When humanity is lost

(Nov 05, 2021)

I’ve been deep in contemplative thought since the reporting of a SEPTA train assault. I don’t even need to specify because you know the assault of which I speak. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Workforce development, clean diesel, and DC fast charging funding opportunities

(Nov 01, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Labor & Industry: Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit agencies (community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) or small businesses meeting certain criteria (see program guidelines). Uses : To provide digital literacy classes emphasizing career development skills, including digital fundamentals, digital job seeking, digital citizenship, and digital information. Funds : Grants of up to $45,000 each. Application Deadline : December 21 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: State Clean Diesel Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding and State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania Businesses, Incorporated Nonprofits, State, Local, or Tribal Government Agencies, Air Quality or Transportation Organizations, Metropolitan or Rural/Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and Federal Government Agencies. Uses : Diesel emission reduction projects, including, but not limited to: verified exhaust controls; engine upgrades and certified remanufacture systems; verified idle reduction technologies; certified engine Read more

 

Now open for applications: Sexual assault, business education, and COVID relief payment funding opportunities

(Oct 13, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Education: It’s on Us (Funding Source: General Fund) Who Can Apply : Public and private colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions. Use : Programs and initiatives to increase awareness, education, and resources to combat sexual assault. Funds : Applicants may apply for up to $30,000 per institution. Application Deadline : October 20 More Information : Click on https://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/Pages/Governor-Wolf's-It's-On-Us-PA-Grant-Program.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Business-Education Partnership Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Local Workforce Development Boards. Use : To connect businesses and school districts and to expand career awareness opportunities. Funds : Up to $150,000 per award. Application Deadline : November 18 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration: Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Read more

 

Now open for applications: Pre-disaster mitigation, vaccine outreach, and boating funding opportunities

(Oct 04, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (replaces Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant) (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governments with a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan are eligible to apply to PEMA as sub-applicants. Individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations are not eligible to apply for funds directly; however, an eligible local government entity may apply for funding on behalf of individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. PEMA will be the statewide applicant to FEMA on behalf of eligible sub-applicants. Use : Pre-disaster mitigation activities to reduce risk from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters. A federal disaster declaration is not required. Funds : Federal cost-share is 75 percent. Application Deadline : Letters of Interest (required step) must be sent to PEMA by 5pm October 15, 2021. Completed applications to PEMA are due 5pm November 19, 2021. More Information : Click on https://www.pema.pa.gov/Grants/BRIC/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Flood Mitigation Assistance (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governments may apply to PEMA as sub-applicants. PEMA will be the statewide Read more

 

Now open for applications: Environmental education and child care provider funding opportunities

(Sep 27, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Environmental Education Grants (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Schools, nonprofits, colleges and universities, municipalities, county conservation districts, and businesses. Use : While all education project topics are considered, water quality, climate change, and environmental justice are priority areas. Project examples include tours, demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences and workshops on stream monitoring, rain gardens, wetlands, green infrastructure, and other watershed stewardship; solar and other renewable energy, alternative transportation, energy conservation, and other approaches to address climate change; and improving air quality and community and municipal partnerships to address local environmental challenges. Funds : Mini grants up to $3,000 for local projects. General grants up to $85,000 for local, regional, and statewide projects. Application Deadline : December 10 More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/EnvironmentalEducation/Grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stabilization Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Licensed childcare providers. Use : One-time grants for Read more

 

Now open for applications: Long Term Care, Bullying, Substance Abuse, Housing, and Agriculture Funding Opportunities

(Sep 22, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services : American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Long-Term Care Providers ( Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Nursing facilities, personal care homes, and assisted living residences in DHS’ Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) system. All nursing facilities currently eligible and enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, Medical Assistance, will automatically receive direct payments. Any nursing facility that is not enrolled in Medicaid, as well as all personal care homes and assisted living residences, must complete the Facility Acceptance Form and return it to OLTL for DHS to issue the payment. Use : For COVID-19-related costs. Funds : See guidelines for funding distributions. Facility Acceptance Form Deadline : None given. Facility Acceptance Form must be returned to DHS’ Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) for payment. More Information : Click on https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Long-Term-Care-Providers.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Health : Olweus Bullying Prevention Program ( Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : 501c3 nonprofit youth organizations. Use : To implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to promote the reduction of bullying among 12 to 17 year-old youth. Funds Read more

 

Back to school.

(Aug 31, 2021)

It’s that time of year when we are getting ready to send our kids back into the classroom. COVID-19 changed the way that looked last year and possibly will again this year, but nevertheless, school will begin. There is always a mix of emotions for students heading back to school -- excitement, anxiety, anticipation – and a lot of preparation getting backpacks stocked, paperwork completed, bus routes planned. So many variables and what ifs are swirling around this year, but while COVID may change what Day 1 looks like for lots of kids, some issues remain the same. Many school buildings are toxic and many districts lack funding for appropriate materials and resources. That means students will be returning to classrooms that, depending on the district, may pose many health hazards, including lead in the drinking water, asbestos in cracked floor tiles, mold outbreaks in classrooms, broken boilers in the winter and no air conditioning in the warmer months. Pennsylvania has some of the oldest school buildings in the nation. Most were constructed between 1950 and 1959, with more than 200 buildings built prior to 1950. Many of the schools sit in districts that are underfunded and are not equipped with the latest technology or most recent resources, and often lack basic items like new chairs and desks, and gym equipment. This year, House Democrats pushed for more funding for these districts. And while we were able to secure Read more

 

Now open for applications: PA Industry Partnership funding opportunity

(Aug 24, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PA Industry Partnership Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, educational and post-secondary educational organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. Use : To identify workforce, education & training, and economic development needs, coordinate regional teams to support industry needs, identify public and community resources to address industry identified needs and increase collaboration among businesses within a targeted industry sector. Funds : Up to $250,000 per partnership. Application Deadline : October 22 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant: August 27 (Funding Source: General Fund) School districts, municipal authorities, municipalities, nonprofits, private businesses. - Purchase or retrofit vehicles to operate on alternative fuels, purchase and install refueling equipment, and research or develop new technologies. PCCD 2021 Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities Coordinators: August 30 Read more

 

Parker: Childcare Workers Deserve Better

(Aug 17, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker wants to make sure that Pa. invests in the individuals that nurture and teach our children. She believes that childcare workers and educators need to be able to teach in safe environments while earning a living wage. She says that with all the time and energy these workers put into children every day, they deserve better. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Small business, school safety, public library, and truck and bus funding opportunities

(Aug 05, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program (Funding Source: Recycling Fund & Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund) Who May Apply : Registered Pennsylvania for-profit businesses with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and which are taxed as a for-profit business. Use : To purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes. Examples of eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency LED lighting, digital X-ray equipment, solvent recovery systems, water and waste recycling processes, auxiliary power units (APUs), and agricultural BMPs. Projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25% annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses. Natural resource protection projects must quantify the reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment loadings reaching the receiving waterway. Funds : 50% matching reimbursement grants up to a maximum of $5,000. Application Deadline : First-come, first-served until funds are expended . More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/SmallBusinessOmbudsmanOffice/Pages/Small%20Business%20Advantage%20Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: ATV/Snowmobile Grants Read more

 

Now open for applications: Pregnancy support, career/technical training, museum, library and vaccine funding opportunities

(Jun 15, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol: Pregnancy Support Services (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Community service providers able to serve pregnant and postpartum women with stimulant or opioid misuse issues. Single County Authorities (county drug and alcohol offices) and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) licensed treatment providers are not eligible to apply. Use : To provide pregnancy support services or make referrals to aid pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder. Funds : Approximately 10 to 12 grants up to $600,000 each will be awarded for 18-month projects. Application Deadline : July 13 at 12 PM. More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: 2021-22 PA Academic and Career/Technical Training (PACTT) Competitive Funding (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Privately operated residential facilities, community-based providers, and juvenile probation offices that are not currently PACTT Affiliates. Use : To develop programs in the following PACTT service areas that adhere to PACTT Standards in order to gain affiliate status: core programming; academic instruction; work related services; and job skills training. Funds : Grants of up to $20,000. No Read more

 

Now open for applications: Broadband and community project funding opportunities

(Jun 03, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Commonwealth Financing Authority: Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program ( Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Any nongovernmental entity with the technical, managerial, and financial expertise to design, build and operate a high-speed broadband service infrastructure within Pennsylvania. Use : Acquisition, construction, equipment, and site preparation costs associated with the deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved areas, which are geographic areas in which households or businesses do not have access to at least 25 megabits per second downstream speeds and 3 megabits per second upstream speeds. Funds : Grants up to $1 million or 75% of the total project costs, whichever is less. Applicant must commit its own private capital to fund at least 25% of the total project cost. Funding from other federal, state or local government grants or other subsidies can be used to finance the project but will not be considered to be part of the private capital requirement. Application Deadline : September 24 More Information : Click on https://dced.pa.gov/programs/unserved-high-speed-broadband-funding-program-uhsb/ . OTHER PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful/The GIANT Company: 2021 Healing the Planet Grant Program ( Funding Source: Private Funds) Read more

 

Now open for applications: Library, gun violence, conservation and recycling funding opportunities

(Jun 01, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Office of Commonwealth Libraries: Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities (Funding Source: Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund) Who May Apply : Local public libraries (state-aided). Must partner with a sponsoring municipality. Use : To plan, acquire, construct, or rehabilitate public library facilities including, but not limited to: ADA upgrades, new roof, replacement windows, energy efficient upgrades to HVAC systems, facility expansion and new construction. Funds : Funding limits not yet announced. Grants require a dollar-for-dollar match; match may include cash, in-kind contributions, federal funds, and other state funds. Letter of Interest : As soon as possible. Letters of interest are currently being accepted in anticipation of opening an application round this summer. The dates of the next application round are still being finalized. More Information : Click on https://www.statelibrary.pa.gov/libraries/subsidies-and-grants/pages/keystone-recreation-park-and-conservation-funds.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: FY 2021 Gun Violence Reduction Grants (Funding Source: General Fund ) Who May Apply : Community-based organizations and local units of government across the Commonwealth with the highest rates of gun violence. Use : Projects that lead to immediate impacts. Read more

 

Grant opportunities: Historical & Archival Records Care program open for applications

(May 19, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission: Historical & Archival Records Care grant program (Funding Source: Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund ) Who May Apply : H istorical societies, libraries, museums, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, local governments, school districts. Use : Surveying, inventorying, preserving, arranging and describing historical records relevant to Pennsylvania. Funding may also be requested for reformatting or the purchase of supplies and equipment. Funds : Collaborative grants up to $15,000 for a two-year project. Single entity grants up to $5,000 for a two-year project. No match required. Application Deadline : August 1 More Information : Click on https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Preservation/Grants-Funding/Pages/Records-Care-Grants.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: PCCD Communities That Care: May 24 (Funding Source: General Fund ) Nonprofit organizations and units of local government. - Planning grants to help communities apply the Communities That Care (CTC) model. DCED Neighborhood Assistance Program: May 28 (Funding Source: General Fund) 501c3 nonprofits . – Tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects by eligible nonprofits to serve low-income Read more

 

Now open for applications: Services for mental health and substance use disorder, boating infrastructure

(May 14, 2021)

Below are some funding programs that recently opened for applications, including a federal grant opportunity for community-based organizations to hire and mobilize community outreach workers, community health workers, social support specialists, and others to increase vaccine access for the hardest-hit and highest-risk communities. STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Solicitation RFA 16-21 Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Intervention Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations that provide prevention, intervention, and treatment services to Pennsylvania residents, and their families, with mental health, substance use, and/or behavioral health needs. Use : Prevention, intervention, and treatment services to support individuals with lived experience, as well as their families. Funds : Awards up to $500,000 for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Solicitation Due Date : June 3 More Information : http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA%2016-21 . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Public and private operators of open-to-the-public boating facilities, including municipal agencies (cities, towns, counties, etc.), state agencies (State Parks, DNR, Fish & Wildlife, etc.), and other Read more

 

Now open for applications: CFA Multimodal, Growing Greener, PFAS Remediation, Drug Courts and Diversion Program grants

(Apr 28, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: PENNVEST: PFAS Remediation Program (Funding Source: Various State and Federal Funding Sources) Who May Apply : Public drinking water supply system owners or operators serving parcels surrounding nonqualified military installations where the water supply has PFAS contamination. If the operator of the system makes an application, they must be joined in the application by the system owner. Use : To aid in the remediation and elimination of PFAS in water sources and systems. Funds : Eligible applicants may apply for funding consideration under the traditional PENNVEST program and, if there is remaining non-repayment capacity in that funding round, it may be awarded as PFAS non-repayment. Application Deadline : May 3 More Information : Click on https://www.pennvest.pa.gov/Information/Funding-Programs/Pages/PFAS.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/PennAg Industries: Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence Research Funding Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Entities working to strengthen and grow Pennsylvania’s poultry, swine, lamb, sheep and goat farming industries. Use : Research projects to enhance biosecurity, diagnostic testing, veterinary telemedicine and other strategies to prevent, detect and manage animal diseases and protect the Read more

 

Parker: #PARescuePlan Invests in Small Businesses & Working Families

(Apr 27, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker discusses how the #PARescuePlan is here to help the nucleus of our Commonwealth: Small Businesses. Now is the time for small businesses and frontline workers to act. Visit pahouse.com to learn more about how the #PARescuePlan can help the state #RecoverRestoreReimagine. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Farm Vitality, Communities That Care, substance abuse, and recycling grant programs

(Apr 19, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grants (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Farmers and prospective farmers. Use : Professional services to assist with business planning, efficient transitions of farm ownership, strategic farm expansion, product diversification, and financial and technical expertise in order to enhance the long-term vitality of PA farms. Funds : Reimbursement grants up to $7,500. Grants are limited to 75% of the total project cost. Up to $1 million is available statewide. Application Deadline : Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Farm-Vitality-Planning-Program.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Communities That Care (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations and units of local government. Priority consideration will be given to applicants that have never received a Communities That Care (CTC) grant from PCCD, applicants interested in implementing CTC in a community that does not have an organized coalition, and applicants from regions in the state with significant violence-based need. Use : Planning grants to help communities apply the Communities That Care (CTC) model. Read more

 

April 12 update: Grant programs now open for applications

(Apr 12, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Health/Pennsylvania Downtown Center: PA WalkWorks (Funding Source: PA Department of Health Grant) Who May Apply : Municipalities, counties, Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations. Use : Development of plans and policies to improve walking, bicycling, wheeling, and transit connections to everyday destinations and increase safe and accessible opportunities for residents to be physically active. Funds : Awards will range between $10,000 to $20,000 for the development of active transportation plans and between $3,000 and $5,000 to assist with the development of Complete Streets and/or Vision Zero policies. No match required, but will improve application success. Application Deadline : Submit Letter of Intent by April 23 (not mandatory); Application deadline is May 14 More Information : Click on https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/WalkWorks/Pages/WalkWorks.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol: Recovery Community Support Services (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs licensed treatment providers are eligible to apply. Single County Authorities (county drug and alcohol offices) are not eligible to apply. Use : To expand or enhance recovery support services to individuals with a substance use disorder, Read more

 

BioTech Innovation Organization, Pfizer share vaccine efficacy, role in COVID-19 recovery

(Apr 12, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 12 – As Pennsylvania expands vaccine eligibility, the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from the manufacturers tirelessly working to develop safe and effective vaccines for global use. At a Policy Committee hearing today, testifiers included representatives from Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Pfizer, who provided details on the technology behind the development of the COVID-19 vaccines and how the United States can reach herd immunity. Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and state Reps. Patty Kim and Darisha Parker facilitated the hearing, where Amy Walker, director of Infectious Diseases Policy for Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Lisa Coen, senior director, Vaccine Public Affairs with Pfizer, shared insight into the science behind the creation of COVID-19 vaccines, ongoing research, development and trials. Walker shared that five presidents, both Democratic and Republican, have been vaccinated, highlighting that the vaccines have received bipartisan support. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have conversations based on science and fact. These vaccines will save lives and I encourage everyone eligible and interested to take the advice of scientists and medical professionals and help put this pandemic behind us,” Bizzarro implored. “It is important for us to hear this testimony today, especially for my constituents,” Parker said. “Communities of color have battled COVID extra Read more

 

When humanity is lost
Nov 05, 2021

Now open for applications: Workforce development, clean diesel, and DC fast charging funding opportunities
Nov 01, 2021

Now open for applications: Sexual assault, business education, and COVID relief payment funding opportunities
Oct 13, 2021

Now open for applications: Pre-disaster mitigation, vaccine outreach, and boating funding opportunities
Oct 04, 2021

Now open for applications: Environmental education and child care provider funding opportunities
Sep 27, 2021

Now open for applications: Long Term Care, Bullying, Substance Abuse, Housing, and Agriculture Funding Opportunities
Sep 22, 2021

Back to school.
Aug 31, 2021

Now open for applications: PA Industry Partnership funding opportunity
Aug 24, 2021

Parker: Childcare Workers Deserve Better
Aug 17, 2021

Now open for applications: Small business, school safety, public library, and truck and bus funding opportunities
Aug 05, 2021

Now open for applications: Pregnancy support, career/technical training, museum, library and vaccine funding opportunities
Jun 15, 2021

Now open for applications: Broadband and community project funding opportunities
Jun 03, 2021

Now open for applications: Library, gun violence, conservation and recycling funding opportunities
Jun 01, 2021

Grant opportunities: Historical & Archival Records Care program open for applications
May 19, 2021

Now open for applications: Services for mental health and substance use disorder, boating infrastructure
May 14, 2021

Now open for applications: CFA Multimodal, Growing Greener, PFAS Remediation, Drug Courts and Diversion Program grants
Apr 28, 2021

Parker: #PARescuePlan Invests in Small Businesses & Working Families
Apr 27, 2021

Now open for applications: Farm Vitality, Communities That Care, substance abuse, and recycling grant programs
Apr 19, 2021

April 12 update: Grant programs now open for applications
Apr 12, 2021

BioTech Innovation Organization, Pfizer share vaccine efficacy, role in COVID-19 recovery
Apr 12, 2021