Grant Support for Communities

Perry County Hometowns supports local leaders as they plan, fund, and implement projects that strengthen their Main Streets. This page brings together funding opportunities, guidance, and practical tools tailored specifically for boroughs and borough committees participating in the Perry County Hometowns Main Street program .

Borough Event Funding provides up to $4,000 that eligible local partners — including Main Street Committees, revitalization organizations, and boroughs — may utilize to support community events and small‑scale public‑space improvements. This reimbursement funding is designed as a flexible, practical resource that helps volunteers and local leaders access the materials and services needed to host events, maintain welcoming downtowns, and respond to opportunities as they arise. All expenditures must be event‑related or event‑supportive, and standard purchasing requirements apply, including three cost estimates. Typical uses include items such as tables, portable restrooms, outdoor movie equipment, planters or greenery, small public art elements, live music, or other materials that contribute to well‑run, community‑oriented activities.  The program is supported through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

As part of Perry County Hometowns, we offer grants to help boroughs improve walkability and create safer, more accessible pedestrian routes. Eligible projects include sidewalk repairs, crosswalk enhancements, lighting, and other small‑scale public improvements. The program is supported through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

As part of Perry County Hometowns, we offer matching grants to help property owners restore and beautify their storefronts. Eligible projects include painting, signage, lighting, and structural repairs. The program is supported through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

For questions about Perry County Hometowns funding opportunities or the application process, contact info@perrycountyeda.com or call the Perry County Economic Development Authority at 717-582-0367.

The Main Street Matters (MSM) program is designed to support our downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security.

Perry County Hometowns encourages applicants to share their project interests so we can help identify opportunities and support coordinated grant efforts.

This grant program, managed by the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC), builds connections between Pennsylvanians and the outdoors by supporting recreational improvements, natural resource conservation, and community revitalization efforts.

Register for the informational webinar in November.

WalkWorks is an initiative between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center that supports the development and adoption of Active Transportation Plans in communities across the Commonwealth. Its mission is to increase access to and opportunities for physical activity, such as walking, biking, using a wheelchair or other micromobility device, and riding public transit.

Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), offers funding support to organizations and individuals across the commonwealth, through a variety of programs.

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a number of grant programs that provide funding in support of fishing, boating and aquatic resource conservation. A list of the major grant programs is featured below. If you have questions on any boating grants, please email us RA-BoatGrants@pa.gov.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offers grants and loans to fund local government improvements, community development, energy projects, and business expansion.

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is a public community foundation based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1920 as the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, TFEC serves south-central Pennsylvania, managing assets and distributing grants to support local nonprofits, education, and community programs.

Founded in 1987 as a regional affiliate of TFEC, the Perry County Community Foundation awards discretionary grants to local nonprofits supporting education, health, youth leadership, housing stability, and food access in Perry County.

Partnership for Better Health provides funding opportunities to support projects that improve the health of individuals and communities by focusing on social determinants of health and health equity.

ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in Appalachia’s economic and community development through grants. As part of their unique federal-state partnership, ARC’s grant application process begins at the state government level. All ARC grants align with the investment priorities outlined in their current Strategic Plan and reflect state plans and strategies.