Recreation Planning Funding from DCNR
Municipal entities in Pennsylvania seeking to improve parks, recreation, and conservation services can receive up to US $18,000 to hire a professional consultant for small-scale planning issues. Focused on environmental conservation, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources invites eligible applicants, and in special cases nonprofits, to support collaborative planning, technical services, and related project costs.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR)
Land Conservation Funding for Nonprofits from Open Space Institute
Pennsylvania land and habitat conservation nonprofits acquiring climate-resilient land or conservation easements can access funding through the Open Space Institute for projects in the Highlands and Kittatinny Ridge focus area. Capital grants and low-interest loans support fee acquisitions or easements, with limited support for transactional costs, when projects meet OSI’s resilience, match, and stewardship criteria.
Open Space Institute Land Trust Inc.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council Water Recreation Grants
Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania can receive mini-grants to run public, educational paddling events on the state’s waterways. Grants from Pennsylvania Environmental Council support recreational water use and boating while advancing environmental conservation and community engagement; awards are US $1,000 per on-water day with a 1:1 match required.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Pennsylvania Environmental Funding via Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Pennsylvania environmental and community organizations can access funding for projects on designated Pennsylvania Water Trails, including conservation, stewardship, and outdoor recreation efforts. Through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s mini-grant program, eligible nonprofits and public entities in Pennsylvania may receive up to US $7,000 with a 1:1 match to enhance access, sustainability, and community engagement on water trails.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Pennsylvania Environmental Council Support for Conservation
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support environmental conservation and natural resource projects. Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Pocono Forests & Waters mini-grants fund conservation, community, and connection efforts in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties, with a 20% match required.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Waterway Access Funding from Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania can receive up to US $30,000 for acquiring, designing, engineering, constructing, or upgrading non-motorized public access to waterways. Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Statewide Waterway Access Grant supports environmental conservation, outdoor recreation, and community engagement projects that enhance recreational access and stewardship of Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Quest for the Best Environmental Grants in Pennsylvania
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania seeking project-based support for environmental conservation, wildlife protection, or related community programs may be eligible for grants that fund specific projects, programs, or equipment. Grants from Quest for the Best help Pennsylvania environmental conservation efforts, with preference for local organizations where the award will have significant impact and can meet matching requirements.
Quest for the Best®
Pennsylvania Conservation Funding via Richard King Mellon Foundation
Environmental and conservation-focused nonprofits and public agencies in Pennsylvania can seek flexible funding for land protection, stewardship, and activation through the Richard King Mellon Foundation’s General Application. Focused on conservation in southwestern Pennsylvania and select national efforts, it supports planning, implementation, scaling, and general operating or project-specific work that aligns with the Foundation’s 2021–2030 strategic plan.
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Green Mountain Energy Support for Sustainability Projects
U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least three years of operations and $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects benefiting communities in Pennsylvania and other eligible states. Green Mountain Energy funds renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and related environmental initiatives.
Green Mountain Energy
Pennsylvania Environmental Funding via EQT Foundation
Applications due Aug 1, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania working on environmental conservation, community enrichment, or STEM education can access funding through EQT Foundation; awards are approximately US $15,000. Eligible projects include environmental education, community gardens, watershed conservation, green space preservation, and related initiatives in the listed Pennsylvania counties within EQT’s operating footprint.
EQT Foundation
Colcom Foundation Conservation Grants in Pennsylvania
Full proposal due Aug 31, 2026
Pennsylvania environmental and community organizations in southwestern counties can seek funding for conservation, stewardship, trails, waste cleanup, and related environmental projects. Local environmental conservation groups in Pennsylvania can access funding through Colcom Foundation to support advocacy, education and media, youth initiatives, and projects that enhance quality of life and natural resources in the region.
Colcom Foundation
US $25,000 - US $1,000,000
ATV and Snowmobile Trail Funding from DCNR
Full proposal due Sep 30, 2026
Municipalities, municipal agencies, pre-qualified land trusts, eligible nonprofits, and some for-profit enterprises in Pennsylvania can obtain funding for ATV and snowmobile trail planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, equipment, and safety education programs; awards range from US $25,000 - US $1,000,000. With a mission to conserve natural resources, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources provides support for outdoor recreation and environmental conservation projects.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR)
Richard King Mellon Support for Wood Innovation
Applications due Oct 1, 2026
Environmental and rural development organizations in Pennsylvania working with forestry, wood products, or conservation can seek funding to advance innovative wood products and related value chains. Focused on conservation and economic development, the Richard King Mellon Foundation invites scalable projects that develop, commercialize, or demonstrate new wood technologies, especially those benefiting rural communities and conserved landscapes.
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Cycling Program Grants for Nonprofits from Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Applications due Oct 4, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania can apply for US $1,000 - US $15,000 to support projects that activate existing cycling assets through programming, promotion, or information. Grants from Pennsylvania Environmental Council help Pennsylvania environmental conservation efforts by funding route development, events, signage, mapping, and promotional materials.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Cycling and Trail Funding from Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Applications due Oct 5, 2026
Nonprofits, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions in Pennsylvania can seek US $1,000 - US $15,000 to activate existing cycling assets through programming, promotion, and informational resources. Pennsylvania Environmental Council, with DCNR support, funds projects like route development, events, signage, mapping, and materials that promote outdoor recreation, stewardship, and environmental conservation.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Pennsylvania DEP Support for Coastal Conservation
Applications due Oct 14, 2026
Local governments, educational institutions, public authorities, and incorporated nonprofits in Pennsylvania can seek funding for coastal planning, restoration, access, and construction projects within designated coastal zones, with awards up to US $75,000. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection supports environmental conservation through projects addressing coastal hazards, polluted runoff, wetlands, fisheries, public access, and related coastal resource management priorities.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Pennsylvania Conservation Funding via NRCS
Applications due Nov 1, 2026
Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Pennsylvania can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding and technical assistance help improve water and air quality, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, benefiting environmental conservation efforts statewide.
USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Pennsylvania
Environmental Education Funding from Pennsylvania DEP
Applications due Nov 15, 2026
Schools, higher education institutions, county conservation districts, nonprofits, and businesses in Pennsylvania can seek funding for environmental education projects, including hands-on student programs, teacher training, and community conservation initiatives. Grants from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection help Pennsylvania environmental conservation efforts addressing climate change, water quality, and environmental justice, with awards up to US $65,000.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Pennsylvania Environmental Council Grants for Pennsylvania Rivers
Applications due Nov 21, 2026
Pennsylvania nonprofits, municipalities, agencies, and educational institutions planning river-focused conservation and celebration activities in Pennsylvania can apply for mini-grant support. Pennsylvania Environmental Council provides Pennsylvania environmental conservation groups with US $15,000 through the River of the Year program to fund a yearlong schedule of events, including at least one on-water sojourn.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Environmental and Community Funding for Nonprofits from Just Born
Applications due Dec 31, 2026
Nonprofit organizations in Northampton and Lehigh Counties, Pennsylvania, can seek $1,000 - $10,000 to support children and families through environmental, education, arts, health, and community programs. Just Born prioritizes underprivileged and underrepresented populations and funds initiatives like environmental education, nature-based programming, housing, food access, and workforce development, including projects with diverse leadership.
Just Born
Pennsylvania Environmental Programs Funding via Hillman Family
Applications due Jan 5, 2027
Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in Pennsylvania can apply for Hillman Family Foundations’ Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation support to advance environmental education, stewardship, and related programs. Grants may benefit organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania counties working on conservation or broader environmental initiatives within the foundation’s geographic focus areas.
Hillman Family Foundations
Hillman Family Foundations Grants for Pennsylvania Conservation
Applications due Jan 5, 2027
Environmental conservation nonprofits in Pennsylvania can seek funding for conservation, environmental education, climate change mitigation, and wildfire resiliency projects, primarily in the Pittsburgh region and surrounding counties. With a mission to strengthen conservation and sustainability, Hillman Family Foundations supports 501(c)(3) public charities working on these priorities, with most grants initiated by its program staff and board.
Hillman Family Foundations
Pennsylvania Environmental Conservation Funding via Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Applications due Jan 16, 2027
Nonprofits, schools, and local governments in select Pennsylvania watersheds can seek funding for watershed protection and drinking water source conservation projects. Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Essential Utilities Protect Your Drinking Water Grant offers US $2,500 - US $10,000 for efforts like green stormwater infrastructure, streambank stabilization, agricultural best practices, spill prevention, and educational programming in priority source water protection regions.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Pittsburgh Foundation Environmental Action Grants in Pennsylvania
Applications due Feb 3, 2027
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Allegheny County can apply for Pittsburgh Foundation grants supporting environmental action, basic needs, equity and social justice, arts and culture, and economic mobility. Awards range from US $10,000 - US $150,000 for project/program or general operating support, which may benefit Pennsylvania environmental conservation efforts.
Pittsburgh Foundation
The Nature Conservancy Grants for Appalachian Conservation
Applications due Feb 14, 2027
Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Pennsylvania and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians grants, offering up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition. Funding covers capital, project development, stewardship, legal defense, and community engagement that delivers equitable conservation benefits.
The Nature Conservancy
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Environmental Recognition Funding from Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Applications due Jun 30, 2027
Environmental organizations, businesses, projects, and individuals in northeastern Pennsylvania working on conservation and resource protection can receive recognition through the Northeast Environmental Partnership Awards, a non-monetary program. Pennsylvania Environmental Council honors outstanding environmental partnerships and leadership, which may benefit Pennsylvania environmental conservation groups seeking visibility and acknowledgment for their work.
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Weconservepa Grants for Pennsylvania Habitat Projects
Full proposal due Jul 1, 2027
Nonprofits, municipalities, and eligible public entities in Pennsylvania can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 for public-facing projects that enhance habitat, trail connectivity, river access, or ecosystem health in the Susquehanna Riverlands. Weconservepa supports conservation efforts in Lancaster and York counties that protect land, steward natural resources, and engage local communities.
Weconservepa