Search Through Agriculture Grants in Pennsylvania in the U.S.

Mission

To encourage human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania through strategically placed charitable resources.

Guiding Principles

The following principles guide the Foundation’s grants programs in those regions: 

• We honor Michael and Sarah Benedum’s belief in “helping people help themselves,” and we seek opportunities to cultivate the creativity of people and communities. 
• We nurture leadership within the communities we serve, and we participate in leadership when it adds value.
• We encourage planning, projects and programs that cross geographical and political boundaries so that access to services and economic growth is maximized.
• We expect collaboration among the public, private and nonprofit sectors in order to leverage the resources that each can bring to common concerns.
• We strive to advance innovative practices that demonstrate measurable and sustainable benefit.
• We seek projects that contribute to advancement in public policy.

What We Fund

In keeping with the wishes of Michael and Sarah Benedum, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is a regional philanthropy focusing on West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Foundation generally invests two-thirds of its grant dollars in West Virginia and one-third in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Foundation serves the entire state of West Virginia. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, the service area includes Allegheny, Washington, Greene, and Fayette Counties. This four-county area is a natural connector between Pittsburgh and West Virginia and contains rural communities that may benefit from the Benedum Foundation’s experiences in West Virginia. However, the Foundation recognizes that economic regions do not follow political boundaries, and therefore, the Foundation both encourages projects that cross state lines, and supports economic initiatives that benefit the multi-state economy centered on Pittsburgh.

Program Areas

The Foundation makes grants in two program areas that span both states:

Education

The Benedum Foundation seeks to foster learning environments, across formal and informal educational systems, that position young learners to thrive in career and life. Academic achievement, social and emotional wellbeing, and real-world workforce preparation are the ultimate objectives of this program.

The Foundation places a high priority on teacher quality and the most advanced instructional tools. Because schools do not function in isolation, the Foundation also looks to the resources of community organizations, business, and higher education to reinforce the learning objectives of the classroom. In preparation for the rising demands of the workplace, the Foundation recognizes the need for all students to enter some form of post-secondary education.

Although the Foundation is interested in any significant opportunity to improve the education system, current specific areas of interest include:

• Programs that improve teacher quality through professional development and innovative instructional strategies.
• Early childhood educational practices that bolster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, including early intervention services that support school-success.
• Expanded and extended learning opportunities that complement and enhance the learning that occurs during the traditional school day.
• Career education and future readiness skill development, aligning secondary and post-secondary programs to high-demand, high-wage occupations.

Economic Development

Innovation will be the cornerstone of the future success of the economy in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Foundation supports economic development activities based upon the region’s strengths in research, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

The Foundation’s agenda seeks to promote regional planning and cooperation, recognizing that with respect to any endeavor, “region” should mean whatever area is most appropriate to optimize the available opportunity, without reference to historic, geographic, or political boundaries. The expected outcomes of the Foundation’s Economic Development grants are the creation and growth of innovative, wealth-producing businesses and high-quality jobs.

In addition, many of the communities in the region served by the Foundation are rural, and enjoy abundant natural assets that provide economic opportunities that complement centers of technology-based growth. The Foundation currently supports efforts to advance agriculture, outdoor recreation, artisanship, and cultural tourism. Current specific areas of Foundation interest include:

• Promotion of entrepreneurship.
• Projects that promote technology-based economic development.
• Programs to promote the growth and accessibility of new capital for businesses in distressed communities and areas of high unemployment.

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

The Henry John Simonds Foundation works to champion communities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania through promoting community-driven solutions and meaningful collaborations.

The Henry John Simonds Foundation is committed to supporting the communities of Pittsburgh, PA and Southwestern Pennsylvania. Through focused grantmaking in the areas of education, cultural advancement and the arts, and community development, the Foundation works to enhance the quality of life for the region’s citizens and strives to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.PrioritiesThe Henry John Simonds Foundation focuses its grantmaking in the areas of education, urban agriculture and design, the arts, and community development with the goal of creating a more equitable, healthy, and environmentally sustainable future for all.

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) works every day to ensure Pennsylvania is a premier state to do business, where we adopt and innovate the next generation of breakthroughs in a diverse mix of industry clusters, where we cultivate a resilient economy, and where we invest in our people and our communities to build a stronger Pennsylvania that works for all the residents, workers, businesses, and entrepreneurs that call our Commonwealth home.

Manufacturing PA Industrial Resource Center Program

The Manufacturing PA – Industrial Resource Center (IRC) program helps manufacturers compete more effectively through the adoption of modern manufacturing philosophies, techniques, and technologies.

The program supports a network of Centers that serve as resources for technology implementation in every region of the Commonwealth and serves the state’s small and medium-sized manufacturing industries.

Uses

The grant funds may be used for reasonable salary and other personnel expenses, leased space for operational purposes, travel, administrative, equipment, supplies and other expenses associated with the development and delivery of IRC services.

Advancing Sustainable Communities

Since 2002, we’ve been empowering local communities with sustainability solutions. Through nonprofit partnerships and sustainability grants, we’ve delivered projects promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship.

Mission

"Choose wisely. It's a small planet." That's how it all started back in 1997, when a crew of like-minded folks in Vermont set out on a mission: to use the power of consumer choice and help change the way power is made. Over 20 years later, we’re proud to be a carbon-neutral company that continues to keep sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Join us as we help make the planet a cleaner, greener place to be.

Sustainability Grants

If you’re a U.S.-based nonprofit looking to make a positive environmental impact and you want access to a network of sustainability experts, it’s time to plant seeds of sustainability in your community.

Eligible Sustainability Initiatives

In addition to supporting rooftop solar installation projects, we've expanded our mission to support other sustainability initiatives that include but aren't limited to:

• Clean Transportation
• Education and Awareness
• Energy Efficiency
• Renewable Energy
• Resource Conservation
• Sustainable Agriculture

We’re open to new, creative ideas from nonprofit organizations interested in utilizing and promoting sustainability initiatives.

Selection Process - Impact Measurement

We measure environmental, social and financial impacts:

• Environmental impact calculations consider how the project is more impactful for the planet than the alternative.
• Examples: CO2 prevented (renewable versus traditional generation methods), miles not driven, gallons of water conserved, green space created, pounds of waste diverted.
• Social impact calculations assess how the project will elicit change in the community.
• Examples: results of an email or newsletter story about the project, number of students impacted through curriculum, attendee numbers on sustainability tours.
• Financial impact calculations assess how the project will save your organization money, and how those savings can further support your mission.
• Example: a solar array would save your organization $2,000 per year, resulting in 100 more meals distributed to the homeless or 30 more children receiving free tuition.

Award Amounts

Donation amounts depend on a number of factors, including evaluation of the environmental, social, and financial impact of the donation. Past donations have ranged from $50,000 to $400,000.

Perdue Farms is the family-owned parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Perdue Farms are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products.

Through Perdue Farms Perdue, Harvestland and Coleman Natural food brands; through Perdue Farms agricultural products and services; and through Perdue Farms stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, Perdue Farms are committed to making Perdue the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. At Perdue, Perdue Farms believe in responsible food and agriculture.What We Support

• We strive to strengthen our communities by focusing our efforts on agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety
• We also support organizations that celebrate the heritages and cultures of our communities
• We may give additional preference to organizations in which our associates have direct involvement, but the overarching consideration is the betterment of the community

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family owned U.S. food and agricultural company. We were founded on trust—a value that carries through everything we do. Through our two operating divisions, Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness, we’re making steps every day toward our goal of becoming the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. Our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger.

We're Committed to Being Careful Stewards. Stewardship is one of our company's core values. Our stewardship platform, "We believe in responsible food and agriculture®," challenges us to continually improve. Learn more about the progress we've made in the areas of food, environment, animal care, people, community and our partners.

What we support

We believe in putting our resources where there is a direct benefit to a broad-based spectrum of the community.

• We strive to strengthen our communities by focusing our efforts on agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety
• We also support organizations that celebrate the heritages and cultures of our communities

Our Responsibility

• Food Producing: Quality Food
• Environment: Protecting the Environment
• Animal Care: Providing for the Welfare of Animals
• People: Caring About Others

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and our supporting organization the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) currently administer several mini grant programs. Each program is unique with specific goals and objectives but all focus on one or more of the following areas of interest: land and water trails; outdoor recreation; resource protection and conservation; and community engagement.

Essential Utilities Protect Your Drinking Water Grant

Essential Utilities' "Protect Your Drinking Water" Grant Program is being offered by Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), in partnership and with funding from Essential Utilities. This program provides grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for watershed protection and education projects that serve to protect the sources of public drinking water by addressing potential sources of contaminants (i.e., excess nutrients, sediment, road salts, pathogens, etc.) to our waterways. Grants may be used for a variety of projects that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies, such as green stormwater infrastructure, stream bank stabilization, agricultural best management practices, spill prevention planning, and educational programming.

Funding and Match:

This program funding is provided by Essential Utilities. All grants given will require a 20% match of cash, in-kind, or a combination of cash and in-kind donations. 90% of funds awarded will be dispersed up-front and the remaining 10% will be dispersed following the completion of the project report. 

DAIRY FOOD SAFETY & CERTIFICATION GRANT

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant program, which will provide grants for dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to take actionable steps to improve the safety of dairy products. Projects funded through this program will support increased production safety standards with the goal of accessing new markets. Projects that increase marketability of dairy products will be prioritized. Activities covered by this grant include accessing technical assistance, audits, food safety plan development, training, testing fees, and certain infrastructure upgrades. 

Projects funded by this grant will allow dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to take actionable steps to improve the safety of dairy products and improve marketability. Technical assistance providers or supply chain partners including distributors, co-packers and cross-dockers that would also benefit from grant activities should be listed as partners. Projects that demonstrate that grant activities will increase or expand access to market channels will be prioritized. Food safety activities under this grant should build upon baseline state and federal compliance requirements to further improve product consistency, safety, and quality of dairy products.

Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Funding

Grants will range from $10,000 - $40,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Total funds available: $250,000. 

Required Project Criteria

The following criteria must be addressed:

• Must build upon dairy business’ existing baseline compliance with food safety requirements.
• Project increases the safety of dairy products produced in the Northeast.
• Business/organization can sustain the changes/improvements past the grant period.

The Pennsylvania Heartland Unit of The Herb Society of America is a group dedicated to

studying and actively sharing horticulture history and exploring herb use. The Unit will be

awarding a $2,000 scholarship again this year. The scholarship will be awarded to a student

active within the field of horticulture or a related study. That student must be living in the

Southeast Pennsylvania area, which includes: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Columbia, Dauphin,

Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Monroe, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and

York counties

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program offers grants to graduate students to conduct research on topics specific to sustainable agriculture under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Proposals should address issues of current or potential importance to Northeast farmers, agricultural researchers, and farm support professionals such as staff of NRCS, Cooperative Extension, and nonprofit organizations.

Projects should explore one or more of the sustainable agriculture themes of good stewardship, profitability, and quality of life for farmers and the farm community. We specifically seek projects that are consistent with our outcome statement, which says: Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to its customers; it will be conducted by farmers who manage resources wisely, who are satisfied with their lifestyles, and have a positive influence on their communities and the environment.

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It was created in 1987 under Act 16, the Rural Revitalization Act, to promote and sustain the vitality of Pennsylvania’s rural and small communities.

The Center’s mission is to promote and sustain the vitality of the state’s rural and small communities by:

• Administering grants to conduct research on matters relating to rural conditions;
• Maintaining and disseminating a broad base of information on rural trends and conditions;
• Publishing research and project results; and
• Sponsoring regional and statewide forums on rural issues.

The Center's Board of Directors annually approves topics for research. All projects must show a clear relationship to one or more of the Center’s mandated research areas:

• Rural people and communities
• Economic development
• Local government finance and administration
• Community services
• Natural resources and the environment
• Rural values and social change
• Educational outreach
• Agriculture
• Health and welfare concerns

Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program

The Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program provides funding to Pennsylvania's certified agricultural fairs with resources to build new and maintain existing physical structures on their fairgrounds.

Funding Opportunities

The maximum grant award is $25,000 and must be matched dollar for dollar (50%) by the fair. Cash match only, in-kind services are not an allowable source of matching funds. This is a reimbursement grant therefore the fair is responsible for covering the cost of the improvements prior to reimbursement.

• A 50% match is required
• Grants are awarded on a funds-available basis
• In-kind support is not counted toward the fair's matching contribution

PA Fair Fund: Capital Improvement Matching Grants

Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act of 1986, funds are made available to agricultural fairs, agricultural youth organizations and statewide organizations with an agricultural mission through the Pennsylvania Fair Fund.

Capital Improvement Matching Grants assist agricultural fairs with resources to build new and maintain existing physical structures on their fairgrounds. 

Guidelines & Uses

Grants may be used for expenses associated with brick and mortar improvements to fairgrounds:

• Construction of new buildings
• Renovation and repair of existing buildings
• Installation and improvement of utilities
• Installation and improvement of fencing
• Installation and improvement of roadways and pathways
• Installation and improvement of stormwater management
• Installation and improvement of public address systems
• Purchase of land

Description

The Lancaster Clean Water Fund serves as a catalyst for increased collaboration to efficiently achieve clean and clear water in Lancaster County by 2040. It provides a unique opportunity to work with landowners, leaders, and communities across the county on education, restoration, and protection projects to improve water quality. Across Lancaster County, clean water is a priority. With the majority of Lancaster County streams and much of our groundwater unhealthy, our community is a priority area for reducing specific pollutants (nutrient and sediment) by 2025 in accordance with Lancaster’s Countywide Action Plan (CAP). 

This grant is created and managed with the Lancaster Clean Water Partners to achieve clean and clear local waterways by 2040. We work with trusted experts in the field to make this grant possible, including Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, Lancaster Conservancy, Lancaster County Conservation District, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Local municipalities, and Penn State’s Agriculture and Environment Center.

Small Implementation Grant

The Clean Water Implementation Small Grant supports collaborative, watershed-scale restoration projects that encourages diverse audiences to improve Lancaster’s water quality at a rapid pace.

Grant Specifics

• Projects can range from agricultural conservation and stormwater practices to riparian buffer plantings to removal of impervious surfaces.
• Match is not required.
• Up to 8% of awarded funds can cover administrative costs.
• If a buffer will be planted as part of the project, a maintenance plan is required. Funds are available for the establishment care of those buffers.
• Funds can be used for design and engineering.
• Use the Collaborative Watershed Mapping Tool when applicable to assist with answering application questions.
• Awarded funds will be released to grantees after signing a Grantee Partner Agreement.
• Grantees will be responsible for submitting one report at the end of the grant period which includes a financial report. 

ABOUT ROOTED IN JUSTICE

“Rooted in Justice” is a funding program designed to help amplify youth voices and actions in the environmental and food justice movements.  Rooted in Justice supports community-based organizations and groups that manage established, youth-led, urban greening programs within a justice framework as a core part of their work, with two-year grants of $25,000/year.  

Rooted in Justice recognizes the importance and undeniable right of every young person to have the ability to develop their own relationship with the environment, be it through growing food, spending time with nature, creating community green spaces, or becoming environmental stewards. Rooted in Justice also honors the power and possibilities that arise when young people collectively work to be change-makers in their communities.

Rooted in Justice supports organizations, groups, collectives, and programs that work with young people between the ages of 12 to 20 in youth-led programming for communities or cultures which have historically or currently experience:

• A lack of access to land or nature;
• Agricultural oppression and/or neglect;
• Food apartheid; and/or
• Other forms of injustice based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics and disability.

Rooted in Justice awards a small number of grants each year with applications due in the fall and decisions made the following spring. Final grant decisions are recommended to the Cedar Tree board via a participatory grantmaking process with outside reviewers who have experience in youth-led urban greening, as well as food or climate justice programming. So far the program has awarded multi-year grants to 21 organizations and one-time grants to 10 additional organizations since 2021. 

Definitions

Rooted in Justice grants support organizations or programs that include all four of the elements described below: social justice, youth-led, urban greening, and cohort-based youth work. We articulate our understanding of those terms below in an effort to provide a guide for prospective organizations to use in determining whether their program is a good fit. However as we continue our work towards questioning and dismantling some of our preconceived notions, we recognize that these are not finite definitions and encourage prospective applicants who still feel their work may be a good fit to describe in their proposals why this is the case.  

Social Justice-Based Programs

Programs dedicated to creating equitable outcomes for communities directly affected by different aspects of injustice by:

• Sharing and redistributing power and resources;
• Amplifying voices and leadership;
• Tackling root problems through ongoing engagement and collaboration to find solutions, organize against oppression of all kinds and create mechanisms for change; and
• Developing a critical analysis with youth and community members.

Youth-Led

The development of youth leadership skills is a core part of programs funded by Rooted in Justice. Young people have the opportunity to play a role in the planning and decision-making for their program and may help shape the internal workings of the organization. Examples of youth-led programs include programs where participants: 

• Managing a portion of their programming budget;
• Co-facilitating program activities, meetings and gatherings;
• Shape their own programming and/or organizational strategic planning;
• Have regular and end-of-program opportunities to provide program feedback and evaluation; and
• Have opportunities for personal and/or professional growth within the program and organization.

Urban Greening

For the purpose of this grant we define “urban greening” as any activity that creates a mutually beneficial relationship between city dwellers and their environments. Programs that are a strong fit for Rooted in Justice will have many opportunities for youth to be outdoors.  Project settings can include, but are not limited to: 

• Urban and aquaponic farms
• Greenhouses and rooftop gardens
• Community gardens, green spaces, and rain gardens
• Composting sites
• Land conservation efforts
• Urban forests
• River or other water restoration  

Cohort-Based Youth Works

Rooted in Justice looks to fund organizations that build community with cohorts of youth through intentional, recurring programming. This grant is intended to support programs that offer youth significant learning and leadership opportunities as a group and as individuals. Priority will be given to organizations that have program infrastructure that supports a cohort of youth over time.  Drop-in programming, one-time conferences, or individual internships are not a good fit for Rooted in Justice.  

Youth Budgeting

As part of grant proposal, all Rooted in Justice grantees must share a plan to allocate a portion of the grant funds for youth participants to manage. What do we mean by this? We ask applicants to specifically set aside some amount of grant funds for youth to allocate to priorities of their choosing.  For example, youth participants can use their allocated funding to:

• Fund an entrepreneurial endeavor;
• Design the brand or swag for their group;
• Hire a speaker or outside expert to teach a new skill;
• Purchase supplies for a community-based art project;
• Host a celebration for their families, friends and neighbors;
• Pay for transportation to programming, special events, or conferences; and/or
• Any other youth-led activity the group may find beneficial.

Use of Funds

Rooted in Justice funding must be used for project support of existing youth led, urban greening, social justice work and associated general operating expenses. Operating expenses can include anything from program costs like staff salaries and youth stipends to organizational sustainability needs like major equipment purchases and leadership/staff training. If your organization’s entire mission is youth led, urban greening, social justice work, the Rooted in Justice grant can be general support. 

Funding

Two Year Grant

• Rooted in Justice Grant awards are two-year grants of $25,000 per year.
• After the initial two year grant, grantees may be eligible for a third year of funding at the same or lower level through a simple renewal process.
• In the 2025-2026 grant cycle, the Cedar Tree Foundation expects to support 4 organizations with multi-year grant awards.

Funding for Professional Development

• Each Rooted in Justice grantee organization also has access to an additional $6,000 to support professional development opportunities identified by each organization.  Half of these funds must be used to directly support the professional development of youth. 
• Rooted in Justice grantees can request reimbursement from this professional development fund to attend conferences, hire consultants, purchase equipment or software that increases organizational capacity, or participate in any activities that strengthen youth programming or justice practice of program providers in support of their youth development programming. The funds set aside for youth professional development can be used for youth exchanges or youth participation in conferences and other professional development opportunities directly for youth.  

Community Professional Development Calls

• Cedar Tree works with grantee partners to assess their professional development interests and facilitates on-line gatherings of staff or youth for skill shares, trainings, and networking opportunities.
• These network calls will likely happen 2-3 times per year. 

About the Upper Bucks Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

At the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, we connect donors who care with causes that matter. A leader in charitable giving in the Lehigh Valley for more than 50 years, we receive support from donors, manage funds to grow over time, and make high-impact grants to strengthen local nonprofits. The Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds, totaling over $80 million, and we continue to grow—both in size and in the ways we fulfill our mission. We are evolving to engage more deeply with partners, serve more effectively as a thought leader on community issues, and explore more innovative ways to make life better cross the Lehigh Valley.

Upper Bucks Community Foundation Fund of LVCF

The Upper Bucks Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation offers funding to nonprofit organizations and programs serving the Upper Bucks area that include the Palisades, Pennridge, and Quakertown School Districts’ service area.

The Upper Bucks Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation consists primarily of two area-of-interest funds. The Richard E. Gasser Fund and Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund are for organizations and programs primarily serving the Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown School Districts in the Upper Bucks area. Recently added to Upper Bucks umbrella, The Bucks County Free Library Endowment Fund is an agency fund that benefits the seven-branch county library system with locations in Bensalem, Doylestown, Langhorne, Levittown, Perkasie, Quakertown, and Yardley-Makefield.

Richard E. Gasser Fund

This Fund provides grants to benefit programs, organizations, and residents in the Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania, area. The grants are made to support programs and projects which enhance interest, education, and achievements in technology, science, and technology-related fields.

Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund

This Fund provides grants for charitable programs which benefit residents of Upper Bucks County, specifically those in the geographic area served by the Quakertown and Palisades School Districts. The programs of interest to the Neusch Fund are in visual, performing, and industrial arts; art education; agricultural education; and the conservation of rural life.

Areas of Support

Funds will support projects or programs in the following areas

• Visual Arts
• Performing Arts
• Industrial Arts
• Agricultural Education
• Conservation of rural life
• Science
• Technology

About the Ag & Youth Grant

The Pennsylvania Ag & Youth Grant Program offers direct and matching grants for youth-centered organizations, projects, programs, and equipment to promote agricultural, leadership, and vocational skills, along with peer relationships.

Funding

$500,000 is available for grants for two different grant types that can be awarded under the program:

• Direct, non-matching reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 to defray costs of an eligible project, other than a capital project; and,
• Matching reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 to defray the costs of an eligible capital project or equipment purchase, where the grant covers no more than 50% of the project cost.

Overview

Pennsylvania has two coastal areas: 112 miles of coastline along the Delaware Estuary and 77 miles of coastline along Lake Erie:

• Delaware Estuary – Lies within Bucks, Philadelphia and Delaware counties. The coastal zone also contains islands, marshes and shorelands of tributary streams that are tidally influenced. The combined facilities of the Delaware Estuary comprise the largest freshwater port in the world. 
• Lake Erie – Located within Erie County and includes the shorelines of major tributaries. The coastal zone also extends to the middle of the lake, to the boundary with Canada and inland an average of 1.4 miles. The Lake also contains Presque Isle Bay and is one of the state ports for international shipping. 

In order to safeguard these resources from future adverse impacts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), developed a unified approach to act as trustee to conserve and maintain the natural resources of Pennsylvania’s coastal regions known as the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). The CZMP was finalized and approved in September 1980, under the authority of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. DEP’s Compacts and Commissions Office manages the Coastal Resources Management (CRM) Program in the two defined coastal areas within Pennsylvania.

As a result of the adopted CZMP, annual grants are provided to DEP by the Office for Coastal Management (OCM), NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Grant awards are used to implement the CRM Program and provide a grant-in-aid program if sufficient funds permit. Monies are dispersed to fund projects within the coastal zone and coastal non-point pollution boundaries, such as planning, design, engineering, education, outreach, construction, acquisition and research as authorized by Section 306A of the CZMA, as amended. 

Coastal Zone Focus Areas 

Program policies were developed to further the goals and objectives of the CRM Program: 

Primary Focus Areas 

• Coastal Hazard Areas: Includes Lake Erie bluff recession, shoreline erosion, wave action and coastal flooding, including flooding from projected sea level rise and storm surge.
• Fisheries Management: Involves activities supporting ecologically and economically important fisheries and their habitats.
• Wetlands: Involves the protection, enhancement, and creation of coastal wetlands to maintain benefits for wildlife habitat, flood control, water quality, water flow stabilization and environmental diversity (biodiversity).
• Public access for recreation: : Includes efforts to meet the public need for boating, fishing, birding, walking, picnicking, sightseeing and other recreational pursuits associated with waterfronts.
• Historic sites and structures: Preservation, restoration and enhancement of coastally significant historic sites and structures within the coastal zones.
• Port activities: Development and enhancement of coastal port infrastructure.
• Energy facilities siting: Proper siting of energy-producing facilities to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
• Intergovernmental coordination: Includes intergovernmental efforts to protect Pennsylvania’s coastal resources, especially the quality of air and water.
• Public involvement: Increase awareness, provide information and create opportunities for public participation in a variety of coastal issues.
• Ocean resources/biodiversity:  Includes efforts directed toward the research, study, and/or management of non-native (invasive) aquatic or terrestrial plant and/or animal species.

Activities that protect coastal waters from nonpoint source pollution resulting from marinas and recreational boating, urban activities, hydro-modifications, agriculture and other nonpoint sources are eligible for funding.

Project Eligibility

CZ grants may be applied to a wide variety of studies, plans, designs, research, acquisition and construction projects pertaining to one or more of the established program policies, which guide the competitive selection process.

Examples of some typical project proposals are as follows: 

• Efforts to educate the public regarding issues of environmental protection, non-point source water pollution, protection of coastal resources or efforts to promote such action to the public. 
• Preparation or revision of local comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, sub-division regulations and special ordinances containing provisions in support of CRM Program policies. 
• Plans, studies or other projects to improve port facilities and infrastructure, future use of coastal ports or providing public access for recreational use of docks, piers and wharves. 
• Improving resource management and environmental protection programs at the state or local level, including disseminating information or providing technical assistance to coastal communities and the public. 
• Plans, studies or projects that enhance economic development within the coastal zone, including activities to help economically revitalize under-used coastal and/or port facilities.
• Studies for interpretation and enhancement of coastal features and habitats and restoration and preservation of historic coastal sites and structures. 
• Land acquisition of coastal properties, including real estate appraisals, to improve or provide for public recreational access or open-space preservation.
• Preparation of designs, engineering plans and specifications for coastal recreational sites owned or legally controlled by a ‘government’ applicant. 
• Low-cost (defined by NOAA as no more than a total project cost of $400,000) construction projects for recreational access facilities or for rehabilitating significant historic buildings and structures located within the designated coastal zones. *Note: rehabilitation work on buildings and structures should be supported by a structural feasibility study, architectural assessment, engineering plans or similar planning products included as part of the application. If awarded, grantee must wait for NEPA approval from NOAA and notification from DEP. 

A $75,000 grant limit is generally imposed on any single project. Applicants with proposals requesting more than $75,000 in grant funding should discuss funding alternatives with CRMP staff before submitting an application.

Project Requirements

• Be environmentally sound and consistent with current state, regional, county and local ordinances and plans. 
• Obtain applicable federal, state and local permits and/or approvals for all construction projects before any construction may commence.
• Obtain concurrence of any municipal government whose approval is required for project implementation, via letter of support or resolution, if the applicant is a non-governmental agency.
• Benefit the public at large and may not be for the purpose of private gain, benefit or profits.
• Be made available and useful to all members of the general public; therefore cannot be for exclusive use of any particular group of persons.
• Be accessible to persons in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Be constructed on public property and open to the public.

EQIP

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:

• Improved water and air quality;
• Conserved ground and surface water;
• Increased soil health;
• Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
• Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
• Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

How It Works

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP.  Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.

Benefits

Some of these benefits include:

• Reduced contamination from agricultural sources, such as animal feeding operations.
• Efficient use of nutrients, reducing input costs and reduction in nonpoint source pollution.
• Improved soil health, which mitigates against increasing weather volatility, improves drought resiliency and can positively affect climate change.
• Implementation of climate-smart practices that improve carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building resilient landscapes.

Pennsylvania EQIP Options

• Animal Feeding Operations/Livestock & Poultry Operations
  • Provides funds to help producers implement practices to reduce environmental concerns associated with livestock and poultry operations.
  • Includes manure storage and treatment, barnyard management, erosion and sediment control, nutrient management, feed management.
• Beginning Farmer
  • Producers who have operated a farm for less than ten years may qualify as Beginning Farmers in a fund pool option which only Beginning Farmers can be considered.
• Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP)/Nutrient Management Plan (NMP)
  • Financial assistance is available for developing a CNMP or Nutrient Management Plan.
  • A CNMP is required for a producer to receive NRCS funding for an animal waste storage, treatment or handling practice.
• Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
  • Conservation grants for organizations or individuals designed to stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a likelihood of success and to be candidates for eventual technology transfer.
• Conservation Activity Plans,
  • Including Ag Energy Management, Comprehensive Air Quality Management, Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition, Drainage Water Management, Feed Management, Fish and Wildlife Habitat, Grazing Management, Integrated Pest Management, IPM/Herbicide Resistant Weed Management, Pollinator Habitat, Prescribed Burning Plan.
• Cropland
  • Funding for conservation practices on cropland such as waterways and diversions, as well as for management practices, such as nutrient management, pest management, no-till, and cover crops.
• Forest Management
  • Funding for implementing practices in a Forest Stewardship Plan or other approved Forest Management plan.
• Forest Management Plan
  • Funding for development of a Forest Management Plan.
• Golden-Winged Warbler
  • Funding to develop or improve habitat for golden-winged warbler, a migratory at-risk species for which Pennsylvania provides important habitat, especially young forest habitat that is critical for species survival and restoration.
• Grazing
  • Funding for establishing or improving grazing systems.
• Historically Underserved Producers
  • EQIP has special funding set-asides specifically for Beginning Farmers and for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers. Farmers in these groups plus those qualifying as Limited Resource Farmers also qualify for higher payment rates.
• National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI)
  • The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and forest landowners interested in improving water quality and aquatic habitats in priority watersheds with impaired streams.
• On-Farm Energy Conservation
  • NRCS can provide funding for energy audits to assess the energy consumption from your cooling/heating system, milking/feeding equipment lighting,  pumps and machines located in the production buildings of any agricultural operation. 
  • The information is analyzed to provide recommendations for cost-effective improvements that will reduce energy consumption. 
  • Farmers with approved energy audits can apply for funding to implement energy conserving practices.
• Organic Farming
  • For operations that are either Certified Organic or are Transitioning to Organic Production.
• Seasonal High Tunnels
  • Funding for installing high tunnels and associated supporting practices.
• Socially Disadvantaged Farmers
  • EQIP has special funding set-asides specifically for Producers in groups that have historically been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice.
  • These groups are American Indians or Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics.
• Stream Corridor Management
  • Funding for practices to in and along stream corridors, including stream fencing; buffers; streambank erosion control, and fish habitat.

The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program will provide schools with funding to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

The program connects children with fresh, healthy food from local Pennsylvania farmers. It also changes how schools and early education sites buy food and teach about it. This way, children get to know their local food system better. They also learn to support Pennsylvania agriculture.

Guidelines & Uses

• Training for teachers and staff.
• Procuring local foods for school cafeterias.
• Educational opportunities 
• Including classroom curricula as well as experiential learning.
• Providing for family and community involvement in educational opportunities
• Field trips to local farms or other agricultural operations.
• School Gardens for the purpose of education or to supply the cafeteria.

Funding Opportunities

• $15,000 maximum award (75% of project)
• A minimum 25% match cash or in-kind is required (25% of project)

Environmental Education Grants

Each year, Pennsylvania invests in its schools, colleges and universities, county conservation districts, nonprofit organizations and businesses to improve environmental literacy among youth and adults. Administered through DEP, the Environmental Education Grants Program provides funds to support a wide range of environmental education projects including meaningful, hands-on programs for students, teacher training workshops, and community conservation projects for adults.

Priorities

Climate Change

Education projects to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and negative impacts of climate change including floods, changes to groundwater, pests, disease, agricultural disruptions, and potential threats to human health.

Water

Education programs promoting effective ways to reduce non-point source and source water pollution to improve water quality.

Environmental Justice

Education programs designed to empower and engage residents and officials of Environmental Justice communities (as defined by the U.S. Census) in developing meaningful solutions that address local environmental issues and public health concerns.

Grant Award Amounts

The Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education Grants Program provides funding for education projects that foster an understanding of natural world functions and cultivate critical thinking and actions that promote environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Two types of awards are available for projects addressing the Environmental Education Grants Program Priorities:

Mini Grants of up to $5,000 may be awarded for local (school, county, municipality or other defined area) environmental education projects. Mini-grants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to form project partnerships and include a project match (Cash or In-Kind). 

General Grants: General grants are being offered at two funding levels: 

• General Grants (Level I): From $5,001 up to $30,000 may be awarded for implementation of large-scale, regional or statewide environmental education projects. 
• General Grants (Level II): From $30,001 to $65,000 may be awarded for non-formal environmental education programs designed to widely engage teachers and youth at the county, state and national levels.
• Teachers and students from at least 60 Pennsylvania counties must directly participate in the project.
• Additionally, the project must demonstrate that at least 30% of program participants are members of an Environmental Justice Community .

Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act of 1986, funds are made available to agricultural fairs, agricultural youth organizations and statewide organizations with an agricultural mission through the Pennsylvania Fair Fund.

Agricultural Fair—An annual agricultural exhibition contributing to the development of several or many phases of agriculture or agribusiness by the conduct of educational programs, activities, demonstrations, contests and exhibits.

Agricultural Fair Operating and Premium Reimbursement Program

Helps support PA's county and community fairs with annual operating and premium costs.

The Agricultural Fair Operational & Premium Reimbursement Program supports Pennsylvania's certified agricultural county and community fairs by providing partial reimbursement of annual general operating costs and premium expenses for exhibitors in compliance with the Fair Act and State Premium Guidelines. 

Eligible fairs receive the following: 

A basic payment for operating expenses, the sum of which may not exceed $14,000 for Class A fairs, $12,000 for Class B fairs, $9,500 for Class C fairs, $7,000 for Class D fairs and $2,500 for Class E fairs, and

Fifty percent of money paid for all other agricultural premiums (not included in premiums paid via the basic payment) with a maximum payment for premiums not to exceed $15,000.

In addition, each county agricultural society and each independent agricultural society conducting harness horse racing during its annual fair, other than races for two- and three-year old colts and fillies, are eligible to be reimbursed an amount of money equal to that used during its annual fair as purse money for harness horse racing, track and stable maintenance, starting gate rental and the cost of all harness horse racing officials required during the annual fair. Reimbursement shall not exceed $13,000, and a minimum of $4,000 shall be used for purse money.

This is a reimbursement grant therefore the fair is responsible to cover operational and premium costs. Grants are awarded on a funds-available basis.

PA Fair Fund

Fairs in Pennsylvania serve as economic engines that generate revenue, create jobs, and promote regional development across the state. The fairs attract thousands of visitors, boosting local tourism and generating revenue for nearby businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fairs create temporary employment opportunities for local residents, from event staff to vendors and performers. Farmers and agricultural producers benefit from the chance to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers, while also competing for prizes that can enhance their reputation and market value.

PA Fair Fund - County 4-H Funds Reimbursement Program

Helps support county 4-H organizations with annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development like public speaking, judging contests, scholarships, administration costs and more. 

The 4-H Reimbursement Program funds are made available to Pennsylvania's county 4-H organizations by reimbursing a portion of their annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development.

Funding Opportunities

County 4-H organizations receive the following according to enrollment data provided to the Department of Agriculture by the 4-H Extension Office of the Pennsylvania State University and are separated into funding reimbursement categories as explained below:

Tier 1: $2,000 for total enrollment of up to 1,000 members plus $1.50 for each traditional member and $1.00 for each school enrichment/special interest member.

Tier 2: $2,500 for total enrollment of 1,001 to 2,000 members plus $1.50 for each traditional member and $1.00 for each school enrichment/special interest member.

Tier 3: $3,000 for total enrollment of 2,001 to 3,000 members plus $1.50 for each traditional member and $1.00 for each school enrichment/special interest member.

Tier 4: $3,500 for total enrollment of 3,001+ members plus $1.50 for each traditional member and $1.00 for each school enrichment/special interest member, a maximum of reimbursement of $9,000.

This is a reimbursement grant therefore the organization is responsible to cover all costs upfront. Grants are awarded on a funds-available basis.

PA Fair Fund

Fairs in Pennsylvania serve as economic engines that generate revenue, create jobs, and promote regional development across the state. The fairs attract thousands of visitors, boosting local tourism and generating revenue for nearby businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fairs create temporary employment opportunities for local residents, from event staff to vendors and performers. Farmers and agricultural producers benefit from the chance to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers, while also competing for prizes that can enhance their reputation and market value.

PA Fair Fund - County FFA Funds Reimbursement Program

Helps support county FFA organizations with annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development like public speaking, judging contests, scholarships, administration costs and more. 

The FFA Reimbursement Program funds are made available to Pennsylvania's county FFA organizations by reimbursing a portion of their annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development.

Funding Opportunities

Allocations are calculated based upon enrollment data and are separated into funding reimbursement categories as explained below:

Tier I: County FFA Organizations with 100 members or less will receive base funding of $1,000 with an additional $4.00 per member.

Tier II: County FFA Organizations with 101 to 210 members inclusive will receive a $2,000 base funding with an additional $2.00 per member.

Tier III: County FFA Organizations with 211 members or more will receive funding of $2,000 with an additional $2.00 per member for every member under 210 and $4.00 per member for every member over 210.

This is a reimbursement grant therefore the organization is responsible to cover all costs upfront. Grants are awarded on a funds-available basis.

PA Fair Fund

Fairs in Pennsylvania serve as economic engines that generate revenue, create jobs, and promote regional development across the state. The fairs attract thousands of visitors, boosting local tourism and generating revenue for nearby businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. Fairs create temporary employment opportunities for local residents, from event staff to vendors and performers. Farmers and agricultural producers benefit from the chance to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers, while also competing for prizes that can enhance their reputation and market value.

PA Fair Fund - State Agricultural Organization Funds Reimbursement Program

Helps support organizations conducting annual events with an agricultural mission. The funds help reimburse organizations for expenses including administrative costs, utilities, and planning and preparation.

The Statewide Agricultural Organization Reimbursement Program funds are made available to Pennsylvania's Statewide Agricultural Organizations to support annual events with an agricultural mission. 

Funding Opportunities

Each Statewide Agricultural Organization receives base funding up to $2,000 of its total expenses and is reimbursed 50% of their premium costs not to exceed $10,000. 

This is a reimbursement grant therefore the organization is responsible to cover all costs upfront. Grants are awarded on a funds-available basis.