STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/projectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Navigator Program for Racial Ethnic Minorities (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Public and private non-profit entities . Use : To provide training and education around the risks of substance use and HIV/AIDS, as well as the integration of a range of services for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : May 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sp-22-002 . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)/Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Pennsylvania’s Recovery Housing Read more
HARRISBURG, March 22 – This week, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., introduced the Fair Criminal Record Screening Act that, if passed, would help current and potential employees by prohibiting the use of their past criminal records in certain situations. Roughly one in three adult Americans have a criminal record, as many as have college diplomas. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to obtain housing, job placements, or public benefits. “All too often otherwise qualified individuals are not considered for jobs because they have a past criminal offense,” Parker said. “Many of these offenses are unrelated to the job in question, are non-violent in nature, or occurred in adolescence. While both federal and state law offer some protections in this area, it is clear more needs to be done to give these job seekers, as well as those currently employed, a second chance by removing unfair roadblocks to economic stability. Not only is this good for job seekers, it is also good for employers who might overlook otherwise qualified individuals because of a mistake made years ago.” Parker said this bill would continue the trend that Pennsylvania has taken in recent years in the area of criminal justice reform. This bill would better protect individuals currently employed as well as those applying for open positions by: Prohibiting employers from inquiring about or using information related to a job applicant’s or current Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker and her district office are ready to serve you. She is working to put Pa. on a path to better schools, better jobs and better communities for all. If you are wondering if you qualify for property tax/rent rebates, unemployment compensation, or need help filling out PennDOT paperwork, call her district office at 215-849-6426. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 1 – Today, the House Democratic Policy Committee examined the impacts of cannabis criminalization in Pennsylvania, including the downstream effect of criminalization on families, diversity disparities in the medical cannabis industry itself, and what legislators should consider in legalizing adult-use cannabis. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Children’s Trust Fund (Funding Source: Children’s Trust Fund) Who Can Apply : Any organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in the Request for Application is eligible to apply. Use : To promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings. Funds : Up to $50,000 per year for up to three years. There is a minimum local match requirement of 25 percent of the requested grant award for the first year and a minimum local match 50 percent of the requested grant award for the second and third grant years. Application Deadline : January 13 More Information : Click on http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA%2017-21 . Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites (Funding Source: Business in Our Sites Program Account – loan repayments) Who Can Apply : Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities and private developers. Use : For the acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others. Funds must be used on previously utilized or undeveloped sites which demonstrate substantial likelihood of future use after the property is Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., today announced $3 million in state grants for redevelopment projects in the 198 th District. Philadelphia Youth Basketball will use $2.5 million to purchase and renovate an existing building into a world-class basketball and youth development-focused nonprofit community center. The renovations include structural work inside the building plus the construction of seven indoor basketball courts. I ndependence Mission Schools was awarded $500,000 for the DePaul Campus Expansion. The project will preserve a former church and renovate it into a preschool facility on one level, and a multi-use assembly/recreation/gym space on the first floor. Other improvements include interior renovations like repairs and upgrades. “The awarding of funds for these projects is so important to the district especially in this time of COVID and uncertainty,” Parker said. “These important projects bring invaluable programs to the children in the district, programs where they will learn and thrive and take what they learn with them throughout their lives. While they are growing in the district, they will have access to first class developmental programs.” The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Provider Stabilization (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Substance use disorder treatment providers. Use : Stabilization payments to substance use disorder treatment providers to assist with pandemic-related expenses. Funds : Up to $10 million will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : December 8 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Veterans Employment Program (Funding Source s : General Fund & Reemployment Fund) Who Can Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. There is a special emphasis on the following counties with the highest veteran unemployment rates: Beaver, Delaware, Fayette, Lackawanna, Clearfield, and Lycoming counties. Use : To implement a veterans employment program. Funds : Up to $200,000 each. $800,000 will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : December 30 More Information : Click on Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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1335 W. Tabor RoadSuite 109Philadelphia, PA 19141-3038
P*: (215) 849-6426
F*: (717) 772-1313
116 A East Wing Harrisburg, PA 17120-2198
P*: (717) 787-7727