grantmaking focus is to invest in innovative, collaborative approaches and solutions to community problems, and to support projects that demonstrate achievable outcomes, the potential for replication as a model program, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant term. The overarching goal is to fund programs and services that have the potential for the greatest impact on the quality of life and positive outcomes for individuals and families living in Franklin County. CCF requires that applicant organizations be aligned with one or more of the following funding priorities: Arts & culture Community development Education Environment Health & human services FCCF’s additionally pleased to welcome grant applications that address: Programs & projects in the field of music & the arts Health services with particular emphasis on cancer Services for the in-need, elderly, & people with special needs Programs that benefit children with special needs or accessibility needs Programs & projects that focus upon or nurture access to early childhood education Funding Information Up to $7,000 Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is available to nonprofit organizations serving Franklin County. Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project. Grants cannot be fund Advertising Capital campaigns Direct lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriations Individuals National and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presence New staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainability Religious organizations for religious purposes Retroactive projects For more information, visit TFEC.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is currently accepting applications for grant projects under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program (RFSI). Donor Name: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture State: Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The RFSI program will transform the food system to benefit consumers, producers, and rural communities by providing more options, increasing access, and creating new, more, and better markets for small and mid-size producers. To be more resilient, the food system of the future needs to be more diversified, distributed, and local. Funding Priorities The USDA encourages projects that benefit underserved farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, veteran producers, and processors and other middle of the supply chain businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals, as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will prioritize funding projects that pertain to the following gaps identified in the middle of the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Aggregation Points – Aggregation points, include food hubs or farmer cooperatives to help individual producers fulfill bigger orders while saving costs on storage, packaging, and distribution. Food Processing Infrastructure – As Pennsylvanian food processors look to expand their production capacities by adding product types, increasing production volumes, or increasing packaging and labeling capacities for retail product lines, they need to upgrade equipment and often need to move to a licensed space outside of their homes. Food processing infrastructure also includes large-scale commercial equipment. Storage – In Pennsylvania, more storage is needed to hold produce to be washed and distributed. Limited cold storage is available in urban areas. More storage is also needed to segregate and supply identity preserved grains, whole grains, and dry bean for human consumption to processing plants in Pennsylvania. Funding Information Simplified Equipment-Only Grants will range in value from a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $100,000 and do not require cost sharing or matching. The Simplified Equipment-Only Grant is a fixed price grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases (and not associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs), and the amount awarded will be equal to the cost of the equipment up to $100,000. Funds will be awarded no earlier than July 1, 2024, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Eligibility Criteria  The following are eligible to apply for grants under the Program: Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors. Nonprofit organizations operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. For-profit entities operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products, whose activities are primarily focused for the benefit of local and regional producers and that meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards. Local government entities operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. Tribal governments operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. Institutions such as schools, universities or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or investing in equipment that will benefit multiple producers’ middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. For-profit entities must meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards matched to industries described in the North American Industry Classification System. Applicant businesses and organizations must be domestically owned and applicants’ facilities must be physically located within this Commonwealth. Applicants doing business along the Commonwealth’s border should only apply in one state to avoid duplication of Federal funds. For more information, visit PDA.

Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Simplified Equipment-Only Grants are designed to support Pennsylvania's food system transformation. These grants, focusing on equipment purchases for small to mid-size producers and processors, aim to diversify, distribute, and localize food systems to enhance consumer access, producer options, and rural community markets. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, requiring no cost sharing. Eligible equipment expenses include purchase costs, delivery, and installation if included in the official bid. Applications are accepted electronically, with project completion required by June 30, 2026.