new grants portal now open
Conservation grant LOI and convening grant application forms are available
The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds (FPW) is excited to announce that our new grants portal is now open! The new system allows you to track applications and reports in one place and receive automatic deadline reminders.
Because this is a brand new portal, all current and future grantees will need to create a new account for their first login. Here are some details to help get started:
- Navigate to apply.fpwgrants.org and click “Create a New Account” to get started. (Note: All individuals should create their own account. These user accounts will be linked to organization profiles, and all users connected to the same organization can see the same information.)
- Current grantees with reports requirements will see reporting forms on their In Progress tab and will receive an email with more detailed instructions on completing these reports.
- Your organization’s past grants are still being added to the system by our data migration team. These will be available in the Submitted tab in a few weeks.
- For assistance navigating the new portal, access our user guide below.
We hosted a webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. to walk through the registration process. Click here to view the recording.
We encourage you to create your account early so you can explore the system before deadlines approach. Available applications include the Conservation Grants Spring 2026 round with deadlines listed below as well as Convening Grants, which are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can find both of these opportunities on the Opportunities tab.
For our Spring 2026 grant round, the deadlines are:
- March 20 - LOIs due
- April 17 - Full proposals due
- mid-May - Awards and announcements
As always, if you have any questions, need technical assistance with the portal, or would like to discuss a grant proposal, please reach out to me at manderson@thefpw.org.
Thanks for your patience as we worked behind the scenes to create this new grantee experience!
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 on water quality.
- 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, March 20, 2026
- Full Proposals (if LOI is accepted) due Friday, April 17, 2026
- Spring Board Meeting mid-May 2026
- Fall 2026 grant round dates TBA (typically August-December)
FPW conservation grant award amounts average $20,000. We typically award 15-30 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.
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.