Editor’s Note: The PA Wilds Partner Opportunities blog is a new monthly roundup of opportunities and resources that are offered by partners of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. Featured blog content supports Pennsylvania Wilds communities, small businesses and organizations. Regionally focused and time sensitive grant opportunities, technical assistance programs and professional development workshops are examples of the types of resources and opportunities that will be included in this monthly blog. Typically published the second week of each month, this series serves as a real time supplement to the annually produced PA Wilds Resource Guides, available at WildsCoPA.org/business-resources.

 

WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Grant opens, informational webinar scheduled for February 7

Host: PA Walkworks
Date: Informational webinar scheduled for February 7; applications due no later than March 22, 2024.
Location: Informational packet available here; register for February 7 online informational webinar here.

WalkWorks is pleased to announce its eighth round of assistance to advance policy development related to active transportation. Grants and technical assistance will be offered to a limited number of municipalities and other governmental bodies to assist with the development of Active Transportation Plans during 2024 and 2025. These plans are essential to our efforts to establish activity-friendly routes that connect people to everyday destinations, thereby expanding opportunities for physical activity and improving public health. Active transportation includes walking, biking, using a wheelchair, and accessing public transit. An informational webinar reviewing the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will take place on Wednesday, February 7, at noon, on zoom. Register here.

 

Lumber Heritage Region Mini-Grant Program applications open

Host: The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania Inc.
Date: Applications must be received no later than February 8, 2024.
Location: Details and application packets are available at www.lumberheritage.org or by calling the LHR at 814-761-4207.

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania Inc. (LHR) is now accepting applications for LHR’s 2024 Mini-Grant Program. This is a 50/50 matching grant which requires applicant to have funding for 50% of the total grant reward. This grant may not be used as match for other DCNR- funded projects. Projects must be completed, and funds must be expended by February 28, 2025. Details and application packets are available on the LHR Website at www.lumberheritage.org or by calling the LHR at 814-761-4207. Funding is very limited. Potential grantees are urged to apply as soon as possible.

 

Alliance for Nonprofit Resources (ANR) ribbon cutting and info session

Host: Alliance for Nonprofit Resources
Date: Monday, February 12, 11:30 a.m. for ribbon cutting, noon for info session
Location: ANR office on 2nd floor of Six&Kane, 63 N. Fraley St., Kane

On Monday, February 12th, there will be a ribbon cutting and Informational Session with Alliance for Nonprofit Resources (ANR), a NEW business in Kane that has been established in Butler, PA since 2008. The ribbon cutting for ANR in their office on the 2nd floor of Six&Kane (63 N. Fraley Street) at 11:30 a.m. Following the ribbon cutting, there will be an informational session with leadership from ANR on how they can help you. The key is for them to get to know people, businesses, agencies and needs in our community to help figure out how they fit in to offer their services. The mission of Alliance for Nonprofit Resources is to provide innovative solutions and services for organizations to fulfill their mission effectively. Here is their website to check out ahead of time: https://www.anrinfo.org/.

 

Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania: 2024 General Update webinar on February 15

Host: Penn State Extension Educators
Date: Webinar held Thursday, February 15 virtually
Location: Register for free and learn more at https://web.cvent.com/event/4a6eb8c6-f3f5-4d11-8d82-c2d493070b5d/summary.

The Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania: 2024 General Update webinar is presented by Extension Educators who closely follow developments with PJM (a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.) and PUC (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission) along with proposed legislation and policy changes. Educators will discuss recent trends in large-scale solar, also called utility-scale solar, in Pennsylvania. Educators will explain what is happening in the Commonwealth and why. Attend the complimentary webinar from noon to 1 p.m. on February 15 to explore the latest trends in large-scale solar and gain insights into Pennsylvania Commonwealth’s current developments in this field. Siting and zoning considerations will also be discussed, along with common concerns for landowners and local governments. Register for free and learn more at https://web.cvent.com/event/4a6eb8c6-f3f5-4d11-8d82-c2d493070b5d/summary.

 

ARC POWER funding available for projects supporting coal-impacted communities; webinar on February 15

Host: Appalachian Regional Commission
Date: Webinar held Thursday, February 15 virtually; applications for funding are due by 5 p.m. April 17.
Location: Register for free and learn more at https://web.cvent.com/event/4a6eb8c6-f3f5-4d11-8d82-c2d493070b5d/summary.

ARC POWER funding is available for projects supporting coal-impacted communities. Projects to boost economic development and diversification in affected communities can apply for 2024 funding via POWER now; applications are due by 5 p.m. April 17. Read the press release or the Notice for Submission of Applications (NOSA). Interested in applying for POWER funding? Attend the pre-application webinar on February 15, 2024. Register now!

 

Career Pathways Apprenticeship Summit

Host: Northwest PA Registered Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network
Date: February 20, 2024
Location: Location TBA

Attention Clarion, Forest, Venango, and Warren Counties! You are invited to the Career Pathways Apprenticeship Summit on Tuesday, February 20. Save the date, and more information will be available soon. Open to employers, economic development partners, educators, workforce partners, and community-based organizations. Learn more and stay updated at www.facebook.com/NWPASmart.

 

Brookville Chamber’s Eggs & Issues featuring The Center for Rural PA

Host: Brookville Chamber of Commerce
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Brookville Firemen’s Club Banquet Hall, 202 E Main Street, Brookville, PA

This presentation will focus on the challenges rural Pennsylvanians face, such as population decline, limited broadband internet access, worker shortages, inadequate public transportation, insufficient child care, and housing problems. A county or school district is considered rural if the number of people per square mile is less than 291. Jefferson County has a population density of just 69 people per square mile. We can use this data to help combat rural PA’s problems. The Center for Rural PA uses complex data like this to offer research, grants, and solutions at the local, state, and national levels. Come on Tuesday, February 27th at 7:30 a.m. to Brookville Firemen’s Club Banquet Hall, 202 E Main Street, Brookville, PA. Registration is $15, includes breakfast buffet. Contact Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce (814) 849-8448 or [email protected] or register online www.BrookvilleChamber.com.

 

Appalachian Regional Commission READY Local Government applications due February 29

Host: Appalachian Regional Commission
Date: Applications due by February 29
Location: To learn more about READY Local Governments and how to apply, visit: www.arc.gov/ready/localgovs/.

ARC has opened applications for READY Local Governments, one of four learning tracks offered through our READY Appalachia initiative. ARC is seeking up to 180 local officials representing 90 communities (no more than two representatives per community) to participate in nine weeks of no-cost training and subsequent funding opportunities (no match required). Applications are due February 29. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sherry Dumire by email at [email protected] or by phone at 814-773-3162. Capacity is limited to 180 local government officials, with no more than two officials per community. To learn more about READY Local Governments and how to apply, visit: www.arc.gov/ready/localgovs/.

 

Department of Labor and Industry Direct Care Worker Job Quality Grant applications due February 29

Host: PA Department of Labor and Industry
Date: Applications due by February 29
Location: Learn more and apply at https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of $2,800,000 in Reemployment funds for the Direct Care Worker Job Quality (DCWJQ) Grant. This competitive grant opportunity will be focused on working with agencies and employers to create better places to work and to identify the job quality metrics needed to affirm these goals are being achieved. Applicants may request awards of up to $600,000 each. The application deadline for this grant opportunity is Thursday, February 29, ​2024, at 4:00 p.m. E.T. You may view/download the NGA and all related appendices by visiting the Grants page on the PA Labor & Industry web site or clicking on this link: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx .

 

North Central Greenways Mini-Grants open until February 29

Host: The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission
Date: Applications accepted from February 1, 2024 through February 29, 2024.
Location: To apply to North Central Mini-Grants click here.

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (North Central), in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is pleased to announce a new 2024 Greenways Mini-Grant funding round. Eligible applications must be in our six-county region comprised of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties and show consistency with the Regional Greenways and Active Transportation plan: www.ncentralgreenways.com. The competitive grant program will accept applications from February 1, 2024 through February 29, 2024. Grant requests should not exceed $25,000 with a dollar-for-dollar match. Match may be provided by in-kind services and/or cash. Special considerations will be given to the projects that have secured local match at time of award and that involve opportunities for coordination between local and state agencies. To apply to North Central Mini-Grants click here.

 

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Mini-Grant Program applications open

Host: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
Date: Applications open from January 8, 2024 to March 1, 2024
Location: Apply online or learn more at susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program.

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) is reopening the Mini-Grant Program to a Winter 2024 round of applications starting January 8, 2024, and closing March 1, 2024. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations who are able to apply for DCNR-supported funding and public entities. Applicants may request up to $10,000, and proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind). All awarded funding must be utilized within the May 1 – December 29, 2024 contract period. The application window will close at 4:59 PM on March 1, 2024. Eligible applicants can apply online or learn more at susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program.

 

Recreation RAC Committee members sought

Host: USDA Forest Service
Date: Applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2024.
Location: Contact Jamie Klebanski at [email protected].

The USDA Forest Service announced that staff at the Allegheny National Forest will be assisting in the recruitment of nominees for a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (Recreation RAC), which is being re-established for the Eastern Region. The Forest Service is seeking a diversity of candidates to join the 11-member committee. This opportunity is in addition to the September 2023, call for Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee members. If you would like to be considered for membership or wish to recommend nominees, please contact Jamie Klebanski at [email protected]. Nomination packets will be sent to potential nominees. Applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2024.

 

North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission hiring for Community Development Coordinator position

Host: North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission
Date: Applications must be submitted no later than March 8, 2024.
Location: Job based in Ridgway, PA, with limited remote work opportunities available after completion of three months.

Join our dynamic team as a Community Development Coordinator, where we are dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in our communities through our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). We are looking for a passionate and innovative individual who shares our commitment to community engagement, sustainable development, and collaborative success. Starting Salary Range: $41,200 – $49,400 annually, DOE, with full benefits. Location: Ridgway, PA. Closing Date: Friday, March 8th, 2024. Limited remote work opportunities available after completion of 3 months. Visit www.ncentral.com/employment-opportunity for more information.

 

Together Outdoors Inclusive Micro-Grant program launches, applications due March 11

Host: Together Outdoors
Date: Deadline to submit grant application: March 11, 2024 by 11:59 pm EST.
Location: Learn more and apply at www.togetheroutdoors.com/grantprograms.

Together Outdoors has opened the application period of its Inclusive Micro-Grant Program. This is a funding opportunity for small and rural grassroots organizations that are key to creating a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor recreation environment. The mission of Together Outdoors is to nurture an environment where all people have access to welcoming outdoor recreation experiences. We pursue this work through engagement, partnership, and education across all segments of the outdoor community. In this initial pilot round of grants, Together Outdoors will make one-time awards of $5,000 to $10,000. Deadline to submit grant application: March 11, 2024 by 11:59 pm EST. Learn more and apply at www.togetheroutdoors.com/grantprograms.

 

PA Downtown Center New Manager Training available in Brookville on March 13

Host: PA Downtown Center
Date: March 13, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 155 Main Street, Brookville, PA 5825

Calling all Designated and Recognized members of Pennsylvania Downtown Center! If you haven’t yet participated in the Manager’s Trainings, now is the perfect opportunity to join us at the upcoming New Manager’s Training. Scheduled for March 13 in the Northwest region of PA (Brookville) and March 19 in Leigh Valley, these sessions are designed to support your transition into the role of Main Street or Elm Street manager. Led by experts from PDC and DCED, the training will cover expectations and services provided, offering invaluable insights for both new and seasoned managers. Don’t miss out on this informative and transformative opportunity! Cost is free for any DCED Designated Program, $50 for PDC members, and $75 for non-members. Register here: https://padowntown.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/padowntown/event.jsp?event=418

 

Apply to be an Artist in Residence in the Allegheny National Forest by March 17

Host: USDA Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest
Date: Applications must be submitted no later than March 17, 2024.
Location: Send applications to Jamie Klebanski at [email protected].

Are you an artist who loves nature and wants to spend three weeks as an Artist in Residence in the Allegheny National Forest in the PA Wilds? Painters, sculptors, writers, composers, craftspeople, and other artisans are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Artist in Residence program. Applications are due by March 17. Learn more here

 

Downtown Bellefonte Inc. offering two grants to support small business, applications due by April 12

Host: Downtown Bellefonte Inc. (Bellefonte Springboard)
Date: Entries are due by Friday, April 12, 2024 by end of day.
Location: Get more information and submit application at www.bellefontespringboard.com/springboard-grants.

Downtown Bellefonte Inc., the non-profit organization behind Bellefonte SpringBoard, is offering two grants to support the small business community in 2024. Grant awardees will receive both funding and coaching opportunities to start or scale their business. Two grants will be offered to new or established businesses within Centre County: One for those with a business idea or that have been in business for less than one year; and one for a business that has been established for more than one year. Two grant recipients will receive cash funding in the amount of $2,500 to help start or scale their business. In addition to funding, recipients will receive: A one-year, full time membership to Bellefonte SpringBoard. In addition to coworking opportunities, SpringBoard offers meeting room use, workshops and programming that are free for members, and more, as well as access to a network of professionals for business-related advice, from marketing to business operations. Full grant eligibility requirements are available at bellefontespringboard.com/springboard-grants.

 

Art of the State 2024 gallery accepting entries from artisans

Host: The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Date: Final date to submit entries is Friday, May 3.
Location: Learn more at statemuseumpa.org/artofthestate (application details here).

Art of the State, open to Pennsylvania artists and craftspeople, is an annual juried exhibition held at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. With an established tradition of exhibiting highly creative art chosen by a distinguished panel of jurors, Art of the State provides an opportunity for both established and emerging Pennsylvania artists to exhibit their art and receive statewide recognition. The fee is $30 for up to 4 works of art. Final date to submit entries is Friday, May 3 at midnight. Entry assistance will be available by e-mail and phone from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. The exhibition will be open from Sunday, September 8, 2024 until Sunday, January 5, 2025. Learn more at statemuseumpa.org/artofthestate.

 

POWR Statewide Waterway Access Grant Mini Grant Program

Host: The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers
Date: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded on a rolling basis.
Location: Learn more at the POWR SWAG announcement press release.

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) is opening the new Statewide Waterway Access Grant Mini Grant Program (SWAG). The grant program, supported by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is designed to help meet growing demand for non-motorized boating opportunities. The program provides grants of up to $30,000 to create new or improve existing access points along the region’s rivers, streams, and waterways.

 

Office rental space available in Greater Clearfield County Chamber of Commerce building

Host: Greater Clearfield County Chamber of Commerce
Date: Get in touch as soon as possible for tour if interested.
Location: 218 South Second Street, Clearfield, PA 16830; call Christy at 814-765-7567 for details.

Are you working from home but need a quieter office space without distractions? Could your new startup business use an affordable office space to meet with clients? Are you looking for an all-inclusive office within walking distance of downtown Clearfield? The Clearfield Chamber of Commerce building at 218 South Second Street in Clearfield has affordable office space available in the new year. Give Christy a call at 814-765-7567 for availability.

 

DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant round opens January 16, 2024

Host: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Date: Grant round opens January 16, 2024, various deadlines for different grants.
Location: Learn more and apply for the grants at the DCNR grant page.

Videos of DCNR’s annual grant workshop are now live on the agency’s YouTube channel. If you missed the grant workshop on November 16, or if you’d like a refresher on anything you learned at it, the videos are the place to start. The videos provide information about the upcoming 2024 grant round, which opens on Tuesday, January 16. They discuss who can apply, the types of projects we fund, and how to make your application more competitive. We recommend watching the “General Overview” video first, and then watching the video specific to the type of grant you intend to apply for. Learn more and apply for the grants at the DCNR grant page.

 

Submit your resources!

Organizations offering resources or opportunities for small businesses, nonprofits and communities in the PA Wilds are invited to submit information for potential inclusion in next month’s Partner Opportunities blog, which is posted to PAWildsCenter.org and shared in the PA Wilds Center’s monthly e-newsletter. The blog and e-blast are typically shared the second week of the month. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. the last Friday of month for consideration. SUBMIT RESOURCES

 

ABOUT THE PA WILDS

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 13-county region that includes the counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren, and northern Centre. The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that inspires the communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The PA Wilds Center promotes the region and its 2+ million acres of public lands as a premier outdoor recreation destination as a way to diversify local economies, inspire stewardship, attract investment, retain population and improve quality of life. The PA Wilds Center’s core programs seek to help businesses leverage the PA Wilds brand and connect with new market opportunities, including: the Wilds Cooperative of PA, a network of more than 575 place-based businesses and organizations, and the PA Wilds Conservation Shop, a retail outlet primarily featuring products sourced from the WCO. For more information on the PA Wilds Center, visit www.PAWildsCenter.org. To learn more about the WCO, visit www.WildsCoPA.org. Explore the PA Wilds at www.PAWilds.com. Find regionally made products at www.ShopThePAWilds.com. 

 

Media Contact

Britt Madera | Communications Manager

PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc.

[email protected] | 570-948-1051