Land Acquisition and Conservation Grants
Forecasted
Land Acquisition and Conservation Grants support Pennsylvania communities and nonprofits in securing land and easements for parks, trails, habitat, recreation, and open space conservation.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (application deadline; last business day of April)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards of $150,000–$500,000; dollar-for-dollar match usually required
Summary: Supports Pennsylvania land and conservation-easement acquisitions for parks, recreation, habitat, open space, trails, and greenways.
Key Information: Land trusts must be pre-qualified to receive Keystone Land Trust funding.
Description
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) helps communities and nonprofit organizations acquire land for public parks and open space. Projects may involve purchasing land, acquiring an easement, or receiving donated land for community recreation areas, trail corridors, greenways, critical habitat, and open space. Grants can support fee-simple ownership or a lesser property interest, such as a conservation easement.
Projects must serve a public purpose and advance DCNR’s conservation and recreation goals. For easements, DCNR considers public benefits such as habitat protection and connectivity, water quality, and recreational access. Easements must follow the WeConservePA Model Easement to be considered for funding.
