Pennsylvania Agriculture Grants

The Vision Partnership Program (VPP) – Cash Grant is offered by Chester County to its municipalities and multi-municipal groups. Established in 1996, and revised in 2010 and 2019 to align with Landscapes and then Landscapes2 and Landscapes3, the program aims to improve planning efforts at the local level. This grant program is deeply aligned with Chester County's comprehensive plan, Landscapes3, by promoting consistency and implementation of its goals, objectives, recommendations, and map. The core mission of the VPP is to foster cooperation between local governments and the County to achieve impactful, lasting, and positive benefits through innovative municipal and multi-municipal planning. The VPP targets all Chester County municipalities that have endorsed or acknowledged Landscapes3, including single municipalities or multi-municipal groups. The program aims to achieve a variety of impact goals, such as advancing consistency with the county comprehensive plan, accomplishing positive benefits for municipalities through innovative planning, and addressing community concerns through new and revised municipal plans, ordinances, and planning studies. The program prioritizes projects enabled by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247, and also includes "Planning Studies" for projects not adopted under the MPC. The VPP focuses on a broad range of eligible projects. These include comprehensive plans, open space, park, and recreation plans, zoning and subdivision ordinances and amendments (covering topics like agriculture, historic resources, natural resources, housing, and traditional neighborhood development), official maps and ordinances, urban center revitalization plans, resource protection/stewardship plans, environmental and community sustainability/resilience plans, community design guides, village master plans, heritage interpretation plans, historic resource surveys, housing plans/studies, economic development studies, transportation corridor plans/studies, streetscape master plans, multimodal plans/studies, trail feasibility studies, and plans/ordinances that support the transition to renewable or alternative energy, as well as agricultural economic development plans. Expected outcomes of the VPP include the successful adoption of plans or ordinances, for which grants of $50,000 are provided, with an additional $10,000 for each additional municipality involved. For planning studies, the expected outcome is acceptance, with grants of $30,000 plus $5,000 for each additional municipality. The strategic priorities of Chester County, as evidenced by the VPP, are to support local governments in developing robust planning programs that align with the county's comprehensive vision, ultimately leading to well-planned, sustainable communities. The theory of change is that by providing financial incentives and guidance, municipalities will be empowered to implement the principles of Landscapes3, resulting in tangible community improvements and a coordinated approach to regional development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations in Pennsylvania for projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution and improving water quality in impaired watersheds.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This funding opportunity provides matching funds to Pennsylvania dairy farms seeking to invest in innovative technologies that improve efficiency, production, and sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports community revitalization projects in Westmoreland County, targeting areas with high poverty levels to enhance local development and improve residents' quality of life.

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist small- and mid-sized farms and agribusinesses in Pennsylvania by providing resources for workforce development and improved human resources practices to ensure their long-term success and stability.

This program provides funding to municipalities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, to implement projects that enhance community connectivity, sustainability, and economic vibrancy in line with the county's comprehensive plan.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Chester County, Pennsylvania, to acquire land or conservation easements that promote public benefits like natural area preservation, farmland conservation, and recreational access.

This program provides funding to schools and early learning centers in Pennsylvania to promote the use of local foods in meals and educational activities, fostering a connection between children and agriculture.

This program provides financial support to youth organizations in Pennsylvania that promote agricultural education, vocational skills, and leadership development for individuals aged 24 and younger.

This program provides funding to urban farmers and organizations in Pennsylvania to improve agricultural infrastructure, enhance food production, and combat food insecurity in cities.

This funding initiative provides financial support for urban agriculture projects in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, aimed at enhancing local food systems and promoting environmental sustainability.

This program provides funding to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in the Northeast to enhance their operations, expand markets, and improve post-harvest activities.

This funding opportunity supports established dairy farmers, processors, brands, and producer associations in the Northeast to improve food safety, obtain certifications, and enhance market access through various projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist Pennsylvania veterans and their eligible spouses in overcoming employment barriers and improving job prospects.

This program provides funding to dairy processors in the Northeast to modernize their operations by acquiring specialized equipment that improves efficiency, product quality, and sustainability.