STATE COLLEGE — The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has announced the opening of the 2026 Cycling Activation in Pa. Mini Grant Program.

This new Mini Grant Program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and administered by PEC, will provide $1,000 to $15,000 for projects or events that activate existing cycling assets through programming, promotion or providing informational resources for cycling opportunities centered on gravel roads, mountain bike trails and multi-use pathways throughout Pennsylvania.

Project types may include gravel or bikepacking route development, promotional materials, interpretive signage, mapping or events and programming. Projects and programs should engage local stakeholders in planning and implementation, strengthen partnerships, promote stewardship, engage new audiences, foster inclusivity and support the outdoor recreation economy.

PEC was awarded a total of $50,000 through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) to administer the 2026 Cycling Activation in PA Mini Grant Program. The DCNR funding is provided through the Environmental Stewardship Fund administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3), municipalities, counties and educational institutions.

Mini Grants require a 1:1 match in the form of cash and/or eligible non-cash (in-kind) services, or a combination of both cash and in-kind. Please note that no portion of the match can be from DCNR.

All applications must be submitted online. Applications and instructions are now available at: pecpa.org/apply

Applications are due Oct. 3, 2025 by 5 p.m.

Learn more about PEC at www.pecpa.org.