DEP accepting applications forEnvironmental Education Projects

HARRISBURG, PA, August 26, 2024 – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has made nearly $1 million available for projects that will promote environmental education and stewardship across Pennsylvania. Many of last year’s awardees also supported people in environmental justice communities, communities composed of Pennsylvanians that are more threatened by climate change, air pollution, and water pollution.
DEP’s 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program is accepting applications through November 15, 2024. Up to $1,000,000 worth of grants may be awarded for environmental education projects that engage people about clean water and climate change, especially projects that focus on environmental justice areas. Eligible applicants include schools, colleges, nonprofit community and environmental organizations, county conservation districts, and businesses.
“Environmental Education grants are some of the best ways to teach people about the water they drink and the air they breathe. The projects that these grants support strengthen the bonds between people and their environment so they are able to make informed decisions and take responsible actions for their communities” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These projects are especially important to communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
A free 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program webinar will be held on October 10, 2024, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. DEP staff will provide proposal tips and instructions for completing the required application forms. The program will conclude with a Q&A session. Registration by September 30, 2024, is required: 2025 EE Grants Program Webinar Registration,
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QSiOQSgB1U2bbEf8Wpob3rnj1WRqLYtOqLBV9SSz0FhUNlVFQVNWNkQ2N0ZTUEtBUEY0S0dSTURNQy4u&route=shorturl
Projects with a local focus may receive up to $5,000 and regional or statewide initiatives may receive up to $30,000. Projects that engage students and teachers from at least 60 Pennsylvania counties at three levels, local, state, and national, may be awarded up to $65,000.
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. Projects must be implemented during the period July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026.
Information about the grants program is available at Environmental Education Grants. Electronic applications must be submitted through the Keystone Login (first-time users will need to register), https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx.
The Environmental Education Grants Program has supported a wide range of activities from tours and workshops to hands-on field experiences and action projects. Go to the 2024 EE Grant Awards for a listing of projects that were awarded funding in Spring 2024,
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/EnvironmentalEducation/Grants/Pages/2024-Environmental-Education-Grant-Awards.aspx.
The Environmental Education Grants program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside 5% of the pollution fines and penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania. Since the program began, more than 2,200 projects, totaling over $14 million, have been awarded grant funds.
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website or follow DEP on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.