Mini-Grant Program

The Brandywine Conservancy is pleased to administer the Brandywine Creek Greenway’s (BCG) Mini-Grant Program from 2026–2028.

This program was funded by a grant of $80,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnership Program Environmental Stewardship Fund, administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC). With these funds, the Brandywine Conservancy will be able to grant awards to projects that will support and advance the goals and objectives of the BCG’s Strategic Action Plan (2024).

Please note the following changes to our mini grant program for the 2026–2028 Grant Round:

Awards range between $5,000–$25,000
Projects must score at 33 points or higher on the BCG Mini-Grant Program Scoring Form to be considered eligible

For questions about funding for 2026–2028 grant round or general questions about the BCG Mini Grant Program please contact Lisa Walsh at [email protected].

Information about the grant program

The Mini-Grant Program funds small projects that improve parks, open space and community trails, and will advance priority conservation and recreation projects identified in the BCG's Strategic Action Plan, plus other publicly vetted municipal planning documents. Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3), municipalities, counties, and some educational institutions. Non-profit organizations must submit proof of non-profit status and be registered with the PA Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Mini-grants may not be used to fulfill match requirements for other DCNR funded grant projects. All projects, related costs, and funding must conform to all DCNR Grant Terms and Conditions of the PA DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program.

Summer 2026 (Round 1) Grant Recipients

Kennett Area Park Authority (KAPA): Clean Water, Clean Energy: Solar Aeration for the Ponds at Anson B. Nixon Park - $10,000
KAPA will install an aeration system in the two existing ponds at Anson B. Nixon Park powered entirely by renewable solar energy in order to improve water quality, increase dissolved oxygen, reduce algal blooms, and support a healthier aquatic ecosystem without increasing energy consumption or operating costs.
Pocopson Township: Pocopson Trail Upgrades - $10,364
The township will upgrade amenities to the Pocopson Township trail network to enhance both visitor experience and community awareness, including wayfinding signage with interpretive talking points, benches, and strategically placed trash and recycling receptacles.
Kennett Library: Observation Beehive - $11,040
Kennett Library will install a live indoor observation beehive on the second floor in the children’s library. Curriculum will be developed, and community outreach programming will be schedule to engage, entertain, and educate children and their families about the importance of bees in a biodiverse, healthy ecosystem.

Summer 2026 (Round 1) Grant Recipients

Important dates for the 2026–2028 Grant Round:

Grant Round Opens: April 27, 2026
Application Deadline: extended to June 22, 2026
Grant Awards Announced: week of July 13, 2026
Contracts executed: July 2026
Projects Begin: August 2026
Projects Completed: October 31, 2028
Final Site Inspections by Mini Grant Local Project Coordinator: October 2028
Final Payments: Upon project completion, satisfactory final site inspection, and DCNR approval

Spring 2025 (Round 6) Grant Recipients

Kennett Square Borough: Beautification of Borough Hall – ($5,000): To include native plantings and educational signage as a benefit to wildlife such as birds, insects and other pollinators
Kennett Library - Meadowitos: the Kennett Library Pollinator Garden Project – ($2,500): To include 250 sq ft of densely planted native pollinator tree, bush and plant species along with educational signage
Friends of Anson B. Nixon Park: Park Enhancements (Southwest Area) – ($4,750): To include native riparian plantings and additional park amenities for pets and people

Important dates for Rolling Application Period (Round 6):

Grant Round Opens: October 1, 2024
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 by 5 p.m.
Grant Awards Announced: within 4-8 weeks of application
Contracts Executed: within 8 weeks of application
Projects Begin: October 2024  
Projects End: September 2025
Final Site Inspections by Mini Grant Local Project Coordinator: October 1, 2025
Final Payments: Upon project completion, satisfactory final site inspection and DCNR approval

2024-2025 Rolling Application (Round 6) Documents

2024–2025 BCG Mini-Grant Guidelines and Instructions

2024–2025 BCG Mini-Grant Application

2024–2025 BCG Mini-Grant Review Process

2024–2025 BCG Mini-Grant Program Scoring Form

Non-Discrimination Appendix

Spring 2024 (Round 5) Grant Recipients

Chadds Ford Township: Sunset Hill Trail Implementation Plan–$7,500
The plan for Sunset Hill Preserve will include trail implementation, construction, and maintenance, while offering opportunities for historical interpretation, environmental preservation, and access to additional open space for recreation in the township.

Important dates for Spring 2024 (Round 5):

Grant Round Opens: April 15, 2024
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024 by 5 p.m.
Grant Awards Announced: August 15, 2024
Contracts Executed: August 30, 2024
Projects Begin: September 2024
Projects End: October 2025
Final Site Inspections by Mini Grant Local Project Coordinator: October 2025
Final Payments: Upon project completion, satisfactory final site inspection and DCNR approval

Spring 2024 (Round 5) Documents

Spring 2024 BCG Mini-Grant Guidelines and Instructions

Spring 2024 BCG Mini-Grant Application

Spring 2024 BCG Mini-Grant Review Process

Spring 2024 BCG Mini-Grant Program Scoring Form

Non-Discrimination Appendix

Fall 2023 (Round 4) Grant Recipients

East Fallowfield: Park enhancements to East Fallowfield’s Community Park – $4,500
Kennett Trails Alliance: Conceptual Master Plan for the Parrish Property and the Kennett Bike Park – $18,700
Kennett Library: implementation of a bike sharing, repair and storage program – $12,145

Important dates for Fall 20223 (Round 4):

Application Deadline: September 29, 2023 by 4 p.m.
Grant Awards Announced: November 20, 2023
Contracts Executed: December 4, 2023
Projects Begin: December 2023
Projects End: October 2024
Final Site Inspections by Mini Grant Local Project Coordinator: October 2024
Final Payments: Upon project completion, satisfactory final site inspection and DCNR approval

Round 4 Documents

Fall 2023 BCG Mini-Grant Guidelines and Instructions

Fall 2023 BCG Mini-Grant Application

Fall 2023 BCG Mini-Grant Review Process

Fall 2023 BCG Mini-Grant Program Scoring Form

Non-Discrimination Appendix

Spring 2023 (Round 3) Grant Recipients

Caln Township: Design and Engineering for Beaver Creek Trail Segment 4 – $7,500
East Bradford Township: BCG water trail signage for Shaw’s Bridge Canoe Launch – $5,000
Kennett Area Park Authority: Ash Grove Forestry Project – $16,000

Important dates for Spring 2023 (Round 3):

Application Deadline: June 30, 2023 by 4 p.m.
Grant Awards Announced: September 18, 2023
Contracts Executed: November 6, 2023
Projects Begin: November 2023
Projects End: July 2024
Final Site Inspections by Mini Grant Local Project Coordinator: September 2024
Final Payments: Upon project completion, satisfactory final site inspection and DCNR approval