Applicants are invited to apply for the York County Open Space and Land Preservation Grant Program, offered by the York County Planning Commission in Pennsylvania. This grant is available to entities within York County and has a deadline of July 30, 2025. Grant amounts range from $100,000 to $500,000, with a maximum annual request of $300,000. The grant duration is up to three years.
Eligible applicants include municipalities within York County, the York County Parks Department, other County agencies, school districts, and charitable non-profit organizations with 501(c) status. Non-profits must have been in operation for at least five consecutive years and should have a mission related to natural resource protection, land preservation, or recreation. School districts and certain county agencies are only eligible for the Marcellus Shale Legacy funds.
Funding is available under three main categories: Land Acquisition, Planning and Ordinance Assistance, and Marcellus Shale Legacy Funding. Under the Land Acquisition category, grants may be used to purchase land that provides public access and supports natural resource protection or parkland development. However, the funds cannot be used to acquire structures or any portion of land intended for buildings.
Planning and Ordinance Assistance funds support planning studies, updates to comprehensive plans, and ordinance development in alignment with the York County Comprehensive Plan. Eligible activities include creating or amending zoning ordinances, subdivision and land development ordinances, official maps, and special plans like park master plans or natural resource protection plans. Costs covered include planning and consulting fees, mapping, professional reviews, legal drafting, and document printing. A detailed scope of work is required for all comprehensive plan and ordinance update applications.
Marcellus Shale Legacy Funds can be used for projects involving the planning, acquisition, development, or rehabilitation of greenways, recreational trails, open space, natural areas, conservation and beautification initiatives, community or heritage parks, and water resource management. These funds may also be used to acquire lands affected by flooding or drainage issues.
Applications from multi-municipal collaborations are encouraged. Each applicant should ensure their project aligns with the objectives of open space preservation, resource protection, or recreational improvement as outlined in the county’s comprehensive plan.
