Learn about DEP environmental grants: Maybe your project qualifies
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection administers 50 grant programs
for environmental projects. 2025 grants are winding down, but you can get a jump on 2026-2027
grant requirments and qualifications. If you want to do something big or small to help the environment and you can get some financial help for your project, why not apply?
Here is a short list of some of thre grants your organization could be eligible for:
DEP: Grants, Loans, and Rebates | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
EE: Environmental Education Grants | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
SBAG: Small Business Advantage Grant | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
WIIN: Lead Information for Schools and Child Care Facilities | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
AFIG: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Grants Application Page: Enterprise eGrants System
Commonwealth: Discover State Grants | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The education grants are especially geared to small to medioum projects. DEP awarded $1,173,789 in Environmental Education Grants to 68 projects in 2025 that will promote environmental education and stewardship across Pennsylvania.
Nearly all of the projects will support people in environmental justice communities, communities composed of Pennsylvanians that are more threatened by climate change, air pollution and water pollution.
These Delaware County projects received grants in 2025:
- Lower Merion Conservancy was awarded $27,250 for “Enhancing Environmental Resilience in Urban Communities” to offer property owner workshops and technical assistance. Two tree-planting events will be hosted.
- Delaware County Conservation District was awarded $5,000 to host the “Delaware County Annual Sustainability Conference.” A one-day hybrid event will engage academics, professionals, community members and citizen scientists.
- Ridley School District was awarded $16,889 for “Pathways to Climate Stewardship: Environmental Literacy with the Climate Action Kit.” The project will train teachers and offer a platform for students to design, build and code real-world climate action solutions. Students will use a vertical aeroponic system to grow and harvest plants.
Organizations eligible for education grants include:
- Public schools and school districts (PreK-12), including intermediate units and charter schools
- Incorporated private schools (under limited circumstances, private religious schools may be exempted from the incorporation requirement)
- Incorporated conservation and education organizations and institutions
- Universities and colleges
- County conservation districts
- Incorporated nonprofit organizations
- Businesses (must be registered to do business in PA)
Municipalities are not eligible but are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants.
The 2026 Environmental grant application deadline is already passed and the 2027 application period won’t be starting until later in 2026, but put this on your list of things to do next year.
Photo” Wikimefdia Commons
