NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program Who May Apply: Specialty crop growers who experienced a loss of at least 30% of expected production due to freezing temperatures between April 1, 2026 and April 21, 2026 Use: Grants will be awarded on a per-acre basis to help growers recover from lost crops Funds: $10 million in funding is available Application Deadline: September 21, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Agriculture: Pennsylvania Agriculture Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: A person who grows an agricultural commodity and who has anticipated sales greater than $2,000 per year, a person who processes an agricultural commodity and has anticipated sales greater than $10,000 per year, a person who provides technical assistance or services to farmers for conservation, engineering, veterinary care, animal disease management, farm management, agricultural commodity production, nutrient management or similar services, or a person or cooperative association that utilizes agricultural commodities to create products or energy Use: Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning, on-site project implementation, and larger grants for projects that have a regional impact. Funds: $10 million in funding is available Application Deadline: September 23, 2026 More information: PDA Website Read more

LANCASTER, Aug. 26 – Strong advocates for bringing state funding home, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will hold a workshop to help local small businesses and nonprofits unlock state grant opportunities from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Conference Center at IU-13, 1020 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. At the workshop, representatives from local organizations and state agencies as well as fundraising professionals will speak about available funding opportunities, grant writing tips and relationship building strategies to help organizations submit successful applications. “This workshop’s goal is to give local organizations the tools to craft successful state grant applications,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We hope this workshop will help bring home our taxpayer dollars to support organizations and initiatives strengthening our community.” Rivera agreed, adding, “As a former high school Spanish teacher, I know that using the right grammar and vocabulary is essential to being understood. This workshop will help applicants speak the language of grant writing so reviewers can instantly recognize the value of local projects and organizations.” The representatives will be present to answer questions about state services and agencies. Read more

READING, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, announced today that he will host the fifth annual Back-to-School Resource Fair this Wednesday. He is partnering with Reading Mayor Eddie Moran to provide information and free school supplies to students as they prepare to return to school. Guzman said the fair, now in its fifth year, has more than 55 community partners that have stepped up to support Reading students and families. The event will feature school supplies available on a first-come, first-served basis, free haircuts for children, refreshments, and information about state and local programs and services. “I am proud of all the work we have put into this fair. It has become the largest back-to-school event in Berks County, and that is truly rewarding to see. One of the important additions this year will be free vision screenings, along with glasses repairs and adjustments. This event gives families access to a wide range of resources and services all in one place, and we are eager to welcome them,” Guzman said. “This is a way to offer immediate assistance to families who may need extra support getting their children ready for the new school year. We want to make the process a little easier for parents. There will also be free parking provided by Shuman Development Group at the 6th & Cherry Street lot. “We are going above and beyond to make this an incredible experience. Attendance has grown so much Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters (MSM) Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: 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. Funds: Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Grant Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, or user of rail freight infrastructure Use: Capital maintenance of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure and capital construction of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Motorized Trails and Recreation Program (formerly known as the All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Read more

READING, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Manny Guzman , D-Berks, today announced that a $251, 390 Green Light-Go grant was awarded to the City of Reading to support traffic signal modernization projects. The grant was awarded to: City of Reading - $251,390 to upgrade traffic signals at: Schuylkill Avenue & Buttonwood Street 9th Street & Walnut Street 3rd Street & Franklin Street “I’m pleased to announce that the City of Reading has been awarded $251,390 through Pennsylvania’s Green Light-Go Program to modernize traffic signals at Schuylkill Avenue & Buttonwood Street, 9th & Walnut streets, and 3rd & Franklin streets,” Guzman said. “As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I understand the importance of investing in projects that improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen our transportation infrastructure. These upgrades will help create safer and more efficient travel for residents, commuters, and visitors across Reading.” Read more