Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant Program

The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. This program is funded through the Marcellus Legacy Fund established by Act 13 of 2012, which allocates financial resources to support local projects aimed at enhancing public recreation, green infrastructure, and environmental conservation across the state. The GTRP reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to developing, improving, and maintaining public parks, trails, greenways, and beautification initiatives that benefit both residents and visitors of Pennsylvania. The primary objective of the GTRP is to provide grants for the planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open spaces, parks, and beautification projects. The program supports a broad spectrum of project types including the rehabilitation and development of public indoor and outdoor park and recreation areas, expansion or creation of recreational trail systems, rivers and watershed conservation efforts, and acquisition of land for conservation or recreational purposes. Eligible uses of funds cover construction, engineering and design services, site preparation, environmental assessments, acquisition-related costs, and project planning and business plan development for outdoor recreation businesses. However, certain costs such as public relations, lobbying, and interest payments are explicitly ineligible. Eligibility for GTRP funding is extended to a wide range of entities. This includes municipalities, councils of governments, nonprofit organizations registered as 501(c)(3), educational institutions, watershed organizations recognized by DCNR or DEP, and for-profit businesses (excluding natural gas producers). Applicants must demonstrate control over the property to be developed and ensure public accessibility upon completion. A critical requirement of the program is a local match of 15% of the total project cost, which may be met through cash or cash equivalents, including appraised real estate value under specified conditions. The application window for the GTRP opens annually from February 1 to May 31, with all applications and supporting documentation due by the close date. Applications must be submitted electronically via the DCED Single Application for Assistance portal at grants.pa.gov. Required supplemental documents include project descriptions, financial estimates, evidence of site control, matching fund documentation, relevant permits and planning letters, and resolutions from governing bodies for public sector applicants. A $100 non-refundable application fee is required, to be paid electronically at the time of submission. Applications are evaluated by the CFA based on strategic importance, potential impact, and cost effectiveness. If selected, awardees will receive a grant agreement and commitment letter and must provide contact information for authorized representatives to electronically sign the agreement. Grants may not exceed $250,000, and projects must not commence before official approval. Fund disbursements will occur at no less than 30-day intervals, and applicants are required to maintain detailed records of activities and expenditures throughout the project lifecycle. The program operates on an annual cycle and is not rolling. For the 2026 cycle, applications were opened on February 1, 2025, and will close on May 31, 2026. Contact information for program inquiries includes the CFA Program Division via email at [email protected] or by phone at 717-787-6245. The official program guidelines are available online and via a direct PDF link for applicants seeking further details about the application process, eligibility criteria, and program requirements.