POWR Pennsylvania River Sojourn Mini Grant Program

More than $50,000 awarded annually in mini-grants supporting 10 to 15 educational paddling sojourn events on Pennsylvania rivers and streams.

The Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, administered by POWR with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as prime sponsor, awards more than $50,000 in mini-grants each year to local organizations hosting sojourn and paddling events on Pennsylvania waterways. POWR typically supports 10 to 15 events per year. Funded sojourns have collectively covered over 500 river miles annually across 50 or more on-the-water days, delivered more than 100 educational programs, and engaged over 4,000 participants. Sojourns must include significant educational programming and be open to all participants; private trips are not eligible. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) watershed organizations holding a current Pennsylvania Charitable Organization Registration Statement (BCO certificate). Eligible costs follow PA DCNR grant guidelines. Applications are due in March each year and are submitted through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council online platform at pecpa.org/apply; POWR no longer accepts email or mail applications. The 2026 cycle is closed, so the next opportunity is the 2027 round opening early next year.