Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Mar 26, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers that will take place between Oct. 19, 2023 and June 30, 2025. Funds: $14 million in Read more

 

Parker applauds MDVA’s first dairy processing facility in Pennsylvania

(Mar 21, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, March 21 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., said that as a member of the Pa House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, she applauds the work Gov. Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding did to engage with the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association as it moved through the process of purchasing the HP Hood milk manufacturing plant in the city of Philadelphia. MVDA announced that in addition to the purchase it will undertake an expansion project at the plant that will retain 178 existing jobs — 137 of them being union jobs — and increase production capabilities from 10 million gallons to 25 million gallons of milk annually. “This is a huge opportunity for our community and our city, and further highlights what we already know — that agriculture is not broken down across urban and rural lines,” Parker said. “This purchase by MVDA will keep jobs in our city and strengthen the state’s economy. I see it as a win all the way around.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Mar 19, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Existing organizations that have the capacity to provide or expand drop-in center services for individuals with SUD, including single county authorities, DDAP licensed treatment providers, organizations that offer clinical services and recipients of DDAP’s prior funding opportunities for Drop-In Centers. Use: To expand drop-in center services for individuals with SUD. Funds: Up to $6,575,000 is available. DDAP expects to award approximately eight grants totaling $750,000 each. Application Deadline: April 12, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment Read more

 

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

(Mar 14, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 More information: CFA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program Who May Apply: County governments and non-profit victim service agencies are eligible to apply. Faith-based organizations may be eligible to apply under certain circumstances. Use: Funds may be used to support cross-system, collaborative efforts to respond to victims of violence against women crimes. This includes, but is not limited to, personnel and benefit costs associated with specialized units in law enforcement or core direct victim services, supplies and operating expenses related to the STOP project, equipment necessary for implementation, and training or professional development. Funds: A total of $12 Read more

 

Women's Equal Pay Day is March 12, 2024 - Let's Close The Gap!

(Mar 12, 2024)

Same job? Same pay. It's that simple. But in 2024 in Pennsylvania, it's not that simple. March 12th is Women's Equal Pay Day, the day a woman has to work into the next year to earn what a man made in the previous year. It's bad for women. Bad for families. Bad for our economy. It's time to close the gap. Read more

 

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

(Mar 05, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: The purpose of the Program is to enhance, but not replace, the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by establishing a Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for specialty crops that are not currently eligible for grant payments under the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or that are otherwise designated high-priority specialty crops by the Secretary. Funding for the Program will assist the growth, certification of seed and marketing of these eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 19, 2024 More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement Read more

 

Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities

(Mar 04, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, March 4 – Ghost guns are increasingly being confiscated by law enforcement during criminal investigations, and the House Majority Policy Committee examined the loopholes that allow criminals to purchase these untraceable weapons with no background checks. “Today’s hearing highlighted the frustration of law enforcement to provide justice to victims of gun violence and their families,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton said. “Pennsylvania is behind the curve in passing legislation to address gun violence, and it highlighted the reason we need bipartisan support for these measures.” Ghost guns are privately purchased kits that can be assembled into firearms with no traceable serial number or identifying characteristics. They do not require a background check for purchase, because kits – or firearm parts – are not considered firearms in Pennsylvania. Kits can be assembled with the use of a drill or ordinary tools, and some kits contain the drill bit needed for final assembly. “It’s infuriating to know, as I mentioned during the judiciary committee hearing on HB 777, how quickly I could use my cellphone to purchase a ghost gun without any meaningful checks,” said meeting host Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We are talking about untraceable firearms that can be assembled with ease. They are completely untraceable, and they are legal to purchase without Read more

 

Parker: Beware of the Fine Print

(Feb 26, 2024)

PA state Rep. Darisha Parker and the House Majority Policy Committee discuss the need for legislation to keep PA consumers from falling victim to misleading contracts. Read more

 

Parker applauds Shapiro’s budget address that includes funding for schools and menstrual hygiene

(Feb 07, 2024)

State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., said that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address highlighted priorities that she has fought for since taking office. “$300 million in funding to fix our toxic schools isn’t just a financial transaction – it’s an investment in our children to create environments where they can play, learn and grow safely,” Parker said. “It’s not just about repairing buildings but building foundations for our future leaders.” Parker, an advocate for breaking barriers to menstrual hygiene, said she is proud that Shapiro called for $3 million to provide feminine hygiene products in schools. “Access to period products is vital in maintaining a woman’s dignity,” Parker said. “With this funding, we would break barriers that have historically hindered girls and women from important milestones due to shame from a lack of menstrual hygiene products.” Parker said the governor’s budget proposal would empower students, women, minorities and businesses to stay in Pennsylvania to work, study and succeed. Read more

 

Parker Celebrates Shapiro’s Investment to #EndPeriodPoverty

(Feb 06, 2024)

PA state Rep. Darisha Parker has long fought to restore dignity to Pennsylvanians who struggle to afford or obtain menstrual products. Parker says she is thrilled to see $3 million in funding to end period poverty in Governor Josh Shapiro’s state budget proposal. Read more

 

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

(Jan 12, 2024)

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ): What You Need to Know: There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form. The new FAFSA form is now available. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid. What You Can Do Now : Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed. If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account —and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available. Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form). If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account . Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form. 2024–25 FAFSA ® Deadlines : Read more

 

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

(Jan 11, 2024)

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program . The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of PA. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award. Please consider sharing this opportunity with those who may be eligible. Eligibility Criteria: Graduating High School Senior Legal Residency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Attendance at a PA College, university, or career school as a full-time student Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA) Commitment to community and leadership qualities Extracurricular activities Financial need *Children of Legislators and their staff are NOT eligible Details on how to apply and submit required documents are available online at www.tfec.org or by clicking here . The deadline to submit all materials is April 15, 2024. Read more

 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Summer 2024 PA House Legislative Fellowship Program

(Jan 10, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2024 semester. Applications are due on March 1, 2024 . The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg . Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit) and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. Qualified applicants will be: College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please feel free to invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us . Applications can be submitted via email at: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net . Read more

 

RACP, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities

(Jan 09, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PAYS Survey Design Consultant Who May Apply: Applicants must meet the qualifications listed in the program guidelines, but any non-profit, for-profit, or academic organization is eligible. Use: The primary purpose of this project is to contract with an expert in the practice of surveying youth and adolescents to help inform necessary and appropriate revisions to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS). Funds: Funding is provided through the State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program stream. PCCD expects to fund one grant not to exceed $200,000. Application Deadline: February 12, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Oversight of the 2025 and 2027 PAYS Administrations Who May Apply: Applicants must demonstrate their ability to conduct the tasks outlined in the program guidelines, but non-profits, for-profits, institutions of higher education, or others are eligible. Use: The primary purpose of this project is to provide direct oversight of the administration of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) for the 2025 and 2027 survey administration periods. Funds: Funding is provided through the State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program stream. PCCD expects to fund one grant not to exceed $125,000. Application Deadline: February 12, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024/25 Justice Assistance Grant Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities

(Jan 03, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Human Services: OCDEL Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement Who May Apply: Eligible childcare providers will be notified via an eligibility letter from their Early Learning Resource Center. Providers must meet the requirements outlined here . Use: Staff qualifications and professional development, early childhood education programs, partnerships with families and communities, leadership and management, and accreditation costs. Funds: Grant amounts vary by provider. Grant funding comes from $12 million of federal Childcare Development Fund funds. Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2024 More information: Keystone STARS Website Department of Transportation: State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Incentive Program Who May Apply: To be eligible for STIC Incentive funding, the STIC or other equivalent task force, committee or group must be formally established with a charter, include public and private members, meet regularly, and comprehensively consider sources of innovation. Use: The State Transportation Innovation Council Incentive Program provides funding to help STICs foster a culture of innovation and make innovations standard practice in their states. Examples of allowable activities include but are not limited to: developing standards and specifications; developing training to facilitate widespread use of innovation, developing memoranda of agreement; preparing a report summarizing the lessons Read more

 

Open Grant Programs

(Jan 03, 2024)

These grant programs are currently open to applications Read more

 

Parker: Support, Second Chances Keys to Success

(Dec 12, 2023)

Vice Chair of the PA Legislative Black Caucus Rep. Darisha Parker praises OIC Philadelphia for their dedication to helping people in need through job training and reentry services. Parker calls on her colleagues in the House and Senate to finish the state’s fiscal code to ensure valuable organizations like OIC receive the funding they need to continue to serve the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!

(Dec 08, 2023)

Check out my latest e-newsletter and make sure you're signed up to stay updated on the 198th district! Read more

 

Grants available as of Tuesday, Dec. 5

(Dec 06, 2023)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grants Who May Apply: Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging. Use: To help Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers increase participation and programming Funds: Up to $2 million in grant funding is available. Grants vary depending on staff levels. Application Deadline: December 15, 2023 More information: Aging Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Who May Apply: Community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) designation, institutions of higher education, municipalities, district attorneys, and counties, Use: Effective local intervening and preventive measures to stop gun and group violence that is occurring across the state in both the short- and long-term Funds: $40 million in state funding is available for two tracks: VIP Grants: Applicants can request up to 50% of their operating budget up to $950,00 total. Coordinated Community Violence Intervention Strategies Projects (CCVI): Applicants can request up to $3 million in total funding over a 36-month period (funding match required). PCCD anticipates approving only 2-3 CCVI projects. Application Deadline: January 18, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, Read more

 

My Sponsored Legislation

(Nov 20, 2023)

BILL No. Title Co-Sponsorship Memo Current Status Memo Circulated for 23-24 Session? Prime Co-Sponsor HB226 Voluntary No Firearm Purchase List CSM Referred to Judiciary Yes Parker HB766 Long Gun/ Gun Show Loophole CSM Referred to Judiciary Yes Parker HB898 Raising Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess Firearms CSM Referred to Judiciary Yes Parker HB850 Accessibility to Menstrual Hygiene Products (Package) - Waviers CSM In Senate Education Committee Yes Parker & Hill-Evans HB851 Accessibility to Menstrual Hygiene Products (Package) - Grant Program CSM Referred to Education Yes Parker & Hill-Evans HB1397 Strenghtening Pennsylvanian's Guardianship Laws CSM Referred to Judiciary Yes Parker & Malagari HB1520 Local Business Forgivable Loan Program CSM Introduced Yes Parker HB993 Home Improvement Fraud Protection for Vulnerable Persons CSM Referred to Judiciary Yes Parker TBD Price Increase Notification to Consumers Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Mar 26, 2024

Parker applauds MDVA’s first dairy processing facility in Pennsylvania
Mar 21, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Mar 19, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 14, 2024

Women's Equal Pay Day is March 12, 2024 - Let's Close The Gap!
Mar 12, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 05, 2024

Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities
Mar 04, 2024

Parker: Beware of the Fine Print
Feb 26, 2024

Parker applauds Shapiro’s budget address that includes funding for schools and menstrual hygiene
Feb 07, 2024

Parker Celebrates Shapiro’s Investment to #EndPeriodPoverty
Feb 06, 2024

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  
Jan 12, 2024

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
Jan 11, 2024

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Summer 2024 PA House Legislative Fellowship Program
Jan 10, 2024

RACP, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities
Jan 09, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities
Jan 03, 2024

Open Grant Programs
Jan 03, 2024

Parker: Support, Second Chances Keys to Success
Dec 12, 2023

Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!
Dec 08, 2023

Grants available as of Tuesday, Dec. 5
Dec 06, 2023

My Sponsored Legislation
Nov 20, 2023