The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will soon begin offering a series of free, online workshops for potential 2021 DCNR grant applicants.
“Once again, the intent of these workshops is to answer questions applicants have when they consider seeking available DCNR grants for recreation, conservation, and community-based projects,” said Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Participants will receive guidance and updates on our online application process and how to create a competitive application. Attendees also will receive information on eligible applicants and projects; learn about the documents required for various types of projects; and have the opportunity to interact with Bureau of Recreation and Conservation staff.
“Regardless of employment or position, we urge all who are interested to attend one of three offered sessions. Each year, these workshops draw municipal officials, consultants, land trusts, board members, trail managers, and park and recreation professionals.”
Grants are funded through a variety of sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; Environmental Stewardship Fund; Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program; and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Free of charge, the grants workshops will offer a sound introduction to the department’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, popularly known as “C2P2.” Also covered: land acquisitions, community park planning, community park development and trails.
Attendees will be provided in-depth information on projects eligible for DCNR grant funds; learn how to develop a competitive “ready-to-go” application; learn about matching fund requirements and other sources of funding for the match; receive guidance and updates on the eGrants application process, and the documents required for each project type; learn what’s new in the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation; and have an opportunity to interact with DCNR regional advisors and grant project managers.
Those in counties in the eastern third of the state should attend Wednesday, Nov. 4. Those in central Pennsylvania should attend Thursday Nov. 12. Those in the west should attend Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Each workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Breakout sessions will provide time for project-specific questions and answers with professional grant managers.
All workshops will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the workshops are free, pre-registration is required as space in each workshop is limited.
