Reposted from Lancaster Conservancy

The Conservancy and its partners are excited to announce that we are accepting applications through July 1 for the 2026 Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape (SRCL) Mini-Grant Program. This program provides small competitive grants, ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, towards projects that advance the SRCL mission.

The SRCL is a collaboration of communities and organizations working to protect land, steward natural and cultural resources, connect people with natural spaces, and promote sustainable economic development. Susquehanna Riverlands, which includes municipalities along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster and York counties, is one of eight conservation landscapes in Pennsylvania where partners work together to protect natural assets and improve quality of life for community members.

Are you proposing or working on a public-facing project in the SRCL that will improve habitat/trail connectivity, promote sustainable river access, benefit ecosystem health, or facilitate community partnership/collaboration?

If yes, consider applying for a 2026 Mini-Grant! Among the many potential project ideas is funding to assist with hiring a consultant for professional services – including planning – before applying for a bigger implementation grant, interpretive or wayfinding signage, or accessibility improvements.

Two grant applications for the work of one!

This year, we are again partnering with the Lancaster Clean Water Partners, who manage the Clean Water Fund, to streamline application questions and timelines. Organizations with projects that may be a good fit for BOTH the Clean Water Fund and the Susquehanna Riverlands Mini-Grant programs can now more easily apply to both! We’re hosting an info session on April 9 from 1-2 pm. – register using this link.
Read our joint info sheet to learn more! 

2022 Keystone Trails Association Conestoga Trail Saturdays

ABOUT SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS MINI-GRANTS

The Susquehanna Riverlands Mini-Grant Program provides targeted funding opportunities in the form of small competitive grants, ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, towards projects that advance the mission of the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape and focus on the following areas: (1) habitat and trail connectivity, (2) sustainable public access to the Susquehanna River and its surrounding natural lands, (3) community partnership and collaboration, and (4) ecosystem health. Projects that can demonstrate the greatest benefit and overlap between two or more of these areas will score higher.

This mini-grant funding was financed by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. 

IMPORTANT DATES

Application opens: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
(email Jenn Teson Pitts a brief summary of your project to receive an application link) 

Joint info session with Clean Water Fund (virtual): Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Draft applications due for staff feedback (optional): Monday, June 1, 2026

Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 by 5 PM

Mini Grant Awards Announced on or before: Wednesday, August 28, 2026

Project Period of Performance: 18 months 

SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS STRATEGIC PLAN

All interested applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Susquehanna Riverlands Strategic Plan, which outlines our landscape’s mission, vision and goals for the future, prior to pursuing a mini-grant. Applicants can also contact Jenn Teson Pitts (jteson@lancasterconservancy.org) to discuss their project before applying. 

For more information, visit:https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/engaging-our-community/minigrants-about/.

For additional questions, please contact Jenn Teson Pitts at jteson@lancasterconservancy.org or by phone at (717) 392-7891 ext. 204.

MINI-GRANT PROGRAM MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS 2026 MINI-GRANT PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS PARTNERSHIP?

The Susquehanna Riverlands is one of eight Conservation Landscapes supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and is a partnership between the Lancaster Conservancy, which serves as the program’s external lead, DCNR, and a constellation of community organizations. The Partnership is focused on advancing four key areas outlined in the Strategic Plan: (1) habitat and trail connectivity, (2) sustainable public access to the Susquehanna River and its surrounding natural lands, (3) emphasizing community partnership and collaboration, and (4) ecosystem health.

HOW DOES THE MINI-GRANTS PROGRAM WORK?

The Lancaster Conservancy, as the external lead of the Susquehanna Riverlands, administers the Mini-Grant Program with funding provided through DCNR. Single-year grant requests for a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $25,000 are considered for projects that work towards advancing the mission and goals of the Susquehanna Riverlands Partnership, outlined in the Susquehanna Riverlands Strategic Plan.  All interested applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Susquehanna Riverlands Strategic Plan, which outlines our landscape’s mission, vision, and goals for the future, prior to pursuing a Mini-Grant. Applicants can contact Jenn Teson to discuss their project before applying. 

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN APPLYING FOR A SUSQUEHANNA RIVERLANDS MINI-GRANT?

Applicants should first review the 2026 Info Sheet before applying. All interested applicants must email Jenn Teson Pitts (jteson@lancasterconservancy.org) with a brief description of your project. If your project is eligible, you will receive a link to the application, which will ask for a detailed scope of work, budget, and related items due no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Click here to preview the grant application. The review committee will make its final funding determination by August 28, 2026. 

WHO CAN APPLY?

Municipalities, including municipal and local government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charities, and some educational entities are eligible to apply. See location eligibility below.

Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape

 

About Susquehanna Riverlands Partnership
The Susquehanna Riverlands Partnership is a coalition of organizations working together to protect, preserve, and steward the natural lands along the Lower Susquehanna River, emphasizing connectivity, ecosystem health, and sustainable public access.