Watershed Mini Grant Program

Watershed Mini Grant Program

Funder: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) and Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

Overview: Provides financial assistance to watershed groups and organizations across the region. A cash or non-cash match is preferred but not required.

Geographic Scope

Funding available to watershed groups and organizations in the following counties:
• Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, Washington, and Westmoreland

Funding Categories

Category 1: Water Quality Monitoring and Restoration Projects

Award amount: Up to $3,000

Examples: Data loggers, water quality monitoring equipment, sample analysis costs, stream restoration work

Category 2: Organizational Promotion and Outreach

Award amount: Up to $2,000

Examples: Brochure printing, newsletter distribution, educational materials, signage installation, educational displays

Eligibility

• Applicants: Watershed groups and organizations (including volunteer-based organizations)
• Geographic Scope: 27-county region in Pennsylvania
• Match: Cash or non-cash match preferred but not required

Program History

• Since 2005: WPC and Dominion Foundation have collaborated on this program
• Total awarded (as of 2017): $343,475 to more than 115 organizations
• Annual cycle with multiple awards per year

Funding Source

• Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation provides financial support
• Foundation mission: Dedicated to improving physical, social, and economic well-being of communities served by Dominion Energy

Contact Information

• Organization: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Watershed Conservation office
• Phone: 724-471-7202
• Extended Contact: Abrianna Sadler (for 2017-2018 cycle)
• Phone Extension: 5109

Background

• WPC is a private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932
• Has helped establish 10 state parks
• Conserved more than 255,000 acres of natural lands
• Protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams