News Center

Education, Historic Preservation, Substance Abuse Education, Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Parent Pathways Grant Who May Apply: Postsecondary institutions that award an associate degree or higher and private licensed schools. Use: To provide funding to institutions to directly support parenting students through tuition assistance, emergency funding, and wrap-around services. Funds: $1.6 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: February 3, 2025 More information: PDE Website Historical & Museum Commission: Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program Who May Apply: Certified local governments, colleges and universities, conservancies, historic preservation organizations, historical societies, local governments, museums, religious institutions, and other historical organizations. Use: Applications may apply for one construction-related or planning-related grant (not both) for sites that are listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Construction related grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation, and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible and under nonprofit or local government ownership. Planning related grants are available for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Please note, special consideration will be given to projects that promote the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El today announced his new committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. The assignments were handed out Tuesday after Smith-Wade-El was sworn in for another term representing the 49th Legislative District. Smith-Wade-El said he looks forward to serving on the following committees: House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. House Education Committee. House Housing & Community Development Committee. House Local Government Committee. Professional Licensure Committee. “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “I look forward to drawing on my experience as a legislator, local government official and community activist to the bipartisan crafting of legislation that will improve the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.” The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 49th Legislative District. “I’m honored that the people of the 49th District have once again invested their trust in me to fight for their interests in Harrisburg,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “In this term, I’m going to work to ensure that all our residents have a home to call their own, that our kids go to learn in schools where they feel safe and valued, and that Pennsylvania’s working families benefit from lower taxes and fair wages – two issues that haven’t gotten a fair deal in four decades. Now’s the time to get it done.” In his first term, Smith-Wade-El had two of his pieces of legislation signed into law and brought in $28.7 in state grants to the district. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026. The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, and the invocation was given by Bishop Maureen L. Davis, who is pastor of the Open Door Mission True Light Church, located in Philadelphia. The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 30, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Housing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Other Drugs Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP 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 Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 18, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 13, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Dec 12 grants Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El lauds grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

(Dec 11, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El said he is pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Conservation District was awarded more than $5.92 million in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "This significant investment is a promise to our natural environment and represents a commitment to protecting a vital ecosystem, supporting our economy, and preserving a new legacy of investments for our part of the watershed," said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Earlier this year, the Shapiro Administration announced that for the first time in history, the Chesapeake Bay showed steady overall improvement, earning a C+ grade from the University of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card – the highest grade ever awarded to the overall health of the bay since the report was created. The 2025 CAP Implementation Grants include $9.6 million from the state Environmental Stewardship Fund and $14.4 million in federal EPA funding, including $7.1 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to support counties’ Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 05, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Dec 4 grants Read more

 

Lawmakers explore economic, educational significance of historic preservation

(Nov 14, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

“Black history is American history, and in south-central Pennsylvania, we have a wealth of historic sites worth preserving, but many of them have been under-valued or under-developed,” said hearing host Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, who represents portions of Lancaster County. “The committee heard about the economic benefit of preserving these sites, as well as the educational benefits in telling the truth and erasing popular myths that masquerade as facts.” Read more

 

Pennsylvania adopts Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week

(Nov 14, 2024) ABC 27 News

“Our schools, our students need more social work and other professionals,” says Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El (D) – Lancaster County. Read more

 

Advocates ask Pa. to chip in on homeless student assistance

(Nov 14, 2024) Patriot News

With roughly 46,000 homeless students in the last PDE survey, the question is “are they worth $217 to make sure they get a high school diploma?” posed Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster County.“It’s our duty to have their back,” Smith-Wade-El said. Read more

 

‘Not just an urban issue:’ Lawmakers hear from experts, advocates on child homelessness in Pa.

(Nov 14, 2024) Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Pointing to a lack of data, resources and support services and the effect of stigmatization, advocates at Wednesday’s press conference urged lawmakers to take up bills that they say will help address youth homelessness and set students up on a path to success, such as HB 127, HB 729, HB 730, HB 1175. Read more

 

Lawmakers highlight need to address youth homelessness

(Nov 13, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

“We know families that experience financial hardships will do whatever they can to survive, living with relatives by couch surfing or spending nights in a car to stay together at all costs,” said state Rep. Gina H. Curry, who represents portions of Delaware County. “Homeless youth oftentimes go undetected, with parents unwilling to reveal their financial struggles out of the fear protective services will break up their family. That’s why we suspect this problem is even greater than the reported numbers, and it’s one of the driving forces in passing legislation to address this growing population.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces over $1.5 million in state grants for capital improvements

(Nov 01, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today announced that $1,567,000 in state investments that his office helped to secure would be coming to Lancaster City through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. “For many people in Lancaster County, they don’t have a healthcare system that works,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This $1.5 million in state grants will help provide lifesaving medical services to those in need. My office staff and I are thrilled by this investment in critical health infrastructure in Lancaster County and we are proud to have played a part in securing it.” Union Community Care Community Health Center Union Community Care $500,000 In this project, Union Community Carewill will complete phase one of the renovation for the planned community health center build-out at its recently purchased property. Specifically, interior demolition and fit out to include finishes (framing and installation of medical grade casework, drywall, flooring and painting); interior excavation and demolition; plumbing upgrades; electrical upgrades; and sprinkler system retrofit, along with replacement of the existing rubber roof; full HVAC system replacement; and the demolition of an existing parking deck. Lancaster EMS Fairview Avenue Lancaster Emergency Medical Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he helped to secure $4,145,502 in state grants for the 49th District to build affordable housing and renovate a school into a community center for children, families and seniors. “Our area’s families need and deserve housing in which to raise their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only does having a roof over one’s head provide a sense of security, but a home makes a family healthier, makes a student perform better in school, helps a worker keep a job. Every family deserves a chance to get ahead, not just get by, and that starts with a home. My team is proud to work to bring home millions to secure homes, fight homelessness, provide our kids with places to play and our neighbors with places to thrive.” $500,000 Franklin Street Project Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is partnering with South Ann Concerned Neighbors Inc. for the purpose of constructing affordable housing. The funds will go towards constructing a mixed-use facility that will house two three-bedroom loft-style affordable apartments on the second floor for low-income families. In addition, a pizza shop and a fresh food market, selling healthy essentials such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and bread, will be constructed on the first floor. $500,000 Breaking Barriers of Poverty to Build Better Futures Installation of a new HVAC system, bathrooms, a Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he helped to secure $4,145,502 in state grants for the 49 th District to build affordable housing and renovate a school into a community center for children, families and seniors. “Our area’s families need and deserve housing in which to raise their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only does having a roof over one’s head provide a sense of security, but a home makes a family healthier, makes a student perform better in school, helps a worker keep a job. Every family deserves a chance to get ahead, not just get by, and that starts with a home. My team is proud to work to bring home millions to secure homes, fight homelessness, provide our kids with places to play and our neighbors with places to thrive.” $500,000 Franklin Street Project Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is partnering with South Ann Concerned Neighbors Inc. for the purpose of constructing affordable housing. The funds will go towards constructing a mixed-use facility that will house two three-bedroom loft-style affordable apartments on the second floor for low-income families. In addition, a pizza shop and a fresh food market, selling healthy essentials such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and bread, will be constructed on the first floor. $500,000 Breaking Barriers of Poverty to Build Better Futures Installation of a new Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 04, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., held a news conference to highlight their legislation, H.B. 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Generations of immigrants answered Pennsylvania’s welcoming call of opportunity and freedom, making our commonwealth into the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is betraying its own values by scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state although foreign-born workers comprise over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially. “Pennsylvania needs an Office of New Pennsylvanians to ensure that these new residents are able to flourish in the commonwealth,” Smith-Wade-El said. “They need to know we have their back.” “Pennsylvania is stronger when we welcome and celebrate immigration,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. Read more

 

Grants, Sept. 25

(Sep 25, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 has increased from $36 million to $72 million. Application Deadline: October 25, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: The primary purpose of the CCAPPG funds is to provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for the supervision of adult offenders. Funds: PCCD is announcing a total of $16,150,000 in state Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant funds. PCCD expects to fund up to 65 county adult probation Read more

 

Grants, Sept. 25

(Sep 25, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 has increased from $36 million to $72 million. Application Deadline: October 25, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: The primary purpose of the CCAPPG funds is to provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for the supervision of adult offenders. Funds: PCCD is announcing a total of $16,150,000 in state Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant funds. PCCD expects to fund up to 65 county adult probation Read more

 

Education, Historic Preservation, Substance Abuse Education, Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments
Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers
Jan 10, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 30, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 18, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 13, 2024

Smith-Wade-El lauds grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Dec 11, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 05, 2024

Lawmakers explore economic, educational significance of historic preservation
Nov 14, 2024

Pennsylvania adopts Education for Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week
Nov 14, 2024

Advocates ask Pa. to chip in on homeless student assistance
Nov 14, 2024

‘Not just an urban issue:’ Lawmakers hear from experts, advocates on child homelessness in Pa.
Nov 14, 2024

Lawmakers highlight need to address youth homelessness
Nov 13, 2024

Smith-Wade-El announces over $1.5 million in state grants for capital improvements
Nov 01, 2024

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements
Oct 23, 2024

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements
Oct 23, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 04, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 01, 2024

Grants, Sept. 25
Sep 25, 2024

Grants, Sept. 25
Sep 25, 2024