Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs: Pennsylvania River of the Year

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Mini Grant Programs, including the River of the Year initiative, aim to enhance public awareness and conservation efforts for designated rivers. Local organizations can apply for a $15,000 grant to support year-long activities celebrating the honored river. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions, with a focus on engaging communities in outdoor recreation and resource protection.

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.

Eligibility

Must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, municipality, municipal agencies, or an educational institution.If a nonprofit, the organizations must be registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations.Must have the capacity to host a yearlong schedule of activities celebrating the River of the YearMust hold at least one on-water sojourn kayak/canoe event

Ineligibility

All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except those from the past 5 years which include:2025 - Delaware River2024 – Allegheny River2023 – Susquehanna North Branch2022 – French Creek2021 – Shenango River