The 2018 Grant Round is now open!

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund provides grants to government agencies and non-profit organizations for projects that improve the quality of water in the watershed. The grants focus on three major sources of pollution: stormwater run-off, agricultural pollution and abandoned mine drainage. The fund was created in 2006 through a unique public/private partnership between Exelon Nuclear, the Delaware River Basin Commission and the Schuylkill River Greenways.

In September 2017 Schuylkill River Restoration Fund grant awards totaling $364,193 were given to 11 projects that will improve water quality in the river and its tributaries. Since being established in 2006, the fund has distributed over $3.3 million–and leveraged another $5 million–for 95 projects that protect and restore the Schuylkill River.

The Restoration Fund is an annual grant program that begins each year in January with funding typically being awarded in May or June. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Schuylkill River Greenways to discuss potential projects and determine eligibility. You may also view the full grant program guidelines below.

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund is funded through public/private partnerships and relies on donations from numerous organizations and individuals. Click here to donate to the fund.

Download 2018 Restoration Fund Grant Guidelines
Download 2018 Land Transaction Assistance Grant Guidelines
Download 2018 Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grant Application

Grant Awards

2017 Award PR | 2017 Grant Recipients

2016 Award PR | 2016 Grant Recipients

2015 Award PR | 2015 Grant Recipients

2014 Award PR | 2014 Recipients

2013 Award PR | 2013 Recipients

How It's Funded

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund is the result of a unique public/private partnership. Funders include: Exelon Generation's Limerick Generating Station, the Philadelphia Water Department, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, MOMs Organic Market and Aqua PA. A number of partners oversee the fund and its projects. The grants are administered by the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, which is managed by the non-profit Schuylkill River Greenway Association. All grant recipients are carefully selected by an advisory committee consisting of:

  • Exelon Generation
  • Delaware River Basin Commission
  • Philadelphia Water Department
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
  • Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
  • Schuylkill River Heritage Area
  • Schuylkill Action Network
What are Land Transaction Assistance Grants?

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund offers matching grants of up to $4,000 per project to assist with transaction costs for permanent land protection projects (conservation easements, full fee acquisitions, donations) within the Schuylkill River watershed. These grants are intended to facilitate the protection of high priority lands for water quality and habitat protection. See grant guidelines above for more details.

Project Summaries
Project Statistics
  • 82 projects funded
  • 5 Stormwater basins retrofitted
  • 5 Abandoned mine drainage projects completed
  • Over 6,500 feet of protected streams
  • Over 10,000 feet of streambank fencing installed
  • Over 1,500 native trees and shrubs planted
  • Agricultural improvements to 12 Berks Co. farms