A few programs that could support water-first programming of many sorts:
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.
Department of Environmental Protection: Environmental Education Grants Program
Who May Apply: Public schools and school districts (including intermediate units and charter schools), private schools, conservation and education organizations and institutions, universities and colleges, county conservation districts, incorporated nonprofit organizations, businesses.
Use: Funding is intended for non-formal and forma environmental education projects that ensure an environmentally literate citizenry to take positive actions to help ensure the safety of the state’s natural resources.
Funds: Funding is supported by five percent of the money collected from environmental fines and penalties, to be appropriated to DEP and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters
Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities.
Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide
Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf.
Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds.
Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2024
More information:
DCED Website
