Mini-Grants

The Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape hosts an annual mini-grant program to advance landscape-wide project work.

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About the Mini-Grant Program

The Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) and administered by Natural Lands. The program provides funding awards to partners up to $15,000 for projects that support and advance the goals and objectives of the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape. 

We fund projects that advance our goals

Projects that support the goals and objectives of the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape are eligible for funding.  Mini-grant applications should demonstrate how the project will connect residents and visitors to the outdoors; encourage nature-based tourism and sustainable economies; protect natural resource conservation; and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the Schuylkill Highlands. The project should advance at least one of the four goals mentioned below.

Types of Projects

Conservation, Recreation, and Nature-Based Tourism 
  • Agricultural or storm water best management practices.
  • A regional trail feasibility, boardwalks, mapping, master plans, and trail construction.
  • Implementation of land stewardship, restoration, and conservation plans.
  • Water quality, habitat improvement, restoration projects, and riparian buffers.
  • Marketing and tour planning materials, maps, brochures, and or other educational materials.
  • Interpretive and wayfinding signage 
  • Recreational user amenities such as bike racks, benches, and bottle fill stations.
  • Water trail landings, fishing piers and development of access points from rivers, and streams.
  • Plans or conservation ordinances that result in a significant contribution to the protection of important natural, cultural, and recreational resources

Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply?

Mini-grants are awarded to municipal, regional, and county government agencies and incorporated non-profit organizations registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.

Project Eligibility Boundary Map

Funded projects must be located within the geographic boundaries of the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape to be eligible for funding.

Map showing the Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program project eligibility boundary, including parts of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, and Schuylkill counties in Pennsylvania.

Mini-Grant Application Supporting Documents

Ranking Criteria

Mini-Grant Documents

Progress Report Narrative
Close-Out Instructions 
Final Report Narrative
Project Success Story
Summary of Costs
Close-Out and Final Payment Request Form

Branding

Schuylkill Highlands & DCNR Logos

Contact Information

Application questions and preliminary project proposals should be communicated to:

Estelle Wynn Dolan
Schuylkill Highlands Program Manager
Natural Lands
1031 Palmers Mill Rd.
Media, PA 19063
610-353-5587 x213
edolan@natlands.org

Apply Online

All applications must be submitted through the online portal here.

Past Projects

Below is an archive of past projects funded by the Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program.

RiverfrontPark Royersford

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