Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs: Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini Grants

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council offers Mini Grants to support projects in the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aim to enhance outdoor recreation, conservation, and community engagement in Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties. Eligible applicants include non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions, with a required 1:1 match for project funding. This initiative fosters collaboration among stakeholders to promote the region's natural resources and sustainable communities.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and our supporting organization the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) currently administer eight mini-grant programs. Each program is unique with specific goals and objectives but all focus on one or more of the following areas of interest: land and water trails; outdoor recreation; resource protection and conservation; and community engagement.
PEC administers the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape (LHCL) Mini-Grant Program with funding from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program.
Projects must be within Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties and advance the priorities of the LHCL Conservation Landscape: Conservation, Outdoor Activities, Tourism / Visitor Experience, Sustainable Communities / Climate Resilience.
Applicants can request $1,000 - $10,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).

Eligibility

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