Focus on Funding – May 2026
Growth doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen when you keep moving forward. This month’s issue is all about growing forward, with funding opportunities that support greener projects, walkable places, and thriving local food systems. We’re happy to share a little good news, too: we recently helped a client secure two Growing Greener Plus Grants, turning smart planning into meaningful progress. Onward!
Growing Greener Plus Grants
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)
We’re proud to share recent funding wins totaling $414,600 for two stormwater management basin retrofit efforts. The 2025 Growing Greener Plus Grants Program awarded funding for both project design and construction, reflecting the strength of the applications and project readiness. These projects were selected from a competitive pool of 168 submissions reviewed by PA DEP. Congratulations!
PA DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Grants Program funds watershed planning, restoration, and protection efforts. The Growing Greener Plus Grants Program consists of three grants: Growing Greener Watershed Restoration and Protection, Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) Bond Forfeiture, and Stormwater Management Planning (Act 167) Grants. DETAILS
2026-27 WalkWorks Capacity-Building Pre-Planning Assistance Program
WalkWorks, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Downtown Center
WalkWorks announced its fourth round of the Justin R. Lehman Community Capacity-Building Pre-Planning Assistance Program, providing technical assistance to support low-capacity, high-interest municipalities with the pre-planning steps they must undertake to be ready to apply for funding to develop Active Transportation Plans in 2027. LEARN MORE
Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. It offers three types of grants to assist farm and ranch operations: Capacity Building, Community Development Training and Technical Assistance, and Turnkey Marketing and Promotion.
Similar to the FMPP, the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. It offers four types of grants: 24-Month Planning, 36-Month Implementation, 24-Month Turnkey Marketing and Promotion, and 24-Month Turnkey Recruitment and Training.
Dates to Know
RETTEW monitors funding opportunities from government and private entities. Bookmark our Focus on Funding calendar and check it regularly for the latest funding deadlines and webinars.
May 22 – 5:00 PM Deadline to Submit Questions: 2026-27 WalkWorks Capacity-Building Pre-Planning Assistance Program
May 29 – 4:00 PM Deadline for Growing Greener Plus Grants: Pre-Application Consultation, Application Review with County Conservation District Watershed Specialist, and Contact DEP Watershed Support Section Staff
May 31 – Deadline for Act 13 Programs
June 1 – ARLE Funding Program – opening for eligible entities that submitted a completed pre-application scoping form by the April 30 deadline
June 5 – Deadlines for Farmers Market Promotion Program and Local Food Promotion Program
June 8 – 2026-27 WalkWorks Capacity-Building Pre-Planning Assistance Program Application Review Begins at 5:00 PM
June 22 – 4:00 PM Deadline for Growing Greener Plus Grants
RETTEW's Project Funding Team
RETTEW’s Project Funding Team can provide comprehensive support for your projects by exploring funding sources and guiding the project team through the application process. We excel in crafting effective grant applications and have secured close to $288 million in funding for our clients, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to advancing community projects. Contact our team to learn more about current funding opportunities and the application assistance we can provide for your business, municipality, and nonprofit.
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