October 2025 Grants Newsletter

With Harrisburg’s budget impasse, the addition of newly listed grant programs has slowed to a trickle. Likewise, many programs that were expected to begin announcing awards have delayed those decisions and announcements until a state budget is in place.

Looking for some insight into what’s happening in Harrisburg and where things stand? Watch or listen to Episode 12 of C & G Strategies’ podcast, Insight & Influence. Partners Rob Vescio and Tony Crisci talk about the budget process traditionally, what’s happened this year, what clients need to know, and what they expect to happen.

Even with the impasse, there are still a few programs accepting applications. Consider the following:

DEP: Small Business Advantage Grant

The Small Business Advantage Grant program provides assistance to small businesses (100 or fewer employees) to undertake energy efficiency, pollution prevention, or natural resource protection projects. The goal of the program is to increase a small business’s competitiveness while allowing them to make improvements to the state’s environment.

The program offers small businesses a reimbursement grant ranging from 50% or $7,500 (whichever is less) up to 80% or $12,000 (whichever is less) for eligible project costs. Maximum grant awards vary based on the environmental impact of a project and if it is located in an environmental justice area. Reimbursement after project completion.

More Information: Small Business Advantage Grant 

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026

DEP: Environmental Education Grants Program

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Education Grants Program welcomes applications for the development of innovative formal and non-formal education projects that: 1) Address grant program priorities; 2) Provide opportunities to expand the public’s understanding of Pennsylvania’s environmental issues; and 3) Develop skills required to make informed decisions and take responsible action on behalf of the environment.

Approximately $1,020,000 is forecasted for 2026 grant distribution to eligible applicants such as public and private schools and universities, county conservation districts, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Projects must be implemented July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. There are three tiers of awards available: Seed Grants for projects up to $5,000; Grow Grants for projects between $5,001 and $30,000; and Impact Grants for projects between $30,001 and $65,000. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis.

More Information: Environmental Education Grants Program

Application Deadline: November 14, 2025

Ag: Farm-to-School Grant Program

A school district, school, charter school, private school or center with prekindergarten classes, kindergarten classes, elementary classes or middle school classes through the eighth grade that participate in a Federal child nutrition program are eligible for Ag’s Farm-to-School grant program.

Funds can be used to educate prekindergartners through eighth graders and their families about the importance of choosing healthy, locally produced foods and to increase awareness of agriculture in this Commonwealth. Up to $500,000 is expected to be available for the program

More Information: Farm-to-School Grant Program

Application Deadline: November 14, 2025

C & G Strategies can assist in creating funding strategies to move you towards your goals, and there’s plenty of work to be done – even during a budget impasse.

Contact Kim Hileman today to get started on a funding strategy that will set you up for success. Email her at kim@cgstrategiespa.com.

C & G Strategies | cgstrategiespa.com | info@cgstrategiespa.com

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