How much funding does Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program) provide?

Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program) provides Up to $30,000+ (distributed across 10-15 events annually) in funding.

When is the deadline for Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program)?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around March.

Who is eligible for Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program)?

Eligible applicants: Current Charitable Organization Registration Statement (BCO certificate) required. Required: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program)

Q: How often is Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program) offered?

Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program) runs on an annual cycle. The next deadline is expected March 20, 2027.

Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Inc

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Environmental Grants Environmental Education Grants Community Services Grants

Funding Amount

Up to $30,000+ (distributed across 10-15 events annually)

Deadline

Expected ~March

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Current deadline: March 20, 2027
Tracked since: April 2026

Deadlines typically fall in: March

From the program guidelines: “Applications typically due in March each year”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Current Charitable Organization Registration Statement (BCO certificate) required

Required status

501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Not eligible / not funded

Not eligible: Private trips are not eligible

Overview

Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant

Program Overview: The PA Sojourn Program is a nationally unique program that awards more than $30,000 in grants across the state to support local organizations and their sojourn events. POWR supports between 10 to 15 paddling events annually.

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania rivers and streams statewide

Focus Areas:

Single and multi-day paddling events on Pennsylvania rivers
Events with incorporated significant educational programming
Events open to all participants

Program Impact: Over the years, PA Sojourns supported by POWR have encompassed over 500 river miles, 50+ on-the-water days, offering more than 100 educational programs and engaging over 4,000 people annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

501(c)(3) watershed organizations
Current Charitable Organization Registration Statement (BCO certificate) required
Private trips are not eligible

Acceptable Uses:

Project costs must follow PA DCNR guidelines
See PA DCNR guidelines for detailed eligible expenses

Administrator: Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR)

Prime sponsor: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR)

Contact Information:

Address: 1151 Oak Street, Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: (570) 718-6507
Website: pawatersheds.org

How to Apply

Application Process

Submission Method: Online only through PEC's grant platform

Applications are NO LONGER accepted via email or mail
Submit at: https://pecpa.org/apply

Application Timeline (2026 Cycle):

Opening: February 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Deadline: March 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Applications typically due in March each year

Required Information:

Organization must be 501(c)(3) with current BCO certificate
Demonstrate significant educational programming in sojourn event
Confirm event is open to all participants
Provide project costs following PA DCNR guidelines

Recommended Resources:

Visit "Plan a Safe Trip" webpage for videos with tips for planning safe and successful sojourns
Review "Success Stories" page for innovative programming ideas for various ages and abilities

Submission Format:

Online application through PEC platform

Apply with Grantable Learn more

What Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 7
Total given: $103K
Median grant: $18K
Range: $7,000–$21K

By dollars: Pennsylvania 100%. Top recipient cities: Lackawaxen, PA; Schwenksville, PA; Scranton, PA.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

Example grants

Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition · Lackawaxen, PA

2025 delaware river sojourn: "celebrating 30 years on sojourn time"

$21K
Perkiomen Watershed · Schwenksville, PA

Marlborough access project

$20K
Lackawanna Heritage Valley · Scranton, PA

Mayfield lackawanna river ramp repair and redesign

$20K
The Watersmith Guild Inc · Cheswick, PA

First waves regional series & aqua lab adventures

$18K
Friends of Historic Heishman's Mill · Carlise, PA

Launch stairs and slide for portage at heishman's mill

$10K