Communities across Pennsylvania can now apply for state grants to fund parks, recreation and conservation projects, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources opens its latest round of Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding.

Applications are open now through 4 p.m. April 2.

These grants are a key part of the Shapiro administration’s commitment to revitalizing communities and expanding outdoor opportunities, addressing the growing demand within Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry. Last year, nearly $80 million was invested in more than 300 projects, impacting communities all across the commonwealth.

“These grants are key to achieving our goal of investing in the things that make communities great — public health, safety and wellness for all Pennsylvanians,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “By supporting projects that improve parks, trails and green spaces, we’re fostering stronger, healthier communities and boosting local economies. Outdoor recreation is a critical part of life in Pennsylvania, and these investments ensure that everyone has access to safe, enjoyable natural spaces.”

Investments made in 2024 supported the development of 25 new local parks, the rehabilitation of 85 existing parks, the protection of more than 6,800 acres for recreation and habitat preservation and $10 million to support trails, including nine projects aimed at addressing critical trail gaps.

Eligible applicants include local governments and recreation and conservation nonprofit organizations.

The grants fund park and recreation rehabilitation and new development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and streamside tree planting and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources.

Grant applications are only accepted through DCNR’s Grants Customer Service Portal. A portal tutorial video is available on DCNR’s YouTube channel to help potential applicants learn about grant requirements and how to navigate the application interface.

“These grants are key in helping DCNR accomplish its mission to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment,” Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz said.

DCNR staff can assist with answering questions, visiting potential project sites and developing competitive grant applications. Before starting an application, potential applicants should contact a regional adviser who serves the county where their project will be located.

Funding for Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants comes from multiple state and federal sources, including Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; Environmental Stewardship Fund; Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program; Keystone Tree Fund; Land and Water Conservation Fund; and Recreational Trails Program.

Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants have helped permanently protect more than 435,000 acres across Pennsylvania for outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat and water quality. More than 40% of Pennsylvania’s 6,100 local parks have received a DCNR grant.

For more information, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program webpage.