​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2025 Environmental Education Grants Program Manual

2025 DEP Environmental Education Grants Program

The 2025 Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Environmental Education Grants Program welcomes applications for the development of innovative formal and non-formal education projects that: 1) Address grant program priorities; 2) Provide opportunities to expand the public’s understanding of Pennsylvania’s environmental issues; and 3) Develop skills required to make informed decisions and take responsible action on behalf of the environment.

Since 1993, DEP has awarded 2,263 environmental education grants totaling more than $14.3 million. Over the program’s tenure, awardees have included schools, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, county conservation districts, businesses, and other eligible entities.

Proposals that fail to support the Environmental Education Guiding Principles, but simply disseminate information, will not be funded. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use and adapt existing, high-quality instructional materials and teaching curriculums, such as Bay BackPack, Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience materials, Project WET, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree and DCNR’s Watershed Education, before creating new materials.

2025 Environmental Education Grant Program Timeline

August 2024 - The 2025 DEP Environmental Education Program round opens. The 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program Manual and other pertinent information will be posted to DEP’s website. DEP EE database notifications will be sent via email.

November 15, 2024 - Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on this date. Late submissions will not be considered.

Spring 2025 - Awarded projects will be announced. Unanticipated circumstances may result in announcement delays.

July 1, 2025 - Awarded projects may begin on or after this date.

January 15, 2026 - Draft project assessment plans/tools due for review and feedback.

January 15, 2026 - Mid-term progress reports due.

June 30, 2026 - Completion date for all projects.

July 15, 2026 - Final reports, including assessment results, and final requests for reimbursement due.

DEP EE Grant Program Funding Priorities

Funding priority is given to environmental education projects that engage people living, working and/or attending school within Environmental Justice areas in topics related to Climate Change and/or Water.

Projects may engage a wide range of audiences (Preschool through adults), using education methods and strategies that are appropriate to the audience. Projects may be delivered in a variety of settings such as classrooms, community centers, field sites, etc. Projects may introduce new environmental concepts or build upon the audience’s existing knowledge and interests related to Climate Change and/or Water.

Funding requests shall reflect the People, Travel, Resource and/or Other costs (see Eligible and Non-Eligible Expenses) needed to effectively deliver the proposed Climate Change and/or Water project.

Climate Change

​Education projects that increase the audience’s understanding of how human activities have contributed to climate change impacts including floods, pests, disease, agricultural disruptions, groundwater changes and potential threats to human health and the environment. Projects will help audiences identify practical solutions and adopt actions (personally and/or collectively) to help Pennsylvania communities become more sustainable and resilient in the face of Climate Change. Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

• Demonstration projects that increase the community’s understanding of climate change impacts and promote adoption of green infrastructure practices such as renewable energy and energy conservation practices, permeable pavements, green rooftops, rain gardens, tree box filters, urban tree plantings, and other related practices.
• Education projects that address solutions for reducing carbon emissions.
• Tours featuring renewable energy and energy conservation projects, sustainable transportation, alternative fuels, waste reduction, and agricultural best management practices (BMPs).
• Education projects supporting Green School initiatives.
• Climate adaptation projects, implemented as a part of a larger educational effort, such as urban tree and riparian buffer plantings, water quality monitoring, habitat improvement, and other meaningful experiences.
• Projects that explore everyday choices such as energy conservation, transportation, food wastes, consumer habits, and others that could address climate change.

Water

​Education programs promoting effective ways to reduce non-point source and source water pollution to protect or improve local water quality. Projects may emphasize a variety of subjects such as watersheds, stormwater management, soil and water conservation, groundwater, agricultural nutrient management, abandoned mine drainage/reclamation, private water wells, road treatment, water quality monitoring, riparian buffers and cold-water habitats. Projects are not limited to the following examples:

• Workshops and educational tours addressing local water quality issues and solutions.
• Projects that address soil erosion and promote soil and water conservation practices.
• Community projects promoting integrated water resource management, water conservation, and stormwater best management practices (BMPs).
• Water education programs culminating in community action projects, such as tree plantings, stream maintenance, and establishing rain gardens.
• Programs that help youth understand urban watershed concepts, make connections with nature, and encourage hands-on stewardship projects.
• Education projects that help residents identify sources household and community hazardous wastes, understand how to properly use and dispose of products, and encourage practical use of “green” alternative products.

Environmental Justice (EJ) Audience

​Environmental Education programs designed to engage people (youth and/or adults) living, working and/or attending school within Environmental Justice (EJ) areas. EJ areas are designated in rural, suburban and urban areas throughout the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania identifies EJ areas where 20% or more individuals live at or below the federal poverty line, and/or 30% or more of the population identify as non-white minority, based on U.S. Census Bureau data and the federal guidelines for poverty. Use the DEP PennEnviroScreen to determine if the project will engage audiences within designated EJ areas.

Projects will:

• Help further the EJ audience’s understanding of local Water and/or Climate Change issues;
• Engage the EJ audience in hands-on activities designed to explore local environmental issues and potential solutions; and/or
• Support EJ audience-driven Water and/or Climate Change stewardship and/or civic action projects that benefit the community.

Examples of projects might include, but are not limited to tree plantings, establishing community gardens for food and wildlife habitat, events addressing litter prevention, or composting workshops.

Projects proposals must explain the strategy to be used to reach EJ audience(s) and describe:

1. The applying organization’s established relationship with the EJ audience; and/or
2. The project partners and the partners’ relationships with the EJ audience.

On the application Addenda, required fields* verifying the EJ audience(s) must be completed:

• Specify (town or municipality and zip) of each Environmental Justice Area;
• Identify the total number of individuals (not including presenters) to be engaged in the project and
• Approximate the number (%) of those individuals who are from EJ areas.

Please refer to the Appendix section DEP Office of Environmental Justice and contact DEP’s Office of Environmental Justice should you have questions.

DEP EE Grants Program Description

“Environmental education is critical to promoting a healthy environment and citizenry, sustainable communities and to the growth of Pennsylvania’s economy.” (Environmental Education Act, Section 2, Declaration of Policy (6).

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Education Grants Program provides funding for the delivery of meaningful environmental education projects that foster an understanding of natural world functions and cultivate critical thinking and actions that promote environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Funding will not be awarded for:

• Projects that are not entirely focused on environmental education.
• Basic research such as: data collection, surveys and/or stipends for researchers.
• Beautification projects or landscaping.
• Fundraising or membership drives.
• Political advocacy, campaigning, legislative lobbying or litigation programs. Applications that advocate for a particular policy position or appear biased will not be considered.
• Real estate acquisitions or due diligence research related to such acquisitions.
• Construction including buildings, improvements to existing structures, pond or wetland construction.
• Establishing recreational trails, gardens or other outdoor spaces, unless the proposal demonstrates such spaces are critical to effectively implement a proposed environmental education project.
  Note: To justify a funding request for establishing an outdoor space: 1) The written proposal must focus on the environmental education teaching and learning that will be delivered during the project period, utilizing the outdoor space; 2) The required Scope of Work form must reflect the environmental education program that will be delivered during the project period; and 3) A Letter of Commitment must be submitted, reflecting long-term maintenance of the space. The letter must be signed by the individual who is authorized to make the maintenance commitment.

Eligible Applicants

• Public schools and school districts (PreK 12), including Intermediate Units and Charter Schools
• Incorporated private schools (under limited circumstances, private religious schools may be exempted from the incorporation requirement)
• Incorporated conservation and education organizations and institutions
• Universities and colleges
• County conservation districts
• Incorporated nonprofit organizations
• Businesses (must be registered to do business in Pennsylvania)

Ineligible Applicants

• Entities, including municipalities, that do not appear on the list of Eligible Applicants cannot receive 2025 Environmental Education Program funds. Ineligible applicants are encouraged to partner with an eligible applicant to deliver environmental education programs.

Note: Applicants that were previously awarded a DEP EE Grant, but failed to meet their contractual obligations, may be deemed ineligible to receive 2025 Environmental Education Grant Program funds.

Project Time Period

Awarded projects may begin on July 1, 2025, and must end by June 30, 2026. No time extensions will be provided. Expenses incurred outside of the Project Time period are ineligible for grant funds.

Project Location(s)

All projects must occur in Pennsylvania and engage Pennsylvania audiences.

Project Audiences

People living, ​working and/or attending school within Environmental Justice areas are considered priority audiences. Projects may be designed to engage youth, teachers, municipal officials, farmers, developers, site designers, businesses, and homeowners, community residents, or others.

Multiple Applications

Multiple applications may be submitted from the same organization. Each project application will be viewed as an independent proposal and evaluated accordingly.

Application Instructions

​Application instructions are available as a printable document: Application Instructions (PDF) or in HTML format: Application Instructions (HTML).

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Single Application for Assistance at https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx by 11:59 PM on November 15, 2024. Applications submitted by ineligible organizations, past the deadline, or through mail, or fax, will not be considered.

Electronic Application Assistance

If you have questions completing the application, please contact Enterprise eGrants Customer Service Center at 1-833-448-0647 or email at egrantshelp@pa.gov. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.

Award Announcement

Awarded projects will be announced in Spring 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances which may result in delays.

Environmental Education Guiding Principles

The goal of environmental education is an environmentally literate citizenry, prepared to make informed decisions and take positive actions to help ensure the state’s natural resources are available for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

Environmental Education:

• Is a lifelong learning process involving human interrelationships with the natural world. Key to this process is an awareness and understanding of ecology and human-driven processes, such as agriculture, mining, energy production, economics, legislative procedures, and more.
• Includes a vast array of conceptual learning, critical thinking, values clarification, issues investigation, effective leadership, group interaction, environmental research methods, and general problem solving.
• Provides opportunities for participants to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences.
• Promotes positive environmental actions that may be private, involving subtle changes in an individual’s lifestyle, or collective efforts at the community, state, or national levels.
• Programs are most effective when they are learner driven, presented in a sequential framework, and address the learner’s needs and concerns. For instance, young children may excel at programs that emphasize awareness and incorporate simple skill-building activities. Older youth and adults, having mastered fundamental concepts, may participate in meaningful group environmental actions.
• Non-formal education programs support citizens’ abilities to make informed decisions that balance the needs of their communities with environmental protection.
• Formal education programs should emphasize Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards.

Non-formal and Formal Environmental Education Projects

Non-formal Environmental Education Projects

Environmental education programs that are not integrated into formal, PreK 12 classes and/or Higher Education course curriculums.

• Non-formal projects can be designed to reach any target audience including, but not limited to, youth, and may occur through a variety of venues such as afterschool activities, summer camps, 4 H programs, FFA, faith-based forums, and community workshops and special events.

Formal Environmental Education Projects

Environmental education programs that are integrated into PreK 12 and/or Higher Education course curriculums.

• Projects must relate to the State Academic Standards addressing Environment and Ecology (sunsets June 30, 2025), and/or Science and Technology (sunsets June 30, 2025) or the Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards.
• Projects will:
  • Occur within the local context. (i.e. schoolyard, neighborhood, community, town, or county;
  • Be learner-driven, whereby students define a local issue and potential solution(s);
  • Reflect student participation in one or more outdoor field experiences;
  • Encourage student led Stewardship and/or Civic Action projects;
  • Introduce students to potential career opportunities involving environmental sciences or related fields;
  • Provide opportunities for teacher collaboration and professional development, including Act 48 hours, whenever possible;
  • Promote diverse partnerships such as local municipalities, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, businesses, etc.; and
  • Encourage the use of technology such as social media, mobile applications, web tools and/or other appropriate tools.

Sustainable Schools: Coordinate programs to develop green, sustainable PreK 12 schools. Applying organizations will focus on reducing environmental impact, school health or outdoor classrooms, including energy efficiency and conservation, water quality and conservation, sustainable school transportation, waste and recycling, climate change, air quality, radon/improving indoor air quality or integrated pest management.

• Schools may form and enhance an energy team with teachers, students, building facility managers and administrators with the goal to reduce the school building’s energy use through PA Pathways to Green Schools. Schools may develop and implement school-centered energy conservation plans, including student-led energy audits. Schools may partner with colleges or universities, non-profit environmental education centers, STEM organizations, math and science collaborative or other organizations.​

Curriculum Integration Projects: Articulate the State Academic Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards into the formal PreK 12 curriculum for the entire school district, private school, charter school or cyber school. Schools may coordinate workshops to be attended by representatives from all schools and grade levels within the school district or private school. The goal of the project is permanent curriculum change. Any tentative workshop dates must be included in the application.

Curriculum Revision Projects: Applying schools will use their district’s fully aligned matrix to revise or write new lesson plans to integrate the Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards into the school’s curriculum. Assessment of the integration is required. The district’s fully aligned matrix must be submitted with the application.

2025 DEP EE Grant Program Award Tracks

Three award tracks are available for projects addressing Climate Change and/or Water.

Mini Grants, of up to $5,000, may be awarded for local (school, county, municipality or other defined area) environmental education projects. General Grants Level I, ranging in amounts from $5,001-$30,000, may be awarded for implementation of large-scale environmental education projects, such as School District-wide projects, engagement of multiple communities, collaboration involving multiple counties or statewide projects. General Grants Level II, ranging in amounts from $30,001-$65,000, are available for non-formal projects engaging youth and teachers at three (3) levels: local, state and national (see General Grants Level II proposals).

Regardless of the type of award, the grantee will be designated as the legal entity, solely responsible for implementing the Grant Agreement. The grantee will manage the project, maintain records and submit all required documentation including assessment tools, reimbursement forms and invoices, mid-term progress and final progress reports, and associated deliverables.

General Grants (Projects awards ranging from $5,001 - $30,000 or $30,001 - $65,000)

General Grant Reimbursements

​Funds are provided to General grants on a reimbursement basis. Requests for expense reimbursement are due Midterm (January 15, 2026) and within 14 business days of when the project concludes, but no later than July 15, 2026. Midterm reimbursements will not exceed 85% of the total Grant award amount. Requests for expense reimbursement must be accompanied by an acceptable Midterm or Final Report. General Grants are not eligible to receive advance payments.

General Grant Midterm Progress Report

​The Midterm Progress Report is due January 15, 2026.

General Grant Final Progress Report

​The Final Progress Report must be submitted within 14 calendar days of project completion. The reporting deadline for projects concluding on June 30, 2026 is July 15, 2026.

General Grant Budget Match and Letter of Commitment

​Match (Cash and/or In-kind) equivalent to at least 20% of the requested amount of Grant funds is required of General Grants. Project Match, whether provided by the applying organization or a project Partner, must be documented on the Detailed Budget sheet and substantiated by a Letter of Commitment (see Application Requirement).

Note: Ineligible Grant expenses and other state agency money, services or materials may not be designated as Match. Although ineligible applicants (including local, state and/or federal governments) may serve as project partners, funds and/or services provided by ineligible applicants may not be used as Match. People costs may not exceed 50% of the total funding request. People costs in any amount may be used as Match.

General Grant Partners

​Partners are required of General Grants. Partnerships can be made among school districts, private schools, universities, county conservation districts and other organizations to draw on the strengths of each entity. The Partner’s contribution (Cash and/or In-kind) is considered project Match. Partner Match must be documented on the Detailed Budget sheet and substantiated by a Letter of Commitment (see Application Requirement).

General Grant Project Presentation

​General Grant project proposals must reflect a plan for presenting the project and sharing lessons learned with an external audience at a regional, statewide conference or other far-reaching event.

General Grant Project Sustainability

​Project proposals must reflect a plan for sustaining the project after grant funds expire.

Mini Grants (Project awards up to $5,000)

Mini Grant Reimbursements

​Funds are provided to Mini Grants on a reimbursement basis. Requests for expense reimbursement are due Midterm (January 15, 2026) and within 14 business days of when the project concludes, but no later than July 15, 2026. Midterm reimbursements will not exceed 85% of the total Grant award amount. Requests for expense reimbursement must be accompanied by an acceptable Midterm or Final Report.

Mini Grant Advance Payments

​After the Grant Agreement is fully executed, should a Mini Grant awardee experience an unusual financial circumstance, the awardee may request a full Advance payment. A written request must be submitted to the Environmental Education and Information Center explaining the unusual financial circumstance that warrants consideration. Advance payment requests are not guaranteed.

Should the Advance request be approved, Advance payments must be maintained in a separate, interest-bearing account. Financial institution documentation verifying the Advance account ending balance and account closure must be submitted, along with any remaining account funds, within 14 calendar days of project completion, but no later than July 15, 2026.

Mini Grant Midterm Progress Report

​The Midterm Progress Report is due January 15, 2026.

Mini Grant Final Progress Report

​The Final Progress Report must be submitted within 14 calendar days of project completion. The reporting deadline for projects concluding on June 30, 2026 is July 15, 2026.

Mini Grant Budget Match and Letter of Commitment

​Match (Cash and/or In-kind) in any amount is required of Mini Grants. Match equivalent to at least 20% of the requested grant amount is encouraged. Project Match, whether provided by the applying organization or a project Partner, must be documented on the Detailed Budget sheet and substantiated by a Letter of Commitment (see Application Requirement).

Note: Ineligible Grant expenses​ and other state agency money, services or materials may not be designated as Match. Although ineligible applicants (including local, state and/or federal governments) may serve as project partners, funds and/or services provided by ineligible applicants may not be used as Match. People costs may not exceed 50% of the total funding request. People costs in any amount may be used as Match.

Mini Grant Partners

​Partners are encouraged, but not required of Mini Grants. Partnerships can be made among school districts, private schools, universities, county conservation districts and other organizations to draw on the strengths of each entity. The Partner’s contribution (Cash and/or In-kind) is considered project Match. Partner Match must be documented on the Detailed Budget sheet and substantiated by a Letter of Commitment (see Application Requirements, page 18).

Mini Grant Project Presentation

​Mini-grant project proposals must reflect a plan for presenting the project and sharing lessons learned with a local constituency or an external audience attending large events such as regional or statewide conferences.

Mini Grant Project Sustainability

​Project proposals must reflect a plan for sustaining the project after grant funds expire.

2025 DEP EE Grant Program Eligible and Ineligible Expenses

Eligible Grant Expenses

People Costs (up to 50% of grant funding)

• Wages and benefits directly related to project implementation, including project director, staff and clerical support.
• Private consultants, including wages/benefits and/or contractual fees for service.
• Stipends for teachers and administrators for work done outside the normal workday.
• Substitute teacher pay, at the current daily rate.
• People costs reflecting the portion of a field experience entry or other fees that are directly related to delivering the EE program content. For instance:
  ​* ​If a field experience involves paying a group fee to engage the audience in a water experience, the fee should be broken down into People costs (Delivery of the EE program content) and Other costs (equipment rental).
  * If a field experience involves an entry fee to a venue, such as nature center or aquarium, the fee should be broken down into People costs (Delivery of the EE program content) and Other costs (entrance fee).
  *If a field experience involves a fee to access a site location AND the applying organization will deliver the full EE program content at the site, then the People costs is the organization’s staff time, and the entire access fee is Other costs.

Travel Costs

• Personal mileage at the current GSA rate. For more information, visit https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates Transportation costs at a flat fee rate.
• Lodging

Resource Costs

• Educational resources such as books, library/research resources, software, test kits, and field guides.
• Supplies such as native plants and trees, mulch, shovels, hoes, garden trowels, gloves, building materials, signage, nets.
• Equipment and Technology
  • Equipment such as binoculars, weather stations, energy audit equipment, etc.
  • Laboratory equipment such as microscopes
  • Program-specific technology (handheld GPS units Laptops, iPads/tablets, webcams, video cameras, etc.). No more than 30% of the total grant funds requested may be used to purchase program-specific technology.

Note: All proposals must: 1) Specify how the equipment/technology will be used to deliver a meaningful environmental education project; 2) Designate where the item(s) will be located/stored; and 3) Identify how the items be used for environmental education after the grant’s project period ends.

Other Costs

• Project-specific phone charges, photocopying, printing, binding, graphic layout, postage/shipping
• Facility rental
• Boat, kayak, canoe and paddleboard rental (Purchases are not an eligible expense.)
• Advertising/marketing
• Website

Ineligible Grant Expenses (Ineligible expenses may not be used for Budget Match)

• People costs greater than 50% of the total amount of grant funds requested.
• Administrative fees and/or Indirect costs, including general operations or overhead charges, such as rent, utilities, monthly phone or general website hosting charges
• Food or beverages
• Airfare
• Equipment (computers, printers, etc.) and furniture (desks, lamps, etc. ) for general office use
• Out of state travel
• Award items (certificates, plaques, etc.) and prizes
• Boat, kayak, canoe and paddle board purchases (Rentals are considered an eligible expense.)
• Photography cameras and drones
• Personal items (water bottles, etc.), Clothing (t-shirts, hats, etc.), including Gifts
• Lawn mowers and other power equipment
• Grants, scholarships or fellowships to be given by the grant recipient to a third party.
• Grant funds may not be used to pay for graduate or other continuing education credits
• Grant funds may not be used for certification programs
• Pass-through of cash or incentives e.g. grant funds may not be used to provide services (such as septic system cleanouts) to project participants at a discounted cost.
• Reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the July 1 effective start date.
• Promotional items, such as stress balls, laser pointers, magnets, pins, etc.

2025 DEP EE Grant Program Application Requirements

All applications shall:

1. Complete the Project Narrative section, of the electronic application by providing

   Project Summary, not to exceed 3-4 sentences. For example:
   The (applying organization) will hold elementary education (grades 4-6) workshops, providing base knowledge about climate change as it relates to local water issues. The workshops will address PA Academic Standards, while engaging the audience in a variety of hands-on activities classroom and field experiences. Participants will be formal and non-formal educators who teach Environmental Justice community members.

   Project Outcomes that summarize the anticipated audience behavior change and overall project accomplishments. For example:
   At least 15 Formal, non-formal and pre-service educators will attend the workshop. Content knowledge will increase as reflected in Pre and Post evaluations. At least 80% of educators will incorporate the content into their classrooms or other teaching venues, as reflected in Post-workshop surveys.

   Budget Narrative that describes the project funds being requested on the Detailed Budget sheet.

2. Complete the Program Addenda section of the electronic application and upload the following required documents: 1) A project proposal that fully describes the environmental education project; 2) the current official EE Grants Program Scope of Work form (Word format); 3) the current official EE Grant Program Detailed Budget sheet (Excel format); and 4) Letter(s) of Commitment.

   2025 EE Grants Program official Scope of Work and Detailed Budget sheet forms are posted on the EE Grants Homepage. Additionally, links to official forms are available within the Program Addenda section of the application. ​Official forms that have been altered (such as converted to PDF) ​or have expired (such as those used during previous Grant rounds) ​will not be accepted. Applications that fail to provide all required documents may be considered incomplete and ineligible for EE Grant Program funding.

Project Proposal

Proposals shall not exceed 7 pages in length and include but not be limited to:

1. ​A complete description of the project, including the environmental education programs and activities that will be delivered during the period July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026.
2. The name of the Applying Organization and the Title of the project.
3. The credentials of the applying organization specific to implementing the project. Include an example of past successes delivering similar projects.
4. The credentials of the key people who will support successful delivery of the proposed project. Key people include the Project Leader, support staff, consultants, partners, and others who will be responsible for implementing the project. Identify the Key peoples’ environmental education programming experience(s) and their participation in professional development trainings such as Project WET or the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) framework. Include subcontractors, if known (see Subcontractors).
5. EE Grant Program priorities: Describe the Climate Change and/or Water environmental education content that will be delivered. Include activities and anticipated outcomes.
6. Specify the Grant track: Mini Grant (up to $5,000) or a General Grant (more than $5,000). All General grants must demonstrate the project has a wide reach (School District-wide, multiple communities and/or counties or statewide).
7. Explain the project audience(s) and your strategy to ensure their participation. Include information such as established relationships that the applying organization or its partners have with the audience(s). Consider both Primary and Secondary audiences.
   

   Primary audience(s) are people who will be reached directly by the project. Secondary audience(s) are people who will be reached indirectly by the project.

   Example 1:
   A project is designed to engage teachers in professional development about effective strategies for engaging students. Teachers are the primary audience. Teachers, in turn, apply new strategies while working with students. Students are the secondary audience.

   Example 2:
   A project is designed to engage youth in hands-on, community stewardship action projects. Students are the primary audience. Youth will be encouraged to share their knowledge with family members and friends. Family members and friends are the project’s secondary audience.

8. The type of project (Formal PreK 12/Higher Education curriculum and/or Non-Formal education)
   

   Note: If the project will deliver a Formal environmental education program, provide details including the specific PA Academic standards that will be addressed. Describe applicable elements such as how the project will integrate a local context, be learner driven, increase awareness about potential environmental careers, provide field experiences and opportunities for stewardship and/or civic action. Describe opportunities for teacher collaboration and professional development. Explain the project partnerships and the use of technology.

9. The audience behavior change(s) and project assessment:
   • Identify the audience’s behavior change(s) you hope to achieve by the conclusion of the project. Audience behavior changes include increased awareness and/or knowledge about an environmental issue, a willingness to take action(s) to improve the environment; and/or taking an action (either individually or collectively) to help address an environmental issue.
   • Describe the assessment tool/strategy that will be developed to measure the audience’s behavior change(s).
10. A plan to present the project to an external entity (not the project audience) at a conference, meeting or other appropriate event. General Grants present at regional or statewide events. Mini Grants may present at local venues.
11. Use of technology social media, web-based applications, and/or other appropriate technological tools and resources.
12. A plan to sustain the project after grant funds end.

Additionally, General Grant Level II ($30,001-$65,000) proposals must:

• Describe how the project widely* engages teachers and youth at the county, state and national levels. (*Teachers and students from at least 60 Pennsylvania counties will directly participate in the project); and
• Demonstrate at least 30% of program participants live, work, or attend school within an Environmental Justice area.

Scope of Work

The Scope of Work is the project work plan. Download the Scope of Work (Word document) from the application Addenda or the DEP EE Grants Program Homepage. Complete the following:

Benchmarks

Describe the major work components (benchmarks). Chronologically list the benchmarks by target date of completion.

Target Date of Completion

Provide a single Target Date of Completion for each benchmark. Target dates must fall within the Project Period: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.

NOTE: The Target Date of Completion is the Month/Year when activities described within the benchmark will be completed. The Target Dates of Completion should not reflect a span of time. If a benchmark will take place over a span of time, such as several months, identify the span of time within the benchmark description. For example:

Activity Letters

Provide one unique activity letter, in alphabetical order, for each benchmark.

Four benchmarks are required and must be listed individually with a unique Activity Letter:

1. Draft Assessment tool to be submitted for review and feedback
Enter Target Date of Completion as January 15, 2026.

Note: The assessment tool must be submitted for review and feedback prior to engaging the audience(s). If the project will engage an audience between July-December 2025, do not enter January 15, 2026. Enter a month/day/year that is at least 4 - 6 weeks prior to interacting with the audience. For example: If the project will engage the audience in mid-November, then the assessment tool Target Date of Completion is October 1, 2025.

2. Midterm Progress report
Enter Target Date of Completion: January 15, 2026.

3. Present the Project at a meeting, conference or other appropriate event to share project goals, “Lessons Learned,” accomplishments, etc.:
Enter the Target Date of Completion as a Month/Year

4. Final Report including assessment results and supporting materials
Enter Target Date of Completion as Month/Day/year.

Note: The Final Report must be submitted 14 calendar days after the project has concluded. July 15, 2026 is the Target Date of Completion for projects concluding on June 30, 2026.

Detailed Budget Sheet

The Detailed Budget sheet reflects costs necessary to implement the Scope of Work. Download and complete the Detailed Budget Sheet (Excel) from the application Addenda or the DEP EE Grants Program Homepage. Follow the directions on the Instructions tab:

• Costs
  Complete each tab reflecting costs for People, Travel, Resources, Other, and Match. A Letter of Commitment is required for all Budget Match contributions (Cash and/or In-kind).

Itemize all costs: If at the time of application, specific items have not been confirmed, then provide anticipated examples reflecting eligible expenses, including quantities.

Example: If a project will engage 5 groups in Community Action Projects, but the specific projects and the resources are TBD, identify examples of materials to be purchased, and the amount that will be budgeted per community group:

• Activity Letters
  For each item, enter the Scope of Work Activity Letter(s) that coincides with the expense.

Letters of Commitment

Signed Letters of Commitment are required from the applying organization and/or Partner(s) substantiating project Match. Letters of Commitment shall:

1. Reference the name of organization applying for an EE Grant and the proposed Project Title;
2. Specify the type of Match (Cash and/or In-Kind) and monetary value of the commitment; and
3. Describe the task to be performed and/or item(s) to be provided. For example:
   • Cash Match Commitment: “Partner name will provide $500 to pay for Facility rental fees;” or “Applying organization will provide staff wages ($1000) to implement the project.”
   • In-kind Match Commitment: “Partner name will waive facility rental fee ($250);” or “Partner name will provide programming assistance ($400: 20 hours @ $20/hour) to support delivery of 2 community watershed programs in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.”

Factors that Support a Successful Application

How Are Environmental Education Grant Awards Determined?

Environmental Education Grants Program rounds are competitive. The Department frequently receives grant funding requests greater than the amount of funds that are available to be awarded.

Each application is evaluated by three independent reviewers. Multiple factors are considered during the review process to help determine if the applying organization and its partners appear to have the capacity to successfully implement the proposed environmental education project. An applicant will increase its likelihood of being awarded an Environmental Education Grant if it provides a: Sound environmental education proposal that addresses one or more of the Grant program’s priorities; Complete Scope of Work that includes all four of the required benchmarks; Detailed Budget Sheet that reflects eligible expenses; and a Signed Letter of Commitment that substantiates each Budget Match entry.

Successful EE Grant Program Applications

Proposals should thoroughly describe the environmental education project for which funding is being requested. Reviewers do not make assumptions as to whether or not a project will engage an Environmental Justice audience or implement content related to the Climate Change and/or Water priorities. Reviewers consider only the information that is provided in the application and its proposal.

​For instance:

If a project will engage people living, working, and/or attending school within Environmental Justice areas, then along with defining the EJ area(s), the proposal should explain the outreach strategy, including existing relationships, that will be used for encouraging the EJ audience’s participation in the project.

Proposals must specify if the project is going to address the Climate Change and/or Water priority and describe the environmental education activities/programs that will be delivered to support the specific Climate Change and/or Water priority.

Mini-Grants (up to $5,000) are designed to support small-scale implementation of an environmental education project. General Grants ($5,001-$65,000) reach a wider audience (an entire school district, multiple communities and/or counties, etc.). Projects must meet the designated criteria for each level of funding, including the required partners and the required budget Match. Grant requests that exceed $30,000 must be statewide (at least 60 counties) and identify at least 30% of program participants as living, working, and/or attending school within an Environmental Justice area.

Formal Education proposals (Environmental Education programs that are integrated into PreK-12 classes and/or Higher Education curriculums) should specify the Academic Standards that will be addressed by the project’s content.

Proposals should explain the anticipated long-term sustainability of the project after it concludes on June 30. Considerations might include: Planned follow-up with the project audience(s) to determine the degree to which a behavior change continues; How outdoor learning spaces will be maintained; and/or the organization’s funding and other strategies for continuing the project and/or expanding its reach beyond June 30.

Applicants are encouraged to follow directions and submit complete forms. DO NOT submit the Scope of Work or Detailed Budget forms as a PDF. All Detailed Budget Match, whether it is provided by the applying organization and/or its Partners, must be substantiated by a signed Letter of Commitment.

2025 Environmental Education Grants Program At-a-Glance

Additional Pertinent EE Grant Program Information

Subcontracts

Different than a consultant or project partner, who are people directly involved with the development and/or delivery of the project, a subcontractor is a company or individual, hired by the grantee to perform specific task(s) as part of the overall project. The name of the subcontractor and the subcontractor’s FEIN must be provided to DEP for vetting prior to the subcontractor beginning work. DEP retains the right to approve the subcontractor.

Grant Nullification and Reconciliation

​Grant agreements are legally binding contractual agreements. Grantees must notify the Department (Department of Environmental Protection), in writing and on letterhead, should they wish to nullify the agreement due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, the Department retains the absolute and sole right to determine the final reconciliation of grant funds. As a guide:

• If no disbursements were provided to the Grantee, and the Grantee is not requesting an expense reimbursement, then the agreement will be nullified.
• If the Grantee completed some of its required benchmarks, a partial reimbursement of grant funds may be considered. An Expense Reimbursement Request must be submitted, accompanied by a Final report, reflecting the project’s accomplishments and deliverables. The report must also provide a full explanation of uncompleted benchmarks and the specific reason(s) for abandoning the project.
• If the Grantee received a 100% Advance payment, the Grantee may be required, at the Department’s sole discretion, to fully or proportionally reimburse the Department for uncompleted benchmarks. An Expense Reimbursement Request must be submitted, accompanied by a Final report, reflecting the project’s accomplishments and deliverables. The report must also provide a full explanation of uncompleted benchmarks and the specific reason(s) for discontinuing the project.

Additionally:

• In the event of an audit, should it be revealed that benchmark deliverables were not met in accordance with the scope of work, at the sole discretion of the Department, the Grantee may be obligated to return grant funds, in part or in full, to the Department’s Environmental Education Fund.
• In the event the Grantee fails to adequately document its required match, the Grantee may be required to return grant funds or its request for reimbursement may be disapproved.
• A grantee’s failure to comply with the obligations contained in the Grant Agreement, may deem the Grantee ineligible to receive future Environmental Education Grant Program funds.

Grant Acknowledgement

Grantees will provide DEP Environmental Education Grant Program acknowledgement on press releases, program advertisements and announcements, brochures, signage, products, webpages and other pertinent grant information as follows:

“Financial and other support for the TITLE OF PROJECT has been provided by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Education Grants Program.”

Project Proprietorship

Any educational materials, curricula, training manuals, technology tool or other products developed with the use of Environmental Education Grant Program funds, must be made available in the public domain. DEP will retain electronic copies of all materials produced with grant funds. Copyrighting is discouraged, but if proved necessary, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will hold the copyright.

Proposal Disclosure

Grant applications and supporting documents may be subject to public disclosure through the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. Any information included in the grant proposal that the applicant views as proprietary, must be clearly marked and submitted as an individual attachment at the time of application.

Grant Application Review and Feedback

​Grant rater names, score sheets, comments, and other identifiable information are considered confidential and will not be released to applicants. Applicants wishing feedback and general guidance may contact the EE&IC after the final grant awards are announced.

2025 EE Grant Award Announcement and Agreement

Please retain this manual and a copy of the application for future reference.

The project period for the 2025 DEP Environmental Education Grants Program is July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026. Work performed prior to July 1, 2025 is not eligible for grant funds.

Awarded projects will be announced in Spring 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances which may result in delays. Following the announcement, DEP’s Grants Center will email instructions and required documents (Scope of Work and Detailed Budget Sheet to be updated) to the Project Director noted on the Grant Application. Upon satisfactory submission of all required documents, the DEP Grant Agreement (contract) will be forwarded to the project’s authorized Grant signatory and Grant witness for electronic signature.

After the grantee’s electronic signatures are returned, it takes approximately six weeks for the agreement to become fully executed. Therefore, it is possible that awarded organizations will not have an executed agreement in place until late summer of 2025. Additionally, Mini Grant Advance payments will be considered only after the grant agreement is fully executed.

Please note: While work may begin on July 1, 2025 without a fully executed agreement in place, the grantee does so at its own risk. Please check your organization’s policy for performing work without an executed agreement.

General questions about the 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program may be directed to:

Department of Environmental Protection
EE Grants Program
Email: RA-epEEgrants@pa.gov

The Department of Environmental Protection values working with partners who share our view that diversity and equity are integral to success in restoring and protecting the environment for all Pennsylvanians. As we work to demonstrably improve the inclusivity of our programs and processes, we also encourage our partners to pursue increased inclusivity in their operations. In this way, Pennsylvania's natural resources are best protected as "the common property of all the people," as identified in our state constitution.

2025 DEP Environmental Education Grants Program Appendix

Act 48 Requirements for Teachers (Act 48)

​Act 48 requires teachers to obtain 180 professional development hours in a given five-year period. Organizations interested in teacher professional development may become an approved Act 48 provider, which will greatly enhance program recruitment. For information on Act 48 Providers, visit PDE’s website at www.education.pa.gov; type “Act 48” in the search box.

Act 168 Requirements (Act 168)

​Act 168 pertains to grantees holding field trips or events where hired staff may be in direct contact with children or minors. Staff must be sure to complete the employment history review process related to Act 168. For information on Act 168, visit PDE’s website at www.education.pa.gov; type “ACT 168” in the search box.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

​Passed by Congress in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the nation's first comprehensive civil rights law addressing the needs of people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. Applying organizations are responsible for compliance with the ADA, as applicable to the proposed project.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

​The Department of Environmental Protection's mission is to protect Pennsylvania's air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. We will work as partners with individuals, organizations, governments and businesses to prevent pollution and restore our natural resources.

DEP and Climate Change​
​
Pennsylvania is experiencing warmer, wetter conditions with more frequent storms, floods and heat waves. Visit the Climate Change in PA story map to learn about the causes and impacts of climate change, what Pennsylvania is doing about it and to obtain information on DEP initiatives such as the Climate Action for Environmental Justice Communities Program.

DEP Office of Environmental Justice (EJ)​
​
​Environmental Justice​ is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. EJ embodies the principles that communities should not be disproportionally exposed to adverse environmental impacts and anyone can have a seat at the table in the decision-making process that affects their environment.

DEP Environmental Education Grants Program (EEGP)

​Pennsylvania’s Environmental Education Act of 1993 established the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Environmental Education Grants Program. The act mandates setting aside five (5) percent of the pollution fines and penalties, collected annually by the DEP for environmental education, providing the only consistent source of environmental education funding within the state.

DEP Environmental Education and Information Center (EE&IC)

​Located on the first floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg, the EE&IC works collaboratively to carry out the objectives of DEP’s environmental education program. The EE&IC staff administer the DEP's environmental education grant program; collaborates with partners to promote environmental education efforts at public and private schools, higher education facilities, and non-formal environmental education centers; and manages a full-service environmental education center that provides resource and educational materials to educators, the community, and the general public.

Environmental Education (EE)

​Environmental education is a lifelong process. The goal of environmental education is an environmentally literate citizenry, prepared to make informed decisions and take positive actions to help ensure the state’s natural resources are available for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

Environmental Education Principles

Environmental Education Principles encourage the public to promote a healthy environment; foster an understanding of the natural world functioning; and promote an understanding of the necessity for environmental protection and sound resource management.

Pathways to Green Schools​

The Pathways to Green Schools Program is intended to provide recognition to schools across the Commonwealth as they design, build and implement their school, district, or institution's environmental literacy and sustainability plans in their quest to achieve USDE's Green Ribbon School recognition.

Pennsylvania State Academic Standards​

The Pennsylvania State Board of Education has adopted academic standards, which are benchmark measures that define what students should know or be able to do at specified grade levels beginning in grade 3. The standards are promulgated as state regulations. As such, they must be used as the basis for curriculum and instruction in Pennsylvania's public schools.

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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The EPA’s Climate Change Science webpage provides information on the Causes of Climate Change, including Human Versus Natural Causes. For more information on greenhouse gas emissions, see its Greenhouse Gas Emissions website. To learn more about actions that can reduce these emissions, see What You Can Do.

Existing Environmental Education resources to consider before creating new materials:

Bay Backpack is an online resource that supports hands-on environmental learning.
Visit: https://backpack.com

An Educator’s Guide to the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE): A guide for creating meaningful outdoor experiences from the Chesapeake Bay Program. Information is applicable to watersheds throughout Pennsylvania. Visit: https://www.cbf.org/document-library/education/teachers-guide-to-meaningful-watershed-education-experience.pdf 

Project WET (Watershed Education for Teachers) is a curriculum and Activity Guide with 64 interdisciplinary water-related lessons. Its activities are broad-reaching and can be used to deliver both Non-formal and Formal environmental education programs.
Visit: https://www.projectwet.org/publications-overview

Project WILD is a curriculum designed to help students learn how to think, not what to think, about wildlife and the environment. Materials represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management. Visit: https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning, environmental education program for educators working with students from Pre K through 12th grade. Through hands-on interdisciplinary activities, PLT uses the forest as a “Window on the world” to help young people learn how to think, not what to think, about complex environmental issues.
Visit: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Education/ProjectLe​arningTree/Pages/default.aspx​

Watershed Education (WE), developed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, WE is an inquiry-based, interdisciplinary curriculum that is geared for students in grades 6 through 12. Blending hands-on classroom and field investigations, students participate in data collection and analysis, community networking and partnerships, and stewardship and service-learning activities. Visit: https://www.watersheded.dcnr.pa.gov

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