CONSERVATION GRANTS
The grant-making program of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds (FPW) supports local efforts toward the protection and restoration of Pennsylvania’s water resources. It focuses on both protecting pristine waterways and rehabilitating those that are highly polluted. By offering private matching grant funds, the program aims to assist both small and large conservation groups through most of the Commonwealth. The grants target the enhancement of water quality and the conservation of water resources for the benefit of children, families and wildlife in the future, embodying the Foundation’s commitment to securing clean and healthy water resources for future generations.
GRANTMAKING GOALS
- Improve water quality and aquatic habitat in impaired watersheds.
- Strengthen community capacity for long-term watershed stewardship.
- Advance land conservation strategies that protect critical headwaters.
- Increase public access on streams as they rebound.
- Build organizational capacity to leverage available federal and state resources for increased conservation impact.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
- On-the-ground restoration/conservation projects that demonstrate measurable impact.
- Projects that leverage additional funding or involve strong collaboration.
- Applications that demonstrate increased or improved public access to recreational water resources.
REQUIREMENTS
- FPW awards grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities such as conservation districts. We will verify tax exempt status.
- FPW’s funding is available for projects within Pennsylvania. However, some restrictions may apply each grant cycle, making some funds only available for certain regions.
- Application must demonstrate some match (cash or in kind)
- Final reporting is mandatory for all grants
TIMELINE & PROCESS
- Letter of Intent due Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
- Full Proposals (if LOI is accepted) due Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
- Fall Board Meeting Nov. 12, 2025
- Decisions Announced by Nov. 21, 2025
FPW conservation grant award amounts average $20,000-$25,000. We typically award 20-30 grants per cycle.
If you have questions about Conservation Grants, please contact Grants Program Administrator Maggie Anderson. We welcome pre-application conversations (in-person or virtual) to gauge interest and alignment.
See below to download a pdf of the LOI questions. (This PDF is intended for planning purposes only. Please use the portal to submit your LOI.)
Use the FPW grants portal to submit your LOI: apply.fpwgrants.org
CONVENING GRANTS
The Convening Grants offered by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds are designed to facilitate project collaboration and support special needs within the realm of water conservation and restoration.
GRANTMAKING GOALS
- Foster collaboration between like-minded groups.
- Help develop plans for future efforts.
- Create space for innovative ideas.
- Enhance networking and partnership.
REQUIREMENTS
- FPW awards grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities such as conservation districts. We will verify tax exempt status.
- FPW’s funding is available for projects within Pennsylvania. However, some restrictions may apply each grant cycle, making some funds only available for certain regions.
- Application must demonstrate some match (cash or in kind)
- Final reporting is mandatory for all grants
TIMELINE & PROCESS
- Convening grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Submissions are reviewed monthly. We suggest submitting your request for a convening grant at least two months before the date your funds are required.
FPW convening grants are available for a maximum of $2,000. Organizations with active conservation grants are eligible to receive convening grants.
If you have questions about Convening Grants, please contact Grants Program Administrator Maggie Anderson.
Use the FPW grants portal to submit your application: apply.fpwgrants.org