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Kazeem secures $4.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund community, educational and infrastructure investments

(Jul 17, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

CHESTER, July 17 – New funding of $4.8 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major construction, renovation and community development projects across the 159th Legislative District, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today. “I’m beyond proud to have brought these dollars home,” Kazeem said. “The breadth of projects funded reflect our district’s rich diversity and respond to the needs of our communities. Whether it’s expanding educational opportunities, creating community gathering spaces or investing in infrastructure improvements, this funding will strengthen our neighborhoods, enhance our quality of life and energize our local economy. I’m committed to bringing back every single grant dollar to invest in projects that create opportunities for our residents.” $2.5 million for Widener University to renovate and modernize Latham Hall. Improvements will include construction of a masonry retaining wall, site grading to improve drainage, installation of an accessible entrance ramp and landscaping enhancements. $1.5 million for the Chester Upland School District to build a state-of-the-art athletic complex featuring an athletic training facility, grandstands, a concession stand, an eight-lane track, an artificial turf field and designated off-street parking. $500,000 for Monroe Energy LLC to install a new cooling tower to replace Read more

 

Kazeem secures $39M for safer, modern wastewater disinfection system

(Jul 15, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

HARRISBURG, July 15 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, today announced the award of a $34 million low-interest state loan to help Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority replace its current chlorine gas-based disinfection system with a safer, ultraviolet light-based system. The benefits of the UV system will eliminate the need to use chlorine gas for wastewater disinfection, simplifying operations, removing the requirement for DELCORA’s chlorine risk management plan, and substantially improving facility operations and public safety. DELCORA will continue to use sodium hypochlorite for non-disinfection purposes, including return activated sludge treatment, chlorination, odor control, and utility water, as well as for backup disinfection. "This investment will help protect the health and safety of Delaware County residents while modernizing our wastewater treatment infrastructure," Kazeem said. "Replacing chlorine gas with a UV disinfection system reduces potential risks to workers, nearby communities, and the environment. I'm proud to support projects that make our public utilities safer, more efficient, and better equipped to serve our communities for years to come." PENNVEST is an independent agency that provides financial assistance for drinking water, sewer, and stormwater projects across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 15, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 14, 2026 More information: RAAC Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Local Share Account: Monroe County Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development agencies, or redevelopment authorities within Monroe County or the five contiguous counties to Monroe (Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne). Use: Public interest projects, community improvement projects, economic development projects, or roadway improvement projects. Funds: Funded by gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Local Share Account: Category 4 Facilities Program (Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties) Who May Apply: Municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, or economic development agencies in a county hosting a Category 4 Read more

 

Kazeem praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and support for working families in 2026-27 state budget

(Jul 13, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, celebrated the 2026-27 state budget’s historic investments in education and support for Pennsylvania’s working families. “Our students deserve a high-quality education, so they have the skills and knowledge to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce,” Kazeem said. “This budget will ensure that all Pennsylvania’s students have access to educational opportunities that will lay the foundation for life-long success.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and a $58 million increase in basic education and $47 increase in special education funding, to ensure every student can succeed. Kazeem said the school districts in the 159th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases: $6.3 million, or 4.9% increase for Chester-Upland School District $1.5 million, or 7.1% increase for Chichester School District $1.3 million, or 5.1% increase for Ridley School District $404,000 or 3.4% increase for Penn-Delco School District Kazeem also praised the budget’s increased support for key healthcare programs: $615.2 million or 7% increase, for Medical Assistance managed care program $484.7 million or 16.1% increase, for Medical Assistance Capitation $130.5 million or 2.3% increase, for Medical Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agriculture, CTE, Tourism, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Jul 09, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program Who May Apply: Family farm corporations, family farm partnerships, farm enterprises, nonprofit education institutions Use: Reduce operating expenses through practices that are ecologically beneficial, improve soil quality and fertility, improve water quality, and reduce or eliminate the need for the purchase of off-farm inputs, such as chemical or synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Funds: Grants may not exceed $25,000 except as provided in this subsection. An additional amount of up to $25,000 may be granted if the grantee matches that additional amount dollar for dollar so that an individual grant may not exceed $50,000 in one calendar year. Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Transportation: Career and Technical Education Grant Who May Apply: Public, private, and cyber schools, career and technical centers, youth development centers, and institutions of higher learning Use: To develop and implement new technical training curriculum or to expand existing technical training curriculum and/or delivery, relevant to the heavy highway industry Funds: The total amount of direct grant reimbursement funding available under this program is $12 million. PennDOT intends to award a single individual grant up to $500,000 per eligible applicant. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Nonprofit security, Redevelopment, Scholarship, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Jun 29, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Emergency Management Agency: Nonprofit Security Grant Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: Provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high-risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. Funds: This program is funded through FEMA using federal dollars. The maximum award request is $200,000. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PEMA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026 First Chance Trust Fund Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any school district identified as having statistically higher high school dropout and incarceration rates based on data from the PA Department of Education and the PA Department of Corrections. Please refer to Appendix A for a full listing of eligible school districts. Use: Direct financial support to eligible students via scholarship, administrative support directly related to the administration of student scholarships and connecting at-risk youth with community-based organizations, or community-based organization (CBO) direct programming support. Funds: A total of $3.3 million in state funding is being made available to support this initiative. PCCD anticipates awarding up to $150,000 per grantee for an initial two-year project period. Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 More Read more

 

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 12, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more

 

Every missing child matters: New Ebony Alert System legislation seeks equal urgency for missing black and brown youth

(Jun 03, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Children & Youth Committee on Tuesday reported out legislation ( H.B. 434 ) by state Reps. Gina Curry and Carol Kazeem’s that would establish an Ebony Alert System in Pennsylvania dedicated to finding missing Black and Brown youth, including young women and girls. According to the two Delaware County legislators, Black children accounted for 40% of all children under 18 reported missing in the United States in 2023, despite Black Americans comprising only 14% of the nation’s population. Similarly, Black women and girls represent approximately 18% of all missing persons cases while making up just 7% of the population. The lawmakers argue that cases involving missing children of color—particularly Black children—often receive less attention because they are disproportionately classified as runaways . That designation can prevent AMBER Alerts from being issued, reducing the law enforcement and public resources devoted to recovery efforts and limiting media coverage of their disappearances. Lack of media coverage of missing Black children -- just 7% according to one study -- has a devastating impact on the chances of recovery of missing Black children. Media attention raises public awareness and puts law enforcement on alert , resulting in them contributing critical resources to finding children. “Despite making up a significant percentage of missing child cases, Read more

 

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 03, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more

 

Seizure-smart schools save student lives: Pa. House passes legislation requiring mandatory epilepsy training for school nurses, staff

(Jun 02, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

HARRISBURG, June 2 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed state Rep. Carol Kazeem’s H.B. 1045 , which would require school nurses and staff to complete training approved by the state Department of Health to help them recognize the signs and symptoms of a seizure and how to provide first aid treatment. Currently, state law makes epilepsy training optional for school staff. “More than 129,000 Pennsylvanians have epilepsy, and many of them developed the brain disorder during childhood,” said Kazeem, D-Delaware. “Some even had their first seizure during the school day, far from the safety of their homes and their parents’ loving care. My legislation would increase the safety of our students and give their parents peace of mind by requiring that school nurses and other school personnel have the training that would enable them to quickly identify the signs of an epileptic seizure and provide the correct treatment.” Kazeem noted that incorrect treatment of a seizure can result in serious injury and even death. Kazeem’s legislation, developed in collaboration with the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, would ensure that school nurses and school professional employees who have direct contact with students complete training approved by the state Department of Health every two years to identify the signs of epileptic seizures and provide seizure first aid. The bill is with the state Senate Read more

 

Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 26, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more

 

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 30, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Act 167 Plans Who May Apply: Counties Use: To prepare and adopt a watershed stormwater management plan. Funds: Grant awards will be at least $30,000 and not more than $50,000. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants Who May Apply: Municipalities, municipal authorities, and appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations Use: The design, construction and/or rehabilitation of treatment facilities on ABS Legacy AMD discharge sites, but grants may also be awarded for ABS bond forfeited land reclamation projects. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Read more

 

Government grants & programs

(Apr 17, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

April 17, 2026 Read more

 

Kazeem announces nearly $1 million in state funding approved for local youth programs

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

CHESTER, April 15 –Two Chester City organizations, the Chester Education Foundation and the Make a Change Group, were awarded a total of nearly $1 million to expand their after-school programs for at-risk youth in the city, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today. Read more

 

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program Who May Apply: Grants may be awarded to PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees Use: Offsetting the cost of designing or redesigning product labels to include the PA Preferred logo, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes logo or PA Preferred Organic logo or Enhancing farmers’ market displays with the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes or PA Preferred Organic logos Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in funding, with no grant to exceed $10,000 Application Deadline: Read more

 

Democratic SE Delegation urges PUC to reject PECO rate hikes

(Apr 08, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

Members of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Southeast Delegation today wrote to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to express their strong opposition to proposed gas and electric rate hikes by PECO, according to state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, the delegation chair. Read more

 

Kazeem to co-host Senior Expo April 9

(Apr 06, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

CHESTER, April 6 -- State Rep. Carol Kazeem will co-host a Senior Expo with state Sen. John Kane from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Upper Chichester Fieldhouse, 8500 Furey Road, Upper Chichester. “Lots of our residents don’t know about all the resources that are available to them,” Kazeem said. “That’s why Senator Kane and I have planned this one-stop-shop event to give folks a comprehensive idea of the programs out there to help them. I’m looking forward to having face-to-face conversations with our seniors to hear their concerns and answer their questions.” The event is free and will feature vendors, giveaways, and a light lunch. Kazeem’s office staff will be present to answer questions about state-related issues. Information is available by calling Kazeem’s Chester office at 610-876-6420. Read more

 

Delaware County Legislative Delegation responds to PECO’s proposed rate hikes

(Apr 01, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

DELAWARE COUNTY, April 1 – On Monday, PECO filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to significantly increase their gas and electric rates beginning next year. On average, these rate hikes would cost families an additional $20.08 per month for electricity and $14.52 per month for natural gas. Members of the Delaware County Legislative Delegation offered the following statements in response: “PECO’s request to raise their prices comes at a time when we’re already seeing unprecedented expenses for basic necessities due to rapid tech innovation, extreme federal actions and our county’s strained health care systems,” Rep. Gina Curry said. “This proposed increase is not just about dollars, it’s about equity. Our most vulnerable communities are already carrying the heaviest burden, and they should not be asked to pay more for basic necessities. Energy is a right, not a luxury.” “Our working families are contending with surging prices on everything from groceries to gasoline,” said Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “In Harrisburg we’re working to help families manage the economic uncertainty stemming from mismanagement in Washington with policies like the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, but a price hike in their monthly PECO bill makes it harder and harder for families to get ahead.” Read more

 

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 31, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program.) Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount is $72 million. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Read more

 

Addressing ongoing housing crisis will improve economic development, testifiers say

(Mar 30, 2026) Rep. Carol Kazeem

As the cost of housing continues to soar and demand outweighs supply, Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking a closer look at how to help more people afford to buy or rent a home. Read more

 

Kazeem secures $4.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund community, educational and infrastructure investments
Jul 17, 2026

Kazeem secures $39M for safer, modern wastewater disinfection system
Jul 15, 2026

Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 15, 2026

Kazeem praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and support for working families in 2026-27 state budget
Jul 13, 2026

Grant Memo: Agriculture, CTE, Tourism, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Jul 09, 2026

Grant Memo: Nonprofit security, Redevelopment, Scholarship, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Jun 29, 2026

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 12, 2026

Every missing child matters: New Ebony Alert System legislation seeks equal urgency for missing black and brown youth
Jun 03, 2026

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 03, 2026

Seizure-smart schools save student lives: Pa. House passes legislation requiring mandatory epilepsy training for school nurses, staff
Jun 02, 2026

Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 26, 2026

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 30, 2026

Government grants & programs
Apr 17, 2026

Kazeem announces nearly $1 million in state funding approved for local youth programs
Apr 15, 2026

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 15, 2026

Democratic SE Delegation urges PUC to reject PECO rate hikes
Apr 08, 2026

Kazeem to co-host Senior Expo April 9
Apr 06, 2026

Delaware County Legislative Delegation responds to PECO’s proposed rate hikes
Apr 01, 2026

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 31, 2026

Addressing ongoing housing crisis will improve economic development, testifiers say
Mar 30, 2026