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Brandywine Conservancy Now Accepting Brandywine Creek Greenway Mini Grant Applications

On August 31, the Brandywine Conservancy announced the launch of Round 4 of the Brandywine Creek Greenway’s Mini-Grant Program for 2023-2024. Applications are due September 29.

This program is funded by a recent grant of $85,000 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program Environmental Stewardship Fund, administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

With these funds, the Brandywine Conservancy will be able to grant awards of $2,000 to $25,000 to projects that will support and advance the goals and objectives of the Greenway’s Strategic Action Plan in portions of Chester and Delaware counties.

The mini-grant program will fund small projects that improve parks, open space and community trails, and will advance priority conservation and recreation projects identified in the Greenway's Strategic Action Plan, plus other publicly vetted municipal planning documents.

Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3), municipalities, counties and some educational institutions. Nonprofit organizations must submit proof of nonprofit status and be registered with the PA Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations.

Mini grants may not be used to fulfill match requirements for other DCNR-funded grant projects.

The maximum grant award is $25,000; any amount greater will require approval by DCNR. All projects, related costs and funding must conform to the guidelines of the DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program.

Important application dates:

-- Application Deadline: September 29, 2023, by 4 p.m.

-- Grant Awards Announced: November 20, 2023

-- Contracts Executed: December 4, 2023

-- Projects Begin: December 2023

-- Projects Completed: October 2024

-- Final Site Inspections by Mini-Grant Local Project Coordinator: October 2024

-- Final Payments: Issued upon project completion, satisfactory final site inspection and DCNR approval

For all the details, visit the Brandywine Creek Greenway’s Mini-Grant Program webpage. Questions should be directed to Elena Hadley at ehadley@brandywine.org for general questions and previous grant rounds contact Sarah Sharp at ssharp@brandywine.org.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Brandywine Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (middle of the webpage.) Visit the Conservancy’s Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram.

The Conservancy currently holds over 485 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of more than 70,000 acres of land.

NewsClips:

-- TribLive: Gov. Shapiro Touts Connellsville, Fayette County As An Example Of Success Investing In Outdoor Recreation

-- Post-Gazette - Mary Ann Thomas: Gov. Shapiro Visits Fayette County To Promote Spending On Parks And Outdoor Recreation

-- Observer-Reporter: Shapiro: Connellsville ‘A Great Example’ Of How Outdoor Recreation Leads To Revitalization

-- TribLive: Ride The Natural Water Slides At Ohiopyle State Park - Video

-- PA Capital-Star: PA Launches Office Of Outdoor Recreation

-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: New PA Office Aims To Grow Outdoors Recreation Economy, Jobs

-- Williamsport Sun Editorial: Economic Impact Of Outdoor Recreation Cannot Be Overstated

-- Warren Times: DCNR Highlights Trail Of The Year In McKean County

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Ranks Among 10 Best Small Cities For Outdoor Enthusiasts

-- WHYY/BillyPenn: Jerome Shabazz’s Grand Vision To Turn Vacant Lots Into New Park System In Philadelphia [Chair of DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council ]

-- Williamsport Sun: Susquehanna River Offers Close-To-Home Outlet For Those Who Want To Enjoy Morning Boat Trip, Exercise