Flex Grants

The Flex Grants program is a small-scale funding initiative managed by the Friends of South Mountain Partnership in collaboration with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. It is designed to support grassroots conservation efforts within the South Mountain region of Pennsylvania. This opportunity is distinct from the South Mountain Partnership's (SMP) Mini-Grant Program and is intended to fund projects that may fall outside the scope or eligibility of traditional grant lines. Flex Grants aim to expand access to funding for a broader array of community organizations, with an emphasis on equitable access to the natural resources and recreational spaces of the South Mountain region. The funders of the Flex Grants—the Friends of South Mountain Partnership (FOSMP) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy—play a central role in stewarding the landscape and conservation ethos of South Central Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is well known for its work preserving and protecting the Appalachian Trail, while the FOSMP supports initiatives that uphold the mission and values of the South Mountain Partnership, a regional conservation partnership managed through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The grants offered through this collaboration are strategically aimed at enhancing the capacity of local partners to contribute to these efforts. Flex Grants are intended to fund initiatives that align with the overarching goals of the South Mountain Partnership, particularly those that increase community access to the region’s environmental and recreational assets. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative or underrepresented project types that may not qualify under the SMP Mini-Grant framework. This flexibility in scope allows for a more inclusive funding model, particularly benefiting smaller organizations or novel project types that lack traditional funding pathways. Projects must be located within the defined geographic scope—Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, or York counties in Pennsylvania—and applicants must clearly demonstrate how the proposed activity will benefit communities in this area. Eligibility for this program is notably broad. Applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, educational institutions, community groups, and businesses. The eligibility criteria reflect an effort to enable diverse stakeholder participation across public, nonprofit, and private sectors. No matching funds are required, lowering the barrier to entry for smaller or first-time applicants. Projects previously submitted under the SMP Mini-Grant program are not eligible for consideration under this funding line, ensuring a distinct and non-duplicative funding track. The funding available per project is relatively modest, with awards ranging between $1,000 and $2,000. Despite the small size, this funding can play a critical role in initiating or sustaining grassroots conservation activities. The application window for the next round will close on June 27, 2025, with applications not yet open as of the analysis date. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the downloadable Flex-Grant Packet available on the South Mountain Partnership website for full program details, including sample project ideas and evaluation guidance. Submission details, including any required forms or application steps, are contained within the downloadable packet; however, the website does not list a pre-application or concept paper stage. Projects are expected to be evaluated based on alignment with the SMP mission, innovation, and ability to support access to South Mountain’s natural assets. While no specific award notification or performance period timeline is mentioned, the program’s annual cycle suggests a relatively streamlined evaluation process. No specific contact individual, email, or phone number is listed on the webpage. The Flex Grants program continues to be an important entry point for organizations committed to environmental stewardship within Pennsylvania’s South Mountain region.

Projects should align with the South Mountain Partnership’s mission and goals, and provide community access or enhancement benefits within the four eligible counties.