Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

    Apply for Circuit Rider Grants

    Explore Circuit Rider Grant opportunities to hire staff related to recreation and conservation projects, and complete your application form online.

    Apply for Circuit Rider Grants

    What Can Be Funded?

    Circuit rider grants support the hiring of a full-time staff person to provide regional park, recreation, and conservation programs and services. Example positions include:

    • Multi-municipal recreation and parks director
    • County greenway and open space coordinator
    • Trail planner to support development of a regional trail network

    Who Should Apply?

    • County and municipal governments
    • Eligible multi-municipal agencies

    What Is the Typical Grant Size?

    • Grant funding includes the circuit rider’s salary, plus approved training and mentoring expenses.
    • Funding decreases annually over four years:
      • First year – 100 percent of gross salary
      • Second year – 75 percent of gross salary
      • Third year – 50 percent of gross salary
      • Fourth year – 25 percent of gross salary

    When Are Applications Accepted?

    Grants are open year-round.

    Contact Us

    For more information, please contact your Bureau of Recreation and Conservation regional advisor (PDF).