News Center

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 17, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare

(Sep 13, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., made the following statement regarding the $3 million in state funding made available for schools to purchase menstrual products: “Menstrual equity happens when barriers to obtaining products are broken,” Parker said. “The lack of access to menstrual products can cause more problems than embarrassment. When women are forced to use unhygienic products such as socks, newspaper or old t-shirts, it can cause serious and lifelong health problems. “This funding will empower students to complete their education without fear of sickness or embarrassment. I am incredibly thankful for First Lady Lori Shapiro’s advocacy for women and her willingness to listen to women’s health experts like Lynette Medley, founder of the nation’s first menstrual health hub, The Spot Period, about possible solutions to achieve menstrual equity for all. “I’m so grateful for Governor Shapiro’s $3 million allocation to help students in Pennsylvania live their lives freely and maintain their health and dignity. “This is the first step, we still have more work to do. I’m eager to return to legislative session and continue the fight for women by insisting the Pennsylvania Senate bring my Menstrual Equity legislation up to be voted on and signed into law.” Parker added that House Bills 850 and 851 both passed the House in June and urges her colleagues in the Senate to consider this Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 11, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 20, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

Summer Legislative Recap for the 198th

(Aug 19, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

My summer newsletter has officially hit mailboxes in the 198! Read it here if you didn't receive a copy! Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 31, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more

 

Resolve Philly panel discusses benefits of hiring re-entry workers

(Jul 31, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

The event, “Equal Opportunities: Fair Chance Hiring in Philadelphia,” brought together local employers and formerly incarcerated people who talked about their real-life experiences trying to gain employment following re-entry into society. Read more

 

Free period products coming to some Pa. schools thanks to $3M budget commitment

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

“I know how humiliating it can be. We do not need that to happen to our children,” Parker said. “We have people right now who are using paper towels, using socks, using newspapers.” Read more

 

Parker’s bill to improve maternal and child health outcomes passes PA House

(Jul 08, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

Legislation authored by state Rep. Darisha Parker that would establish the Maternal Home Visiting Act passed the PA House of Representatives today. The legislation (H.B. 1425) would direct the state Department of Human Services to develop a five-year plan comprised of evidence-based steps that are proven to reduce negative health outcomes, prevent abuse and neglect, reduce crime and to provide parenting classes. “My biggest priority as a state lawmaker is the health and wellbeing of new and expanding Pennsylvania families,” Parker said. “Young families have enough burdens trying to navigate the new and unknown journey of parenthood; it’s our responsibility to support these families by providing resources that studies show help them thrive.” Parker said that Pennsylvania is eligible for federal funding to offer Maternal Home visits and she looks forward to working with the Department of Human Services to implement the program if it becomes law for all eligible families in the commonwealth. House Bill 1425 now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such

(Jul 08, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

May is Menstrual Awareness Month, a time to break the stigma and promote understanding about menstruation. It’s a natural process that women experience, and a part of the miraculous biological process that creates life. Even though this process is completely natural and can result in something beautiful, menstruation is often shrouded in secrecy and referred to as something dirty that women must endure, forcing women to speak about it behind closed doors or in whispered voices. This attitude towards a completely natural biological process has contributed to a huge problem for women and girls when it comes to managing their monthly periods – period poverty. Women who can’t afford expensive period products often will miss important life events and even be left unable to attend school or work, creating a vicious cycle of poverty that becomes impossible to escape. Women who experience period poverty are often forced to use unhygienic items that can cause urinary tract and bacterial infections, such as old t-shirts, socks, and even newspaper. It’s not hard to imagine that this often increases incidents of depression and anxiety, leaving women feeling trapped by their own bodies. As elected officials, it’s our duty to look within the communities we serve, listen to their needs and do what we can to advocate for them. This isn’t an issue that constituents brought to my attention, this is something I dealt with as a young girl who started Read more

 

Parker: Removing Barriers to Assistance for Grandparents

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

PA state Rep. Darisha Parker asks her #PAHouse colleagues to support her legislation that would make it easier for grandparents and other non-parent relatives raising minor children to apply for public assistance on the child’s behalf. Read more

 

Parker and Green's consumer protection legislation passes House

(Jul 01, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

State Rep. Darisha Parker’s consumer protection legislation, H.B. 1977, today passed the House of Representatives. Parker partnered with state Rep. Roni Green to write the bill. Parker said that while small, local businesses usually cover the costs of extra fees related to using a credit or debit card, some have to make a difficult decision to charge the customer, which can lead to frustration and mistrust of small businesses. “Pennsylvania consumers deserve protection at the cash register to ensure they are informed on the true price of their purchase,” Parker said. “This legislation would help consumers face rising prices, while wages stay the same. “While some do advertise the extra fees, it’s not state law. I want to ensure that all Pennsylvania consumers are informed about their purchases of goods and services.” “Consumers deserve to have all the information before being asked to make a decision on a purchase," Green said. "This bill is pro-consumer and will ensure that any surcharges or fees are clearly posted by businesses, so that purchases are fair and without unexpected costs.” “Consumers deserve to know all the charges before being asked to make a decision on a purchase.” Green said. “My pro-consumer bill with Rep Parker will ensure that any surcharges or fees are clearly posted by businesses, so that purchases are fair and without unexpected costs. Excited this important Read more

 

Parker and Hill-Evans’ menstrual equity legislation passes House

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

Legislation authored by State Rep. Darisha Parker to establish a grant program for schools to provide free menstrual products to students on Tuesday passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “We have fought tirelessly for menstrual equity for women and girls in Pennsylvania and House Bill 851’s passage is a step closer to that goal,” Parker, D-Phila., said. “I never want another young girl entering womanhood to experience embarrassment or consider themselves as less than because of a natural biological process.” Parker said she was extremely motivated by the advocacy of Gov. Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro for menstrual equity in Pennsylvania, referring to Shapiro’s call for $3 million to provide menstrual products for students in his annual budget proposal. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped move Pennsylvania women forward by fighting for and passing menstrual hygiene legislation,” Parker said. “I want to thank my colleagues and advocates, especially Lynette Medley, founder of No More Secrets, who stood with me to advocate for women across the commonwealth, not just during menstrual awareness month or on Tampon Tuesday – but every day!” Parker said this bill will move to the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee as did her previous menstrual hygiene bill, House Bill 850. That bill would allow women who participate in Read more

 

Community Budget Briefing in Philadelphia

(May 31, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

Majority Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Rep. Jordan Harris along with local state Representatives host a community conversation on the 2024-25 state budget in Northwest Philadelphia.More at http://www.HouseAppropriations.com Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(May 22, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024 County Jail-Based Vivitrol Program Who May Apply: Funding is available to all counties with a county jail seeking to establish or expand a jail-based substance use treatment program. Use: Implementation or expansion of a county jail-based Vivitrol program. Funds: A total of $7.175 million in Act 80 funds is available. Application Deadline: July 17, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Attorney & Judge Training – Children with Disabilities Who May Apply: Local governments, local and national nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education which demonstrate, in their application, an ability to collaborate with state and local partners to develop and deliver statewide training for attorneys and a commitment to the improvement of child abuse investigations in the Commonwealth. Use: Costs associated with the development and delivery of a trauma-focused, child-focused, training curriculum for attorneys and judges who participate in hearings involving child abuse victims in Pennsylvania who have verbal, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities. Funds: A total of $128,990 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds is available to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $128,990. Application Read more

 

Parker and Hill-Evans host menstrual equity news conference

(May 22, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

State Reps. Darisha Parker and Carol Hill-Evans stood again with Speaker Joanna McClinton, menstrual health professionals and Pennsylvania students to spread awareness about period poverty and advocate for the Senate to pass legislation to help this important issue. Parker and Hill-Evans authored legislation, H.Bs. 850 and 851, to make period products more accessible for low-income women. “We need to speak about periods bluntly,” Parker said. “No more euphemisms or hiding tampons in our sleeves to use the restroom. “It’s crazy that this natural biological process – a beautiful one that has the power to create life is still considered a taboo subject,” Parker continued. “It’s not just a financial issue but barriers to period products can lead to substantial health issues for women and perpetuate a cycle of poverty that can be impossible to escape from.” The lawmakers said that H.B. 850 would allow for women who participate in the SNAP or WIC program to purchase expensive period products using these programs, which Parker said would help empower women to take charge over their own bodies. “Tampons and pads aren’t a luxury for us,” Parker said. “We don’t choose to participate in our periods every month, these are products we need to preserve our dignity and participate in all of life’s important milestones.” Read more

 

Show up on May 23 to help PA women & girls

(May 20, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

It’s still May and that means we’re talking about periods! Next Thursday, May 23, please join Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s president, Dr. Penny Sparks Nixon, for a call to action on the PA Senate!Join the cause and come out on May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at The Spot, 4811 Germantown Ave., learn what the Spot does for our community and how you can help get HB 850 passed. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare
Sep 13, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 11, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Summer Legislative Recap for the 198th
Aug 19, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2024

Resolve Philly panel discusses benefits of hiring re-entry workers
Jul 31, 2024

Free period products coming to some Pa. schools thanks to $3M budget commitment
Jul 17, 2024

Parker’s bill to improve maternal and child health outcomes passes PA House
Jul 08, 2024

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such
Jul 08, 2024

Parker: Removing Barriers to Assistance for Grandparents
Jul 03, 2024

Parker and Green's consumer protection legislation passes House
Jul 01, 2024

Parker and Hill-Evans’ menstrual equity legislation passes House
Jun 05, 2024

Community Budget Briefing in Philadelphia
May 31, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
May 22, 2024

Parker and Hill-Evans host menstrual equity news conference
May 22, 2024

Show up on May 23 to help PA women & girls
May 20, 2024