PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DCNR) 

Peer and Circuit Rider Grants fund projects to increase local capacity for recreation, parks, and conservation. Peer Grants provide funding for projects that, through a collaborative process, focus on a specific need identified by the applicant and its partners. Circuit Rider program aides in the hiring of a full-time park, recreation, or conservation professional whose services are shared by the members of a formal partnership, commission, or authority.

Eligible Entities: Peer Grants: A municipality (county, city, borough, township, or home rule municipality) or a municipal agency (authority, council of government, or intergovernmental commission); please refer to the Peer Grants Guidelines for complete eligibility details. Circuit Rider: The application must come from one municipality, a council of government, an authority created under the Municipal Authorities Act, or an official agency created under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law (Chapter 23 of Act 1966-177, formerly Act 180); please refer to the Circuit Rider Guidelines for full eligibility details.
Award Amount: Peer Grants: usually between $10,000 – $18,000; Circuit Rider: varies based on the salary and approved training and mentoring expenses for the Circuit Rider
Required Match: Peer Grants: cash match equal to 10% of the grant amount; Circuit Rider: local funds to cover the Circuit Rider’s employee benefits for all four years of the grant, the balance of the salary in the second through fourth years, and normal support services
Applications Due: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The December 31, 2026, deadline is only a suggestion.