Call for Applications for Flex Grant Program 2023 (Pennsylvania)

The Friends of South Mountain Partnership (FOSMP) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy have funding available to support projects not traditionally eligible for the SMP Mini-Grant program.

Donor Name: Friends of South Mountain Partnership

State: Pennsylvania

County: Adams County (PA), Cumberland County (PA), Franklin County (PA) and York County (PA)

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 07/28/2023

Size of the Grant: $600-$1000

Details:

This small-scale funding opportunity is intended to support projects not traditionally eligible for the SMP Mini-Grant program.

In addition to supporting the SMP mission and goals, priority will be given to ideas that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the region. Example projects and initiatives are shared below, but all projects with connections to conserving landscape resources, promoting landscape resources, and/or connecting people and organizations with common goals around conservation are encouraged to apply.

The Partnership identifies four priority Landscape Resources – natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational resources (for example: working farms and farmlands, historic places, water and air quality, habitat and wildlife, and trails and parks) – within the South Mountain region, and they welcome project proposals that protect and promote this diversity of resources. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively on how to use these funds to support current needs or encourage these values in their future generations.

Example Projects and Initiatives

Educational Funds
- Cash prize for K-12 art contest showcasing “what conservation means to me”
- Sponsor field trip for students to visit a landscape resource (farm, forest, etc.)
- Support for underserved students to participate in local conferences or trainings
Local business and economy
- Increasing accessibility of underserved audiences to healthy and local foods
- Creation of advertising and communication materials for a minority-owned business that focuses on landscape resources
- Marketing materials to advertise a local art collective
- Creation of a story map or app to highlight regional farmers markets and farm stands
Professional Development
- Attending conferences, events, and training
- Participation in local events and opportunities. E.g. staff attending the Conserve PA conference
- Staff participation in Web GIS course to support organizational community outreach efforts
Infrastructure
- Installation of green, sustainable, solar or EV infrastructure
- Supplies to develop a school or community garden to promote sustainability and resiliency
- Building a roadside stand to support food distribution in rural community.

Funding Information

Awards from $600-$1000 will be considered, and any requests must be separate from projects submitted through the 2023 SMP Mini-Grant program.

Eligibility Criteria

The South Mountain Partnership’s Flex-Grant Fund simulates on-the-ground projects that further the Partnership’s mission to conserve Landscape Resources that enrich the quality of life and sense of place of the citizens and communities of the South Mountain region. Eligible applicants include 501(c) 3 non-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, educational institutions, community groups, and businesses. All projects must be within Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, or York County. Applicants may not apply to both the SMP Mini-Grant Program and Flex Grant funds. The South Mountain Partnership’s Flex-Grant Fund is funded through private donations to the South Mountain Partnership. 2023 Flex Grants may NOT be used as a match for the SMP Mini-Grant Program.
Applications are reviewed by a small committee of current South Mountain Partnership partners. Applications will be ranked based on three categories:
- Alignment with Partnership : Advances Mission and Goals – Project advances the Partnership’s mission of “conserving Landscape Resources to enrich the quality of life and sense of place of the South Mountain region’s citizens and communities,” and addresses at least one of the Partnership’s goals
  - Conservation of Landscape Resources – sustain and steward the resources that define the South Mountain landscape;
  - Promotion of Landscape Resources – increase public awareness of the resources that define the South Mountain landscape;
  - Connections across the Landscape – emphasize the interconnectedness of the resources to create a community of collaboration amongst a critical mass of public agencies, non-profit and community organizations, businesses, and citizens.
- Partner Collaboration – Project builds and sustains collaboration with other partners and/or ideas that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our region
- Project Need: Applicant demonstrates funding would meet an immediate need such as, expanded access to services, engaging diverse audiences, allows exploration of a new idea, meets an immediate funding gap.