DCNR: Community and Watershed Forestry Program Grant

Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR)

The DCNR Community and Watershed Forestry Program offers financial support to enhance forest buffers, convert lawns, and plant urban trees. Grants start at $50,000, covering up to 80% of project costs, with local matching funds required. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, nonprofits, and other organizations committed to conservation efforts. This initiative aims to strengthen community forestry practices, contributing to environmental sustainability and improved local ecosystems.

The Community and Watershed Forestry Program provides financial assistance to identify locations in need of riparian forest buffers, lawn conversion, and urban tree-planting and to design, implement, and establish those practices.
Funding
Minimum grant award of $50,000. Funds provided by DCNR may not exceed 80 percent of the approved project cost. Local match can include cash and/or non-cash (volunteer, donation, in-kind) sources.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants for Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding include:

• Counties
• Municipalities
• Municipal agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• State Heritage Areas
• Prequalified land trusts

For-profit enterprises (for some grant types)Most programs require a minimum cash or noncash matching contribution from the applicant that is equal to 50 percent of the project cost