Burns: Many state grant opportunities available
Funds to assist with education, food access
Rep. Frank Burns December 17, 2019 | 9:45 AM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Counties, nonprofits and municipalities should consider applying for a variety of competitive state grant programs, including several with upcoming deadlines, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today.
Burns, D-Cambria, said he has consistently provided state grant information to eligible entities as a way to have more tax dollars returned to communities, and will continue to encourage them to apply for these state funds.
“Cambria County has received over $21 million this year alone toward efforts to keep our residents safe, providing educational opportunities for students and workers, and supporting organizations that help those in need,” Burns said. “I highly encourage you to contact my office if you feel you may be eligible for these grants, and we can assist you with the application process.”
Burns added that Charlie Vizzini, who serves as an interim grant-writing liaison in his Ebensburg office, can be reached at 814-472-8021 to provide information and help in applying for the following grants:
Pennsylvania Department of Education: PAsmart – Advancing Computer Science and STEM Education Grants
Eligibility: School districts, career and technology centers, charter schools, cyber charter schools, intermediate units, postsecondary institutions and public libraries. Each proposal must have a lead applicant, a fiscal agent and a partnership.
Use: Collaborative efforts with business, industry, education, nonprofit and community partners to expand access to computer science and STEM education at all levels.
Funds: Up to $500,000.
Application Deadline: Jan. 10, 2020.
More Information: Click on https://www.education.pa.gov/Policy-Funding/SchoolGrants/PAsmart/Pages/default.aspx.
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PAsmart Apprenticeship Grants
Eligibility: Businesses, community-based organizations, economic development organizations, industry associations, labor organizations, local education agencies, nonprofits, public libraries, post-secondary institutions and local workforce development boards.
Use: To sponsor or serve as intermediaries of registered apprenticeships in the building or construction trades, in non-traditional industries and through Ambassador Networks.
Funds: Up to $500,000 per application, depending upon the category.
Application Deadline: Jan. 10, 2020.
More Information: Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Documents/PAsmart%20Apprenticeship/PAsmart-Apprenticeship-NGA.pdf.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Farm to School Grant Program
Eligibility: School districts, charter schools and private schools with pre-K or K-5 classes.
Use: Access to fresh, local food, as well as nutrition and agriculture education, educational activities and field trips.
Funds: Up to $15,000. A 25% match is required; may be in-kind contributions.
Application Deadline: Jan. 15, 2020
More Information: Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Farm-to-School-Grant-Program.aspx.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Section 902 Recycling Implementation Grant
Eligibility: Municipalities, including counties and consortiums established by two or more municipalities.
Use: To fund costs associated with developing and implementing a recycling program.
Funds: 90% funding of approved recycling program costs, up to $350,000. Financially distressed communities may receive up to 100% funding of approved costs, not to exceed $350,000.
Application Deadline: March 20, 2020. Pre-application conferences with DEP Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinators are required.
More Information: Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Land/Waste/Recycling/Municipal-Resources/FinancialAssistance/Pages/default.aspx and see “Act 101, Section 902.”
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including shelters, soup kitchens and food banks.
Use: For the procurement of equipment (refrigerators, refrigerated vehicles, forklifts, etc.) to transport and protect food donations and prevent food waste.
Funds: Up to $200,000.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2020; applicants are required to meet with their DEP Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinator prior to applying.
More Information: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Land/Waste/Recycling/Municipal-Resources/FinancialAssistance/Pages/default.aspx.