Grant Development and Submission
Penn Strategies provides services to clients needing grant development and submission assistance.
Partnering with Penn Strategies offers a distinct advantage for Pennsylvania municipalities and non-profits looking to maximize their chances of grant success. Our deep local knowledge, comprehensive service offering, and commitment to tailored, community-focused solutions make us an invaluable ally in navigating the complexities of the grant application process. By choosing Penn Strategies, you can enhance your funding prospects and invest in building a stronger, more sustainable community through successful project implementation.
Penn Strategies stands out as an ideal choice for several reasons:
- Specialized Local Expertise: Penn Strategies deeply understands the Pennsylvania funding landscape, including state and federal grants most relevant to municipalities. This local expertise is crucial for aligning grant opportunities with specific community needs and regional priorities, increasing the likelihood of successful funding.
- End-to-End Funding Solutions: Unlike many consultancy firms, Penn Strategies offers comprehensive services covering every grant process phase. This includes identifying suitable grants, writing compelling applications, advocating for approval, and managing compliance post-award. Such an all-encompassing approach ensures that municipalities can secure the funding and are well-equipped to manage these funds effectively, adhering to all regulatory requirements.
- Proven Track Record of Success: Penn Strategies has a demonstrated history of securing funding for various public, private, and non-profit projects. This track record speaks to our ability to craft winning proposals that meet the stringent demands of grant agencies. This experience translates into a higher success rate in grant approvals for municipalities, ensuring that vital community projects receive the necessary funding.
- Strategic Advocacy: In addition to grant writing, Penn Strategies provides strategic advocacy services. This means we don’t just write the grant; we actively advocate for its approval through our established networks within funding agencies. This proactive approach can be particularly beneficial in a competitive grant environment, helping elevate a municipality’s application in decision-makers eyes.
- Customized Strategy Development: Penn Strategies understands that each municipality has unique challenges and goals. We tailor our approach to meet these needs. We work closely with local officials to develop strategies that leverage community strengths and address particular vulnerabilities essential for creating compelling, customized, rather generic grant applications.
- Capacity Building: Beyond securing funding, Penn Strategies helps municipalities build their internal capacities for future grant applications. This includes training on grant writing, project management, and compliance processes, which empowers communities to become more self-sufficient in managing and sustaining funded projects.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Penn Strategies recognizes the importance of community involvement and stakeholder engagement in the grant process. We assist municipalities in organizing these efforts, which can strengthen a grant application and ensure that funded projects enjoy broad-based support and meet actual community needs.
“Tobyhanna Township has utilized the services of Penn Strategies since 2015. Their expertise has been instrumental in helping the Township receive over $22 million in grants over the past eight years.”
“Penn Strategies is a top-notch firm that employs a team of dedicated professionals. They have my trust and support.”
“The service and success we have received from Penn Strategies has been our best experience. The entire team at Penn Strategies is very professional, knowledgeable, and super responsive to our needs.”
“Through our partnership with Penn Strategies, Pocono Township has been successfully awarded millions in grant funds for a myriad of public projects, from park renovations to infrastructure repair and public safety needs.”
National, Regional, and Local Funding
Below is a partial list of funding sources we recommend
Grant programs in Pennsylvania cover a wide range of needs and projects. Here are some common types of grant programs available:
- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): These grants are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and provide funding for various community development projects, including infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, and public facility upgrades.
- PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund: This program, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), grants transportation-related projects, such as road and bridge improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and transit enhancements.
- Local Share Account (LSA) Grants: LSA grants are funded by gaming revenue and distributed to municipalities hosting casinos. These grants can support various community and economic development initiatives, including public safety, infrastructure, and tourism promotion.
- Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program: The DCED administers this program, which supports the development of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Municipalities can apply for funding to enhance outdoor amenities and promote healthier communities.
- Pennsylvania First Responder Loan and Grant Program: This program provides financial assistance to municipalities to purchase firefighting, emergency medical services, and rescue equipment. It aims to improve the safety and preparedness of local first responders.
- Small Water and Sewer Program: Offered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), this grant program assists municipalities in improving water and sewer systems, especially in rural areas.
- Keystone Communities Program: Administered by DCED, this program supports municipalities in implementing community revitalization and economic development initiatives. Funding can be used for facade improvements, streetscape enhancements, and other revitalization projects.
- Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA): While not a grant program, LERTA allows municipalities to provide property tax incentives for developing or rehabilitating properties within designated areas, encouraging economic growth.
- Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund: Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), this program assists municipalities in cleaning up hazardous waste sites and brownfields, promoting environmental remediation and redevelopment.
- Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) Grants: PHMC offers grants to support the preservation and promotion of historic sites, museums, and cultural resources in municipalities.
These are just a few examples of grant programs available in Pennsylvania. Check with relevant state agencies, local government associations, and grant databases for the most up-to-date information and eligibility requirements for specific programs. When applying for grants, applicants should carefully review each program’s guidelines, deadlines, and procedures to increase their chances of success. Penn Strategies can help!
Grant Development Staff
Lea Rehm
VICE PRESIDENT OF GRANTS SUBMISSION
Lea Rehm is an accomplished leader of a team of writers and researchers developing quality grant applications as the Vice President of Grants Submission …
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Robin Van Auken
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Robin Van Auken has an extensive background in anthropology and communication. Her responsibilities are as a researcher and writer …
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Maggi Ashworth Jones
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Maggi Ashworth Jones has established a reputation for creating and executing dynamic communications strategies for select clients …
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Janice L. Ogurcak
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Janice Ogurcak joined Penn Strategies after retiring from Little League. She is a grant writer and administrator …
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