NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Creative Industries (formally Council on the Arts): Spotlight Program Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations with an annual average arts revenue of $10,000 to less than $100,000 and a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania Use: To support smaller creative arts organizations that deliver services, products, or programs Funds: Grant awards shall not exceed $5,000 Application Deadline: September 14, 2026 More information: PCI Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety & Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: School Districts, Intermediate Units, Area Career and Technical Schools, Charter Schools, Regional Charter Schools, and Cyber Charter Schools Use: To provide grants to eligible school entities to support physical security enhancements and/or mental health initiatives Funds: A total of $138,779,000 in state funding is being announced to support this initiative. Funding is based on the formula included in 24 P.S. §13-1314.3-B, which stipulates school districts are to receive a $100,000 base amount for their grant, and an additional amount based on their 2024-25 Adjusted Average Daily Membership (AADM). All other eligible school entities (i.e., intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, regional charter schools, and cyber charter schools) are to receive $70,000 Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters (MSM) 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: Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Grant Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, or user of rail freight infrastructure Use: Capital maintenance of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure and capital construction of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Motorized Trails and Recreation Program (formerly known as the All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width: 660px) { .u-row { width: 640px !important; } .u-row .u-col { vertical-align: top; } .u-row .u-col-50 { width: 320px !important; } .u-row .u-col-100 { width: 640px !important; } } @media (max-width: 660px) { .u-row-container { max-width: 100% !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; } .u-row .u-col { min-width: 320px !important; max-width: 100% !important; display: block !important; } .u-row { width: 100% !important; } .u-col { width: 100% !important; } .u-col > div { margin: 0 auto; } } body { margin: 0; padding: 0; } table, tr, td { vertical-align: top; border-collapse: collapse; } p { margin: 0; } .ie-container table, .mso-container table { table-layout: fixed; } * { line-height: inherit; } a[x-apple-data-detectors='true'] { color: inherit !important; text-decoration: none !important; } table, td { color: #000000; } #u_row_98 a { color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline; } Dear John, I’m thrilled that this year’s state budget includes long-awaited Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Funds Who May Apply: Nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania that serves primarily individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Use: Security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility including but not limited to safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, safety and security training, purchase of security-related technology, and specialty-trained canines, among other projects Funds: $10 million is available for projects. Application Deadline: September 10, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: NCA Member Child Advocacy Centers Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to all CACs listed in the Appendix Use: Funding to support compliance with NCA standards, to improve the work of the CAC and to apply for or achieve accreditation/reaccreditation, or for equipment necessary to support NCA standards of accrediation Funds: A total of approximately $2.067 million in state Act 28 of 2014 funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund forty-two (42) non-competitive, one-year grants with budgets allocated accordingly based on level of NCA membership Read more
Right now, there’s an affordability crisis across the nation. As prices continue to rise but wages remain stagnant (PA’s Minimum Wage is STILL $7.25) many people are one missed paycheck away from losing everything.PA House Democrats know this because WE LISTEN and WE ACT. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $200 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: A 10-day application window will open on July 27, 2026, and close on August 7, 2026. There will not be an additional funding round in fiscal year 2026-27. More information: CFA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2027-2028 Rights and Services Act (RASA/Victims of Juvenile Offenders (VOJO) Solicitation Who May Apply: Counties Use: To support responsibilities assigned to prosecution and juvenile probation under the Crime Victims Act, the Juvenile Act, and Pennsylvania’s Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure. Funds: A total of $10,440,724 in federal and state funds is available in year 1. PCCD expects to fund approximately ninety-eight grants. Application Read more
It’s been a busy month in Harrisburg but I’m happy to say that the state budget was passed and signed by Gov. Shapiro.Read inside for more details about how PA House Democrats are delivering for you! Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program Who May Apply: Family farm corporations, family farm partnerships, farm enterprises, nonprofit education institutions Use: Reduce operating expenses through practices that are ecologically beneficial, improve soil quality and fertility, improve water quality, and reduce or eliminate the need for the purchase of off-farm inputs, such as chemical or synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Funds: Grants may not exceed $25,000 except as provided in this subsection. An additional amount of up to $25,000 may be granted if the grantee matches that additional amount dollar for dollar so that an individual grant may not exceed $50,000 in one calendar year. Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Transportation: Career and Technical Education Grant Who May Apply: Public, private, and cyber schools, career and technical centers, youth development centers, and institutions of higher learning Use: To develop and implement new technical training curriculum or to expand existing technical training curriculum and/or delivery, relevant to the heavy highway industry Funds: The total amount of direct grant reimbursement funding available under this program is $12 million. PennDOT intends to award a single individual grant up to $500,000 per eligible applicant. Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width: 660px) { .u-row { width: 640px !important; } .u-row .u-col { vertical-align: top; } .u-row .u-col-50 { width: 320px !important; } .u-row .u-col-100 { width: 640px !important; } } @media (max-width: 660px) { .u-row-container { max-width: 100% !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; } .u-row .u-col { min-width: 320px !important; max-width: 100% !important; display: block !important; } .u-row { width: 100% !important; } .u-col { width: 100% !important; } .u-col > div { margin: 0 auto; } } body { margin: 0; padding: 0; } table, tr, td { vertical-align: top; border-collapse: collapse; } p { margin: 0; } .ie-container table, .mso-container table { table-layout: fixed; } * { line-height: inherit; } a[x-apple-data-detectors='true'] { color: inherit !important; text-decoration: none !important; } table, td { color: #000000; } #u_row_98 a { color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline; } Dear John, We’re having a community meeting to address the sad and heinous incident that occurred. Please join us in Olney for a Read more
Important summer resources inside Read more
Recognizing the need to change outdated terminology in laws to better reflect modern language, the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., that would update references to the agency in charge of providing human services to Pennsylvanians. Read more
QUAKERTOWN, June 12 – Leaders of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, including state Reps. Napoleon Nelson, Darisha Parker, Justin Fleming and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, released the following statement calling on Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan to expedite the investigation into the actions of Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree: “Video footage and eyewitness accounts describing a physical confrontation between the police chief and student protesters have raised significant questions that warrant a swift and transparent investigation. “It is difficult to ignore the concerns raised by members of the community while questions regarding law enforcement conduct remain under review. Public confidence in our justice system depends on all parties being held to the same standard of accountability. “The public deserves a prompt and impartial resolution to this matter, not nearly four months of uncertainty. Continued delays in the investigation of Police Chief McElree only prolong unanswered questions for those involved and for the broader community. “We therefore call upon District Attorney Khan and his office to expedite the investigation into Chief McElree and any officers involved and to announce their findings and charging decisions as soon as practicable. Transparency and timely action are essential to maintaining public trust in the integrity of the justice system. “Our Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more
Blighted properties can be found throughout the commonwealth,” Solomon said. “A list of property owners and key contact information would empower communities by providing code enforcement with the tools they need to keep neighborhoods safe, secure and clean.” Solomon’s H.B. 858 passed the House last June. The bill, Eliminating Blight and Revitalizing Communities, would identify individuals responsible for taking care of properties owned by out-of-state landlords. Read more
PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Act 167 Plans Who May Apply: Counties Use: To prepare and adopt a watershed stormwater management plan. Funds: Grant awards will be at least $30,000 and not more than $50,000. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants Who May Apply: Municipalities, municipal authorities, and appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations Use: The design, construction and/or rehabilitation of treatment facilities on ABS Legacy AMD discharge sites, but grants may also be awarded for ABS bond forfeited land reclamation projects. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Read more
Some lawmakers in Harrisburg continue to press for legal cannabis, while a bipartisan measure to legalize cannabis for adults is stalled in the Pennsylvania State Senate. "We did our part in the House, but the Senate is still falling on the job," Rep. Darisha Parker (D) said. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program Who May Apply: Grants may be awarded to PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees Use: Offsetting the cost of designing or redesigning product labels to include the PA Preferred logo, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes logo or PA Preferred Organic logo or Enhancing farmers’ market displays with the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes or PA Preferred Organic logos Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in funding, with no grant to exceed $10,000 Application Deadline: Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program.) Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount is $72 million. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Read more
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