Communities may wish to consider designation through the MSM program as a Main Street or Elm Street. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

PLEASE NOTE: Designation is not a prerequisite to receive funding from this grant program; only ‘Section F. Implementation Grants’ are exclusively available to designated communities, all other sub-programs are available to eligible applicants regardless of their status as a designated Main Street or Elm Street.

Competitive grant funding applications will be received through August 31^st, 2026. Designation applications are rolling and accepted at any time.

Uses:  A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.

Eligibility

• Units of local government (counties, cities, boroughs, townships, towns, and home rule municipalities)
• Redevelopment and/or housing authorities
• Nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc.
• Community development corporations
• Business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities

Additional Information: Main Street Matters Frequently Asked Questions

Review the program guidelines for details about eligible costs, match requirements, and the application deadline and submission requirements. If you have questions about project eligibility, please reach out to DCED staff at 717.787.6245 or dced-msm@pa.gov. Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to notify their DCED Regional Office of their interest in applying.

PLEASE NOTE: For District Development Grants, projects that benefit for-profit or private sector individuals or entities are eligible as follows:

• Funding assistance for projects which benefit a for-profit or private sector entity can be conveyed through a grant, loan, or combination of a grant and a loan, with all funding required to pass through an eligible applicant to the MSM program.
• Entities which intend to apply for grant support on behalf of private or for-profit projects must receive pre-approval from DCED prior to applying for grant assist.
  • NEW THIS YEAR: A formal letter making this request must be submitted to the program resource account, dced-msm@pa.gov no later than 30 days prior to the application deadline (July 31^st). Documentation must include project details that justify the need for a grant to support a private or for-profit entity.

How to Apply:  Applications must be submitted through the State Enterprise eGrants System.

• For technical assistance with an application please contact the DCED Customer Service Center. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, at 800-379-7448. Email inquiries can also be sent to ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.
• For Keystone Login Services account assistance or password resets, please contact the Keystone Global Help Desk at 877-328-0995.

Press Release announcing 2025-26 Awards

Applications​ have opened for this cycle of the PA Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) with a deadline of May 29th at 5:00 PM.

The Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) provides substantial support for neighborhoods and communities across Pennsylvania. The program helps nonprofits (501(c)(3)) complete vital community projects by providing tax credits to businesses that provide contributions to those projects. In this way, NAP encourages and strengthens partnership between the private, nonprofit, and public sectors and helps put communities on the right track to self-sufficiency.

This session will be helpful for organizations and businesses who:

Are planning to submit an application for this cycle of NAP/NPP/SPP/CFP and:

• Have participated in previous rounds
• Have NOT participated in previous rounds
• Are considering applying, but:
• Are not sure which program is the best fit or how competitive your project will be
• Need help with finding the right community-based partner or business contributor
• Have other questions about this application cycle
• Anyone else who would like to learn more about this state tax credit program and how it benefits Philadelphia communities.

Date and Time: April 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Register.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has eliminated the contributor letter this year and replaced it with a required ‘Contributor Commitment Agreement Form’, which is a standardized and fillable form that requests the same information as the contributor letter did in previous years. Applicants will still be required to obtain any and all agreement forms and attach them with their applications prior to submission. Both applicants and businesses need to sign that agreement form. The new form is also included in the guidelines as ‘Appendix D’. Any contribution agreement forms received after the application deadline will not be considered for funding.

Contributor’s must still file the Electronic Tax Clearance Form for Tax Credits prior to May 29^th. Instructions for businesses on filling out this form are in the Business Contributor Handbook.

2026-27 Project Priorities

In FY2026-27, the Department will prioritize applications that align with the vision and goals of newly developed Governor’s Commonwealth’s Housing Action Plan & Economic Development Strategy in addition to childcare. These priorities include:

• Affordable Housing Development
• Affordable Housing Support Services
• Access to Affordable and Reliable Childcare

General Program Notes

NAP is a tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas. The NAP program is exclusively for 501(c)(3) organizations and helps those nonprofits complete vital community projects by providing tax credits to businesses that contribute to those efforts. The goals of NAP are to provide resources to assist neighborhoods and communities with fiscal difficulties, encourage positive health outcomes, and address the safety and welfare of their residents. As a result, NAP encourages communities to pursue and achieve fiscal well-being and self-sufficiency. These Programs are intended to benefit low-income populations. Applicants’ proposed projects must not result in the displacement or forced relocation of low-income individuals or households.

Eligible NAP activities include Affordable Housing Programs, Community and Civic Engagement, Community Economic Development, Community Services, Crime Prevention, Education, Job Training, Neighborhood Assistance, Neighborhood Conservation, and Transportation. Project activities must occur within a 15-month activity window, starting July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.

Eligible projects must be geographically specific and serve a low-income population. Within the NAP program there are four subprograms – Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)(65% tax credit), Special Program Priorities (SPP)(90% tax credit), Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP)(90-95% tax credit) and Charitable Food Program (CFP)(65% tax credit).

The Contributor Handbook is a helpful document for current and potential business partners that provides relevant information regarding contributing through NAP. Additionally, you can find EZP and NAP checklists, guidelines, previous awards, and other resources on the NAP webpage. There are now unique checklists for each of the NAP sub-programs.

Guidelines can also be directly accessed below:

• NAP 
• EZP

The EZP is an incentive program that provides tax credits to businesses or private companies investing in rehabilitating, expanding, or improving buildings or land located within designated enterprise zones. EZP is a separate application process, and exclusively available to businesses. A listing of active Enterprise Zones can be found here.

As always please contact DCED with any questions or reply here directly. You can also reach out directly to DCED Customer Service Center at 1-800-379-7448 or 717-787-3405 if you have technical issues with entering your application or logging in to your account. The NAP Resource Account is also available for assistance: RA-DCEDNAPMAIL@pa.gov.

Overview: The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.

Uses: Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development.

Eligibility:

• Municipalities
• Councils of Governments
• Businesses
• Economic Development Organizations
• Public Transportation Agencies
• Ports-Rail/Freight

Funding: Grants are available for projects with a total cost of $100,000 or more.  Grants shall not exceed $3,000,000 for any project.

Matching Funds: Financial assistance under the Multimodal Transportation Fund shall be matched by local funding in an amount not less than 30% of the non-federal share of the project costs. (See guidelines for further details)

NOTE: The fiscal codes enacted in 2017 through 2025 provides that a municipality receiving financial assistance through the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund may not be required to provide a local match. The term “municipality” shall mean a county, city, borough, incorporated town, township or local, regional, or metropolitan transportation authority. This provision shall expire December 31, 2026.

Program Inquires should be directed to the Center for Business Financing – Grants Office:

• Telephone:         (717) 787-6245
• e-mail:                 ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov

Applications are accepted through July 31^st, 2026, and can be submitted through the State Enterprise eGrants System. Other important information: Program Guidelines, Application Checklist, and Frequently Asked Questions section.

Developed under the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro, the Housing Action Plan is Pennsylvania’s first-ever comprehensive, data-driven roadmap to address housing needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. It recognizes that housing challenges vary by region—and that solutions must be tailored, coordinated, and grounded in local data.

Learn more.

Overview: The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program (PSFIG) provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects.

Eligibility: A school entity is eligible to apply for a grant. “School Entity” is defined as a school district or area career and technical school.

Uses: Funds may be used for the following activities:

• Roof repairs and roof replacement,
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment,
• Boilers and controls,
• Plumbing systems,
• Energy-saving projects,
• Health and safety upgrades,
• Emergencies,
• Accessibility projects,
• Internet connectivity,
• Demolition,
• Window repairs and window replacement.

Funding: Grants are available for eligible improvement projects with a total project cost of $500,000 or more. Grants shall not exceed $5,000,000 for any project.

Additional Information: Review the program guidelines for additional details about eligible costs, matching funds, emergencies, and the application deadline and submission requirements.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit applications to the Enterprise eGrants System.

Program Inquiries: Program Inquiries should be directed to the DCED Center for Community Enhancement at

• Telephone: (717) 787-6245
• Email: ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov

Again, this program is only available to eligible Philadelphia applicants listed below for projects within the City of Philadelphia.

Overview

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has established the Local Share Account (LSA) – Philadelphia program to distribute a portion of slot machine license operation fees from Category 1 or 2 facilities operating within the City of Philadelphia. Funds are available for economic development, neighborhood revitalization, community improvement, and other projects in the public interest within the City of Philadelphia.

Uses

LSA funds may be used for economic development, neighborhood revitalization, community improvement, and public interest projects in the City of Philadelphia. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant. (See program guidelines for specific eligible use of funds.).

Funding

Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants include any of the following entities located within the City of Philadelphia:

• Community Development Corporations
• Economic Development Organizations and Redevelopment Authorities
• Business Improvement Districts/Neighborhood Improvement Districts
• Not-for-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation
• City of Philadelphia
• School District of Philadelphia

In addition to the above linked guidelines, you can find other information on the LSA-Philadelphia Program webpage. 

Applications must be submitted through DCED’s Electronic Single Application (ESA).

For technical assistance with an application please contact the DCED Customer Service Center. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, at 800-379-7448. Email inquiries can also be sent to ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.

For Keystone Login Services account assistance or password resets, please contact the Keystone Global Help Desk at 877-328-0995.

Program inquires can be directed to DCED Center for Community Enhancement, LSA – Philadelphia Program:

• Telephone: (717) 787-6245
• Email: ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov

Questions? Contact Michael Shorr, Regional Director, PA Department of Community & Economic  Development, at mshorr@pa.gov.

Overview

The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71), as amended, provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Uses

Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible use of funds.

Eligible Applicants

• Pennsylvania Counties
• Municipalities
• Municipal Authorities
• Economic Development Agencies
• Redevelopment Authorities
• Land Banks
• Councils of Government

PLEASE NOTE: Pennsylvania nonprofit entities are not eligible to apply directly to these funds, however, an eligible applicant may apply on behalf of a Pennsylvania nonprofit entity. An eligible project may be owned and/or maintained by an eligible applicant OR a Pennsylvania nonprofit, as long as the applying entity is eligible.

In addition to the above linked guidelines, you can find other information on the LSA-Statewide Program webpage.

Applications must be electronically submitted through the DCED Single Application for Assistance located at grants.pa.gov.

For technical assistance with an application please contact the DCED Customer Service Center. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, at 800-379-7448. Email inquiries can also be sent to ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.

For Keystone Login Services account assistance or password resets, please contact the Keystone Global Help Desk at 877-328-0995.

Program Inquires can be sent to the DCED Center for Business Financing (DCED Center for Business Financing, (717) 787-6245 or ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov) or contact Michael Shorr, Regional Director, at 215-560-3793 or mshorr@pa.gov.

Communities may wish to consider designation through the MSM program as a Main Street or Elm Street. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

Learn more and apply by August 21, 2025.

Overview

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.

Communities may wish to consider designation through the MSM program as a Main Street or Elm Street. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

PLEASE NOTE: Designation is not a prerequisite to receive funding from this grant program; only ‘Section F. Implementation Grants’ are exclusively available to designated communities, all other sub-programs are available to eligible applicants regardless of their status as a designated Main Street or Elm Street. Designation guidelines are also attached to this email.

Competitive funding applications will be received from July 1^st – August 31^st, 2025. Designation applications are rolling and accepted at any time.

Uses

A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.

Eligibility

• Units of local government (counties, cities, boroughs, townships, towns, and home rule municipalities)
• Redevelopment and/or housing authorities
• Nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc.
• Community development corporations
• Business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities

 Additional Information

Main Street Matters Frequently Asked Questions

Review the program guidelines for details about eligible costs, match requirements, and the application deadline and submission requirements. If you have questions about project eligibility, please reach out to DCED staff at 717.787.6245 or dced-msm@pa.gov. Additionally, all applicants are encouraged to notify their DCED Regional Office of their interest in applying.

PLEASE NOTE: For District Development Grants, projects that benefit for-profit or private sector individuals or entities are eligible as follows:

• Funding assistance for projects which benefit a for-profit or private sector entity can be conveyed through a grant, loan, or combination of a grant and a loan, with all funding required to pass through an eligible applicant to the MSM program.
• Entities which intend to apply for grant support on behalf of private or for-profit projects must receive pre-approval from DCED prior to applying for grant assist

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through DCED’s Electronic Single Application (ESA).

• For technical assistance with an application please contact the DCED Customer Service Center. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, at 800-379-7448. Email inquiries can also be sent to ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.
• For Keystone Login Services account assistance or password resets, please contact the Keystone Global Help Desk at 877-328-0995.

Press Release announcing 2024-25 Awards

2025-26 Program Notes

The beginning of the guidelines provides a statement of purpose for the program, as well as additions and changes for this year highlighting the Governor’s Economic Development Strategy and Commonwealth’s Housing Action Plan with corresponding project priorities for this year’s NAP application cycle.

New NAP Categories include ‘Community Civic Engagement’ and ‘Transportation’.

New SPP Categories include ‘Integrating Weatherization and Housing Rehab’ and ‘Healthcare Equity’

General Program Notes

NAP is a tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects which improve distressed areas. The NAP program is exclusively for 501(c)(3) organizations and helps those nonprofits complete vital community projects by providing tax credits to businesses that contribute to those efforts. The goals of NAP are to provide resources to assist neighborhoods and communities with fiscal difficulties, encourage positive health outcomes, and address the safety and welfare of their residents. As a result, NAP encourages communities to pursue and achieve fiscal well-being and self-sufficiency. These Programs are intended to benefit low-income populations. Applicants’ proposed projects must not result in the displacement or forced relocation of low-income individuals or households.

Eligible NAP activities include Affordable Housing Programs, Community and Civic Engagement, Community Economic Development, Community Services, Crime Prevention, Education, Job Training, Neighborhood Assistance, Neighborhood Conservation, and Transportation.

Eligible projects must be geographically specific and serve a low-income population. Within the NAP program there are four subprograms – Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP)(65% tax credit), Special Program Priorities (SPP)(90% tax credit), Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP)(90-95% tax credit) and Charitable Food Program (CFP)(65% tax credit).

PLEASE NOTE:   DCED has eliminated the solicitation plan process for this program. All contributor commitment letters must be included in the application at time of submittal, and the contributor must have filed the Electronic Tax Clearance Form for Tax Credits. Here are instructions for businesses on filling out this form.

Any contribution letters received after the application is submitted will not be considered for funding.

You can find EZP and NAP checklists, guidelines, previous awards, and other resources on the NAP webpage. There are now unique checklists for each of the NAP sub-programs. Please share this information with any relevant non-profit or business organizations.

Guidelines can also be directly accessed below:

• NAP
• EZP

The EZP is an incentive program that provides tax credits to businesses or private companies investing in rehabilitating, expanding, or improving buildings or land located within designated enterprise zones. EZP is a separate application process, and exclusively available to businesses. A listing of active Enterprise Zones can be found here.

As always please contact DCED with any questions. You can also reach out directly to DCED Customer Service Center at 1-800-379-7448 or 717-787-3405 if you have technical issues with entering your application or logging in to your account.

The Marcellus Legacy Fund was created by Act 13 of 2012 to provide for the distribution of unconventional gas well impact fees to counties, municipalities, and commonwealth agencies. Pursuant to Section 2315 (a) (6) (i) of the Act, a portion of the fee revenue will be transferred to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for statewide initiatives that will include abandoned mine drainage abatement; abandoned well plugging; sewage treatment; greenways, trails, and recreation; baseline water quality data; watershed restoration; and flood control.

Program webpages are linked below where you can find individual guidelines for each program (also attached):

• Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement & Treatment Program (AMDATP)
• Baseline Water Quality Data Program (BWQDP)
• Flood Mitigation Program (FMP)
• Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP)
• Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Program (OAWP)
• Sewage Facilities Program (SFP)
• Watershed Restoration Protection Program (WRPP)

Applications for all seven programs are accepted annually between February 1^st and May 31^st. Eligible applicants include Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, and For-Profit Businesses (other than “producers” of natural gas as defined in Act 13). Eligible applicants with questions can call 717.787.6245, or feel free to reach out to Michael Shorr, Regional Director at 215-560-3793 or mshorr@pa.gov.

Applications must be submitted through DCED’s Electronic Single Application (ESA).

Please note all of these programs are administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

This program is only available to eligible Philadelphia applicants listed below for projects within the City of Philadelphia.

Overview

DCED has established the Local Share Account (LSA) – Philadelphia program to distribute a portion of slot machine license operation fees from Category 1 or 2 facilities operating within the City of Philadelphia. Funds are available for economic development, neighborhood revitalization, community improvement, and other projects in the public interest within the City of Philadelphia.

Uses

LSA funds may be used for economic development, neighborhood revitalization, community improvement, and public interest projects in the City of Philadelphia. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant. (See program guidelines for specific eligible use of funds. Guidelines are also attached directly to this email).

Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants include any of the following entities located within the City of Philadelphia:

• Community Development Corporations
• Economic Development Organizations and Redevelopment Authorities
• Business Improvement Districts/Neighborhood Improvement Districts
• Not-for-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation
• City of Philadelphia
• School District of Philadelphia

In addition to the above linked guidelines, you can find other information on the LSA-Philadelphia Program webpage.

Applications must be submitted through DCED’s Electronic Single Application (ESA). For technical assistance with an application please contact the DCED Customer Service Center. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, at 800-379-7448. Email inquiries can also be sent to ra-dcedcs@pa.gov.

For Keystone Login Services account assistance or password resets, please contact the Keystone Global Help Desk at 877-328-0995.

Program inquires can be directed to DCED Center for Community Enhancement, LSA – Philadelphia Program:

• Telephone: (717) 787-6245
• Email: ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov
• or reach out to Michael Shorr, Regional Director, at 215-560-3793 or mshorr@pa.gov

Use: Projects must focus on the development and deployment of workforce training programs for individuals with barriers to employment, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness building activities of manufacturing career opportunities, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers to meet the needs of local and regional manufacturers that cannot be met through existing programs such as WEDnet and Industry Partnerships.

Funds: Funds are available on an annual basis and vary based on recommendations and constraints set in the annual budget.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis as long as funds remain available.

More information: DCED Website