If you’ve been sitting on an idea for a trail, a park improvement, a river conservation effort, or an environmental education program—now’s the time to act.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has officially opened its annual Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant round. And this year, they’re giving applicants a little extra breathing room: the deadline has been extended by a full month.
Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 30.
What Kind of Projects Get Funded?
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program supports a wide range of recreation and conservation work across Pennsylvania, including:
- Park development and improvements
- Trail construction and maintenance
- River and waterway conservation
- Open space protection
- Heritage area projects
- Conservation landscape initiatives
- Environmental education programs
Whether you’re a municipality, a nonprofit, or a conservation district with a project that benefits your community, this program could be a path to making it happen.
How to Apply
All applications go through DCNR’s Grants Customer Service Portal. If you haven’t used the portal before, DCNR has a tutorial video that walks you through the process step by step.
One important note: Before you start your application, reach out to the regional advisor who covers the county where your project will be located. They can help you understand whether your project is a good fit and guide you through the submission process.
Visit the DCNR Grants Portal →
Fayette County Contact
For projects in Fayette County, your point of contact is the Fayette County Conservation District:
Address:
10 Nickman Plaza
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
Phone: 724.438.4497
Email: heatherdfowler@yahoo.com
Don’t Wait Until April
Yes, the deadline got extended. But grant applications have a way of taking longer than you expect—especially if you’re coordinating with partners, gathering documentation, or navigating the portal for the first time.
Start the conversation with your regional advisor now. Give yourself time to build a strong submission. The funding is there. The question is whether you’ll go after it.
🌲 DCNR Conservation Grants Now Open
Funding available for parks, trails, river conservation, and environmental education projects across Pennsylvania.
📅 Deadline: April 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Visit the DCNR Grants Portal →
Questions? Contact your regional advisor before applying.
