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Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant (PA Sojourn Program)

Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds

Foundation Annual Grants for NonprofitsEnvironmental GrantsEnvironmental Education GrantsCommunity Services Grants

Funding Amount

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

Deadline

March 20, 2027

177 days left

Grant Type

foundation

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 actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

    Grants in 2024
    16
    Total given
    $308K
    Median grant
    $18K
    Range
    $6,188–$30K
    • By dollars: Pennsylvania 100%. Top recipient cities: Verova, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA.
    • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

    Example grants

    • Brandywine Conservancy · Chadds Ford, PA

      Brandywine conservancy - campus creek access site

      $30K

    • County of Bucks · Doylestown, PA

      Hal h. clark boat launch project

      $30K

    • Lackawanna Hertiage Valley · Scranton, PA

      Lackawanna river water trail access site, carbondale

      $30K

    • Manada Conservancy · Hummelstown, PA

      Expanding manada conservancy's clawson preserve - vogele fee acquisition

      $30K

    • Verona Borough · Verova, PA

      Public dock ada modifications

      $30K

    IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitsenvironmentenvironmental-educationcommunity-services

    Categories

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