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Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to adoption of state budget

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House passes state Rep. Ed Neilson’s Constable William Davidson Reward Fund legislation

(Apr 26, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 26 -- State Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation passed by the House today that would establish the Constable William Davidson Reward Fund, which would provide rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals who commit criminal homicide against a law enforcement officer. “There was a 36% increase in law enforcement homicides from the previous year,” Neilson said. “This legislation will serve as a stern warning to anyone who wants to engage in violence against the men and women who protect us daily.” Constable William Davidson was the first law enforcement officer to be killed at a criminal’s hands in Pennsylvania, when he went to serve a warrant and was ambushed by a second man who had intentions of killing the man named on the warrant. Davidson was killed when he encountered the second man, who was subsequently found not guilty by reason of insanity. Neilson said this fund will serve to honor Davidson’s memory and the memory of all law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty. The bill (H.B. 1123) will now move to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

State Rep. Amen Brown applauds state funding for Arch Street Presbyterian Church

(Apr 26, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., lent his support for a $1 million grant awarded to Arch Street Presbyterian Church and applauds Gov. Tom Wolf for awarding this historical landmark with funding for much needed restoration. “Arch Street Presbyterian Church is a historic landmark – many important people throughout its history have prayed at this church, and I am proud to lend my support for the restoration of this institution that has done so many great things for Philadelphia,” Brown said. The funding will be used for needed renovation and repairs throughout the building including repairs on the dome that graces the top of the building. The funds were awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program , a commonwealth grant program overseen by the Office of the Budget to assist with regional cultural, economic, civic and historical projects that improve a community’s economic growth by creating jobs and opportunities. Read more

 

Isaacson announces nearly $6M in state funding for area improvements

(Apr 26, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 26 – State grant funding for $5.81 million will help build improvements throughout the river wards and historic Philadelphia, state Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Philadelphia, said today. The funding, through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will support critical expansion projects, provide opportunities for job creation and employment training, and community development and revitalization. “Congratulations to all of the projects awarded in the latest round of state funding,” Isaacson said. “The work these organizations put in to their projects reflects so highly on our community – it’s an honor and a privilege to announce their awards. “On behalf of the recipients, I thank Governor Tom Wolf and the administration for seeing the value and wisdom in investing here in our neighborhoods.” The six projects in her 175 th Legislative District are: $815,000 for restoring Pennsylvania's Birthplace: Carpenters' Hall Renovations and Phase 2 Upgrades, awarded to the Carpenters' Company of City and County of Philadelphia. It includes a new perimeter drainage system, new HVAC systems, new utility connections, replacement pavers and roof tiles, new lightning protection, new gutters and flashing, and comprehensive masonry and millwork repairs. Together, these improvements will extend the life expectancy of Carpenters' Hall for another century of service. Read more

 

Young secures $7 million for FDR Park, Navy Yard projects

(Apr 25, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that her district will receive $7 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants. “I’m ready to put your tax dollars back to work on redevelopment projects that matter deeply to you,” Young said. “I’m most excited about the improvements coming to FDR Park, and with this funding, we are sure to get a state-of-the-art welcome center and over 30 acres of majestic wetlands. In addition, Navy Yard and Philly Shipyard workers should see safety and training facility upgrades to help them feel protected on the job. These improvements will drastically improve many of our daily lives.” The program grants will be distributed to: Fairmount Park Conservancy for Phase II of the Welcome Center at FDR Park. This $2 million project will convert a historic stable and guardhouse into a public-facing welcome center. The 5,500-square-foot guardhouse will be renovated into shared co-working space for community organizations that deliver park programming; the 3,600-square-foot courtyard into a one-stop shop for park users with restrooms, a staffed information center, and equipment rentals; and the 4,000- square-foot stables restored into a cafe and 6,700-square-foot event space overlooking Pattison Lagoon. These include utilities, such as new water, wastewater, electric, and data lines. The City of Read more

 

Young announces $500,000 for Philadelphia International Airport

(Apr 25, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that the Philadelphia International Airport will receive $500,000 from the PA Department of Transportation for rehabilitation of baggage tug tunnels for safer, timely and streamlined baggage operations. “PHL is among the very best airports in the United States, and I’m working to keep it that way,” Young said. “Any way that we can help make sure everyone saves time at the airport means we are saving money as well. These upgrades will provide efficiencies to make sure everyone receives the correct baggage on time, giving employees and customers less headaches.” The project is part of $10 million awarded from the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program. Pennsylvania has 121 public-use aviation facilities including airports, heliports and seaplane bases, and these new investments will expand aviation-related operational and economic opportunities statewide. More information is available by contacting Young’s district office at 215-952-3376 or visit the PennDOT website : https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/Aviation/Pages/default.aspx . ### Read more

 

PHMC Cedar Campus receives state funding for renovations

(Apr 22, 2022) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, April 22 – State grant funding for $1.75 million will help improve the PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar in Philadelphia, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., said today. The Public Health Management Corporation was awarded $1.75 million in state funding to create a new Public Health Campus and for renovating the former hospital. “Neighborhoods we can be proud of start with investments we can be proud of, and we are certainly happy that the administration came through for our community with this award,” Krajewski said. “When Philly and the state work together, amazing projects like this can come to life.” Specifically, this project funding will help fund major electrical and plumbing upgrades, new lighting and ceilings, wall coverings, landscaping, facade upgrades, and the creation of new office suites and conference rooms. The building also requires a new roof, windows and substantial mechanical improvements. Exterior improvements include new entryways, renovations to the parking lot and sidewalks, and ADA compliance work. The funding, through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, supports critical expansion projects, provide opportunities for job creation and employment training, and community development and revitalization. Read more

 

McClinton announces $4.5 million to make critical upgrades to Francis J. Myers Rec Center

(Apr 22, 2022) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, April 22 – Pennsylvania House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton announced today $4.5 million was approved to invest in much needed upgrades to the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in southwest Philadelphia. The grant was awarded through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and will be used to invest in: Environmental remediation to the site. Significant improvements to the roof, exterior masonry and building envelope. New windows and doors. Updated plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical, including fire alarm and fire protection. Increased building accessibility, including an elevator. “The Francis J. Myers Rec Center is a critical hub that many of our neighbors, especially our young people, rely on in southwest Philly,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “As we face the challenges of gun violence and work to find effective solutions, it’s places like Myers Rec that play a vital role in our fight to protect our neighborhoods by providing our children with important activities, resources, and a safe space to frequent. I am so grateful for all that they do for our community and am excited for the upgrades that these dollars will make happen.” RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects Read more

 

Young announces almost $1M for safe pedestrian and bicycle paths

(Apr 22, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 22 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission will be receiving $990,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for Surface Transportation Block Grants. These funds are to be used to improve transportation alternatives and enhance mobility and public accessibility across the state. “As we work to improve FDR Park, we need to also make sure the surrounding area keeps up with these enhancements,” Young said. “This money is going to help our neighbors get from A to B in the most efficient way possible and provide much needed safety improvements and guidance to local schools.” The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission secured $540,000 to help the City of Philadelphia Streets Department improve pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Navy Yard by installing a shared-use side path along the western side of South Broad Street from FDR Park to the Navy Yard. In addition, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has secured another $450,000 to help the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability, in partnership with the Streets Department, to provide a pedestrian and bicycle safety curriculum to local middle schools; develop a bicycle and pedestrian safety learning e-module for students; create conceptual design plans that create slow zones around schools; Read more

 

House Philadelphia Delegation congratulates city for infrastructure awards

(Apr 20, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 20 – The Pennsylvania House of Representative’s Philadelphia Delegation congratulated the City of Philadelphia on its receiving state funds to go ahead with several street and school projects and upgrades for ADA improvements and cyclists around the city. Gov. Tom Wolf and state Transportation Secretary Yassmin Gramian today announced the approval of funding for 64 projects to improve transportation alternatives and enhance mobility and public accessibility across the state, five of which are destinated for Philadelphia. The Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability and Streets Department will receive: $1 million for a streetscape, side path/trail and intersection safety upgrade project that completes a major gap in the Philadelphia and Circuit trail network. Upon completion, trail users will connect to the Pennypack Trail and the East Coast Greenway, safely allowing passage from Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods to the national East Coast Greenway (both completed portions and soon-to-be constructed portions). $1 million to replace painted pedestrian areas on Chestnut Street, with concrete pedestrian islands to elevate pedestrian safety along the corridor and expand the project area west to 63rd Street. $1 million for Logan Square sidewalk modernization at the Swann Memorial Fountain, including updating eight outdated ADA ramps and replacing approximately 18,000 square feet of Read more

 

Cephas announces Medicaid extension for postpartum care, highlights new money for maternal health initiatives

(Apr 18, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, April 18 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas joined state Sen. Tim Kearney and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead today at the Maternity Care Coalition in Philadelphia to highlight the implementation of Opt In PA, an initiative extending Medicaid support for postpartum individuals from 60 days to one year across the state. President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act included a provision that gives states an option to extend Medicaid coverage up to one year postpartum; the Pa. Department of Human Services made the decision to opt into this provision, extending that coverage from 60 days to one year. Implementation was effective April 1. “Constituents who use Medicaid should contact their providers to see how this impacts them and their care,” said Cephas, who co-chairs the General Assembly’s Women’s Health Caucus and serves on the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. Cephas also discussed a recently committed $25.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding for a new maternal and child health initiative in Pennsylvania called the COVID-19 Nurturing Maternal and Child Health Initiative. The initiative recognizes the impact the pandemic had on Pennsylvania communities and makes strategic investments to implement innovative and informed improvements into the public health continuum. NMCH will reach millions of more birthing parents and children through doula services, targeted services, healthy eating Read more

 

Krajewski, Fiedler call for funding parks, recreation centers in PA

(Apr 14, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Elizabeth Fiedler introduced the Pennsylvania Recreational Infrastructure Revitalization Act this week. The bill, which is in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives awaiting a vote, would allocate $500 million from American Rescue Plan funds to repair and invest in parks and recreational spaces throughout the state. Krajewski and Fiedler said that they believe that this funding is important to improve community safety and well-being. “The young people and community of West and Southwest Philadelphia deserve a park and recreation center where they can safely play, recreate, meet, learn and have fun,” Krajewski said. “With gun violence ravaging our communities, we need to invest in our public spaces to allow at-risk youth to enjoy community and leisure.” During the pandemic, the usage of parks and recreational spaces increased by 20%. Parks and recreation centers are valuable public resources that provide opportunities for children, youth and families to play and recreate. Research finds that well-designed and -maintained urban parks can reduce gun violence, improve safety, and keep residents healthier, while poorly designed and maintained parks lead to more crime, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. “Parks are a valuable part of our communities. It gives people a place to be outside, exercise and socialize,” Fiedler said. “As the usage of parks Read more

 

Cephas, Tartaglione announce $25.6M in funding for maternal, child health

(Apr 14, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, April 14 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas and state Sen. Christine Tartaglione, along with fellow lawmakers and the Wolf administration, today announced $25.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding to be allocated for a new maternal and child health initiative in Pennsylvania. The funding announcement also coincides with Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17 . “With the promise in this funding, we are putting money into solving maternal mortality and working to address the social determinants of health that contribute to the crisis we are experiencing across Pennsylvania," Cephas said. “The administration’s opting Pennsylvania into extended Medicaid was a major move to start solving part of the crisis now, as well. That program began April 1, and the initiatives we’re announcing today are going to reach millions of more birthing parents and children through doula services, targeted services, healthy eating pilot programs and lead remediation.” “Our democratic counterparts in the US House and Senate sent Pennsylvania billions of dollars in the American Rescue Plan to reinvest to strengthen our commonwealth,” Tartaglione said. “We cannot let the historic opportunity afforded to us pass without making life-changing and crucially needed investments in historically disinvested communities. The allocation of this grant money will help Temple Woman’s and Infant’s Hospital finally open Read more

 

State Rep. Chris Rabb to introduce resolution that would designate Pennsylvania as a Hidden Heroes state

(Apr 13, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 13 -- State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila, is advocating for formal acknowledgement of the extraordinary work of caregivers of Pennsylvania’s veterans through the Hidden Heroes campaign. “Many times, a veteran’s caregiver is a spouse, parent and other loved ones whose lives are transformed, their goals set aside, and they rearrange their lives to help the ones who sacrificed the most for us,” Rabb said. “We need to recognize that these women and men are heroes and sacrifice more than we currently understand.” The Hidden Heroes campaign is an initiative through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation that seeks to raise awareness of the struggles of these special caregivers. It also seeks to establish a national registry where veterans and their caregivers can access resources available to them. Read more

 

State Rep. Chris Rabb reappointed as chair of Equity Committee

(Apr 06, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 6 -- State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., has been unanimously reappointed as the chair of the PA House Democratic Caucus Equity Committee. “I am honored to be reappointed chair of the Equity Committee,” Rabb said. “As elected officials, we should be examining all of our decisions through the lens of equity, from the words we use to the votes we cast and the legislation we draft. We need to think about what the outcome means for everyone, not just a select few.” Created by an amendment to the House Democratic Caucus bylaws in 2018, the Equity Committee evaluates and makes recommendations regarding social equity issues related to policy, membership, personnel, legal, procurement, communications and appropriations. “The Diversity and Inclusion Council’s Advisory Board unanimously reappointed Representative Rabb as the primary advisor for the council,” Indira Ridgeway, chair of the Diversity and Inclusion council, said. “The council is very excited to work with him and the board to provide programing to the caucus that highlights diversity in cultures, generations and identities.” Read more

 

State Rep. Chris Rabb introduces bill that would modernize candidacy requirements for special elections

(Apr 05, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 5 -- State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., is again seeking support for legislation that would seek to remedy structural flaws in the nomination process for special elections, notoriously known for low voter turnouts. According to Rabb, the requirement for candidates to adhere to their political party’s process impedes prospective candidates from attempting to run in special elections. Originally introduced during his first term in office, the bill would standardize the nomination process by requiring people interested in becoming a candidate in a special election to: • File their candidacy with the political party within each county of the legislative district. • Pay a $250 filing fee. • Prepare, or opt-out of preparing, a short video announcing their candidacy, which would be posted on the website of the PA Department of State and the county party with which candidate is affiliated. “This legislation would establish transparency, accountability and inclusivity in the special election process,” Rabb said. The legislation will also require political parties to publicize and hold a meeting accessible to any eligible voter in the special election whether in person or remotely, with the majority of eligible committee people present, to consider each individual who seeks consideration as a candidate in a special election. Read more

 

Let’s Help Ukrainians Transition to Security in PA

(Apr 04, 2022) Rep. Kevin Boyle

People seeking refuge from hostility or persecution have always found a home in Pennsylvania - welcoming them is in our DNA. After all, our commonwealth was born of William Penn’s great “experiment” to establish a community where religious tolerance – an unusual idea at the time- was the guiding principle. Since then, Pennsylvania has greeted refugees from every corner of the globe, escaping every kind of oppression. Pennsylvania grew to embody its 1980’s tagline: You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania. Now, as we watch in disbelief and sadness at the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, it is time to again open our communities’ doors and hearts to welcome newcomers to our beautiful commonwealth. This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news. These are our neighbors’ families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. From Philadelphia to Ambridge, and in communities in between, more than 122,000 Ukrainians already call Pennsylvania “home,” the second highest number of any state in the nation. And we want to assure those seeking refuge in our state now due to the current hostility, that they are welcome too. That is why we’ve proposed the creation of the New Neighbors Fund, that would authorize up to $2 million to support services for refugees from Ukraine. The New Neighbors Fund would supplement existing federal investments, and would create a Read more

 

State Rep. Chris Rabb introduces legislation to protect consumers against predatory rent-to-own companies

(Mar 31, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 31 -- State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila, introduced legislation that would ensure protections for low-income consumers from becoming victims of predatory and abusive rent-to-own contracts with corporate chains who use the criminal court system as retribution. Rent-to-own companies often resort to using the taxpayer-subsidized criminal court system in lieu of a collection agency to recover money from low-income individuals who can no longer afford to make payments and who are unable to cover the costs of effective legal counsel, according to Rabb. Rabb said by resorting to using criminal courts to threaten individuals who are struggling to make payments, “the RTO industry is contributing to the criminalization of poor people. It’s leading to a revival of the long abolished ‘debtor’s prisons.’” “There is no reason to permit this predatory practice and make consumers pay more than what is owed and more than they can afford,” Rabb said. “It’s time we stop making the poor pay more and protect them from abusive RTO contracts.” This legislation would make sure these predatory practices would be prohibited. Read more

 

State Rep. Amen Brown calls for increase in funding for Office of Forensic Science

(Mar 30, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 30 -- State Rep. Amen Brown is calling on the City of Philadelphia, Mayor Jim Kenney and the Philadelphia Police Department to increase funding for the Office of Forensic Science to alleviate a backlog of evidence used to solve crimes. Brown said he stands firm in his belief that the Office of Forensic Science is the key to solving crime in the city and putting away dangerous criminals, and that an increase of at least $30 million is needed for relocation of the facility, staffing issues and better security procedures. “The people who work at the OFS are committed to providing objective and reliable forensic results to exonerate the innocent, identify perpetrators of crime, and reveal crime patterns to allow the PPD to solve and prevent crime,” Brown said. “They are performing above the national average but simply are understaffed and don’t have the funding they need to succeed in solving crimes and getting criminals off the streets. My office is committed to working with the city and administration to identify funding for expansion and maintaining a new facility. It is time for a major city and state collaboration that benefits the entire city and especially our men and women in blue who deserve better.” As there has already been a 3% increase in homicides in Philadelphia from 2021-2022, Brown said the time to do this is now. Read more

 

State Rep. Chris Rabb to introduce legislation allowing for electronic petitioning for candidates

(Mar 29, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 29 -- State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila, plans to introduce legislation that would allow candidates for elective office to collect signatures needed for their nomination petitions electronically versus solely by handwritten signatures. This legislation would triple the number of signatures required to run for any office and would require political candidates to collect at least five signatures in every subdivision of a district. It also would direct the secretary of the commonwealth to create an internet portal for qualified voters to access and sign a nomination petition for a candidate in all state, federal and local offices. “This legislation would bring our nomination process into the 21st century,” Rabb said. “It would modernize and much improve the candidate petitioning process for candidates, voters and government employees while promoting a more efficient, cost-effective and equitable way of encouraging civic engagement.” March 28 was the last day to circulate and file petitions for the May 17 primary election. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder awareness, fire and emergency medical services, overdose programmatic collaboration funding opportunities

(Mar 22, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Counties. Use : To support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence, needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals. Funds : Varies by county. Application Deadline : April 25, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs/Life Unites Us: Life Unites Us Community Award Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To promote knowledge about substance use disorder (SUD) and reduce the stigma associated with addiction by sharing stories from individuals and family members living in recovery and broadcasting a message of hope throughout the state. Funds : Awards range between $5,000 and $15,000. Application Deadline : April 13, 2022 More Information : Click on https://lifeunitesus.com/grant . Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program (Funding Source: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Fund) Read more

 

House passes state Rep. Ed Neilson’s Constable William Davidson Reward Fund legislation
Apr 26, 2022

State Rep. Amen Brown applauds state funding for Arch Street Presbyterian Church
Apr 26, 2022

Isaacson announces nearly $6M in state funding for area improvements
Apr 26, 2022

Young secures $7 million for FDR Park, Navy Yard projects
Apr 25, 2022

Young announces $500,000 for Philadelphia International Airport
Apr 25, 2022

PHMC Cedar Campus receives state funding for renovations
Apr 22, 2022

McClinton announces $4.5 million to make critical upgrades to Francis J. Myers Rec Center
Apr 22, 2022

Young announces almost $1M for safe pedestrian and bicycle paths
Apr 22, 2022

House Philadelphia Delegation congratulates city for infrastructure awards
Apr 20, 2022

Cephas announces Medicaid extension for postpartum care, highlights new money for maternal health initiatives
Apr 18, 2022

Krajewski, Fiedler call for funding parks, recreation centers in PA
Apr 14, 2022

Cephas, Tartaglione announce $25.6M in funding for maternal, child health
Apr 14, 2022

State Rep. Chris Rabb to introduce resolution that would designate Pennsylvania as a Hidden Heroes state
Apr 13, 2022

State Rep. Chris Rabb reappointed as chair of Equity Committee
Apr 06, 2022

State Rep. Chris Rabb introduces bill that would modernize candidacy requirements for special elections
Apr 05, 2022

Let’s Help Ukrainians Transition to Security in PA
Apr 04, 2022

State Rep. Chris Rabb introduces legislation to protect consumers against predatory rent-to-own companies
Mar 31, 2022

State Rep. Amen Brown calls for increase in funding for Office of Forensic Science
Mar 30, 2022

State Rep. Chris Rabb to introduce legislation allowing for electronic petitioning for candidates
Mar 29, 2022

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder awareness, fire and emergency medical services, overdose programmatic collaboration funding opportunities
Mar 22, 2022