Grants are available on a competitive basis for projects that implement the PA Water Trail Program’s eight guiding principles: Partnership - Stewardship - Volunteerism - Education - Conservation Community Vitality - Diversity - Wellness and Well-being.
Proposed projects must advance program goals such as creating recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians on Water Trails; developing trails that support sustainable use of natural resources; increasing and improving physical and psychological access to Water Trails; and connecting water trails to land trails or to other culturally significant community assets.
The PA Water Trail Program recently released the Five-Year Strategic Action Plan - 2025-2029.
This year, the Mini Grant program will prioritize funding for projects that advance the Plan's Goals and Strategic Outcomes by implementing one or more Actions and Activities in the Plan.
Also, new this year, applicants will be required to consider how project impact and success will be determined based on appropriate metrics.
Water Trail Program staff will require that grantees report on these metrics in progress and final reports.
Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations and public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency), and all projects must occur on a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail.
Applicants can request up to $7,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind).
On average, PEC supports between 6 and 10 projects under this program per year.
Project outcomes have included improved way-finding signage and safety messaging, inclusive cultural storytelling kiosks, water trail promotional material, up-to-date water trail maps and trip itineraries, new and enhanced physical access sites, streamside habitat improvement, and environmental education and introduction to paddling opportunities for youth and underserved community members.
PEC has administered the PA Water Trail Mini-Grant program since 2017.
Minigrant funding is financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, under the administration of the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
Therefore, applicants should note that mini-grants may not be used as match for other DCNR-funded projects.
All applications must be submitted online.
Sept. 15 Webinar
PEC is hosting an optional virtual pre-application meeting on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Registration is not required.
Click Here to join the meeting.
PA Water Trails
Pennsylvania's 28 Water Trails link outdoor recreation and water conservation efforts.
Since 2008, PEC, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the National Park Service have worked together to promote and maintain the Pennsylvania Water Trails Program's network of creeks and rivers.
The PA Water Trails Program provides technical assistance, shares education and resources, and facilitates networking and peer-to-peer learning for Water Trail managers.
Other Funding Opportunities
For information about other grant funding opportunities for motorized and nonmotorized boat access development or enhancement projects, please visit--
-- PFBC’s Boating Facility Grant Program webpage
-- DCNR’s Community Conservation partnerships Program Grant Program webpage
-- PEC’s Statewide Waterways Access Grant Program webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, PEC Bill/Regulation Tracker, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on Facebook. Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.
Related Articles:
-- Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Now Accepting Mini-Grant Applications; Oct. 1 Webinar [PaEN]
-- PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Hosts Sept. 16 Webinar On Understanding Green Stormwater Infrastructure Implementation In Your Municipality [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania Sept. 8 to Nov. 3
[Posted: September 2, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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