NORRISTOWN, PA – The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) seeks applications for the 2023 cycle of the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program. This program provides funds to municipalities to make targeted physical improvements that achieve progress toward the goals of the County’s comprehensive plan, Montco 2040: A Shared Vision.
The grant program focuses on supporting local projects that specifically further the goals of the comprehensive plan and the plan’s themes of Connected Communities, Sustainable Places, and Vibrant Economy. In the past several years, funded projects have included historic building renovations, community gardens, streambank restorations, park improvements, and pedestrian safety upgrades. Applications are due March 1, 2023.
“It is exciting to see the implementation achievements of our comprehensive plan each year. We are pleased again to offer our municipalities another round of funding for the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program," said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. "We’ve seen many successful projects, which have made a difference in our communities, completed with funds from this program to help us achieve the goals of the Montco 2040 plan.”
The 2023 cycle has a funding allotment of $2.5 million available on a competitive grant basis for municipalities and their partners to work toward achieving the goals of the comprehensive
plan that affects their local communities. The maximum grant amount is $200,000; a realistic average award is around $100,000. The grant program, established in 2016, has awarded over $12.7 million to 113 projects in 51 municipalities in Montgomery County.
While the program is open to a wide array of projects fitting within the comprehensive plan, specific Focus Categories that highlight recent County planning initiatives are connected with each cycle. Projects that fall under a Focus Category receive greater consideration during the application review. The 2023 Focus Categories are:
- Walk Montco and Bike Montco – Trails, Paths, Sidewalk Connections, and Bike Facilities
- Support of Downtowns and Community Destinations
- Adaptation and Resiliency
Other project types that meet the goals of the county comprehensive plan may also be eligible. More information and complete guidelines for the 2023 cycle, along with application forms and instructions, and a brochure that provides a complete list and suggestions for eligible projects, are available at www.montcopa.org/Montco2040GrantProgram.
For more information, applicants can contact Anne Leavitt-Gruberger at aleavitt@montcopa.org or 610-278-3727.
Media Contact: Kelly Cofrancisco, kcofrancisco@montcopa.org