Grant Program Instructions

The DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC) builds connections between the citizens and the outdoors through recreation enhancement, natural resources conservation and community revitalization efforts.

DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Grant Announcement Lists 2007 – Current

Before You Start:

1) Before you start your application, contact your Regional Advisor
2) Review the Grant Manual before you start your application.
3) If you are unsure whether you have a VIN or do not remember the number, you can call the Vendor Data Management Unit at 717-346-2676 (Harrisburg area) or 877-435-7363 (toll free).
4) Please view the Grant Workshop Tutorial Webinar - General Overview
5) For first-time applicants and others in need of a refresher on how to apply, see our Instructional Video
6) If you have not logged in or do not have an account, visit the Sign In page to get started.
7) Complete and Submit your grant BEFORE the 4 PM deadline.

If you need additional assistance, feel free to call (1-800-326-7734, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST Monday through Friday) or email us at any time.

Available Grant Opportunities
Grant Program
Open Date(s)
Description
DCNR Administrative Projects
Open year round
More info
Get started
Peer and Circuit Rider
Open year round
More info
Get started
These grant programs fund projects that help municipalities, counties, multi-municipal partnerships, and council of governments to increase local capacity for recreation, parks and conservation. The Peer program funds projects that, through a collaborative process, focus on a specific need identified by the grantee and its partners. The Circuit Rider program aides in the hiring of a full-time park, recreation or conservation professional whose services are shared by the members of a formal partnership, commission or authority.
Up-coming Grant Opportunities
Grant Program
Open Date(s)
Description
Community and Watershed Forestry
Opens on 01/12/2026 and Closes on 04/30/2026
More info
The DCNR Community and Watershed Forestry Program provides financial assistance to identify locations in need of riparian forest buffers, conversion of lawn to habitat, and community tree planting and to design, implement, and establish those practices. Eligible applicants requesting Urban and Community Forestry funding should apply here.
Community Recreation and Conservation Planning
Opens on 01/12/2026 and Closes on 04/30/2026
More info
Planning projects "lay the groundwork" for future land acquisition, development and/or management of parks, recreational facilities, critical habitat, open space, natural areas, greenways; and river, stream, and waterway watersheds.
Land Acquisition and Conservation
Opens on 01/12/2026 and Closes on 04/30/2026
More info
These projects involve the purchase and/or donation of land for park and recreation areas, greenways, critical habitat areas and/or open space.
Motorized Trails and Recreation
Opens on 08/03/2026 and Closes on 09/30/2026
More info
Motorized Trails & Recreation projects support ATVing, Snowmobiling, Off-Highway Motorcycling, and Four-Wheel Driving activities, but project eligibility and match requirements vary.  Projects primarily benefitting ATV or Snowmobile recreational trails and facilities include the following eligible project types: planning; acquisition of land; development, rehabilitation or maintenance; the purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction; training and educational activities.  Projects primarily benefitting Off-Highway Motorcycle or Four-Wheel Drive recreational trails and facilities include the following eligible project types: development, rehabilitation, or maintenance; the purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction; training and educational activities. Grant funds available for this round: ATV Management Restricted Account – $600,000 (approximately) Snowmobile Management Restricted Account - $0
Non-motorized Trails
Opens on 01/12/2026 and Closes on 04/30/2026
More info
Trail projects include the acquisition, planning, development, rehabilitation, or maintenance of designated routes on land or water for non-motorized recreation activities, as well as the purchase or lease of equipment to be used exclusively for the maintenance or construction of non-motorized land and water trails and non-motorized trail-related facilities.   
Park Rehabilitation and Development
Opens on 01/12/2026 and Closes on 04/30/2026
More info
These projects involve the rehabilitation and development of public parks, recreation facilities, greenways and river conservation projects. Eligible applicants requesting funding under the Small Community Program should apply here.
State and Regional Partnerships
Opens on 01/12/2026 and Closes on 04/30/2026
More info
Partnerships projects are collaborative statewide or regional initiatives that help build local, county, regional and statewide capacity to better develop and manage recreation and park facilities and to promote the conservation of natural and heritage resources through plan implementation, education and training.