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Home What We Do Growing Greener Communities PECO Green Region

PECO Green Region

Natural Lands is pleased to administer the PECO Green Region Open Space Program. Recognizing that open space in our communities is a crucial element of the quality of our lives, the PECO program awards grants for southeastern Pennsylvania municipal and non-profit (within the City of Philadelphia) efforts to preserve, protect, and improve open spaces.

Applying for a Grant

We are pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 Regular Round of grant funding, as well as a 2024 Bonus Round, celebrating 20 years of the PECO Green Region Open Space Program. The application period for both grants will run concurrently from August 14, 2024, until 4:00 PM October 24, 2024.

The 20th Anniversary Bonus Round specifically seeks applications aligned with PECO’s Path to Clean initiative, which is dedicated to promoting a clean energy future, and will award one worthy project a grant of $50,000 with no match required. Example projects include installation of solar panels, infrastructure upgrades, and energy audits. Additional details about PECO’s Path to Clean goals can be found here.

Please review the 2024 Round Program Guidelines and 2024 Bonus Round Program Guidelines for additional information.

Eligible Applicants

    • Any municipality or regional recreational authority within PECO’s service territory in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or York Counties. Eligible applicants must receive gas and/or electric service from PECO.
    • Within the City of Philadelphia, all incorporated non-profit neighborhood organizations, including Friends groups. PECO does not award grants to individuals nor to religious institutions unless programs are non-denominational.
    • Please see the Program Guidelines for each round regarding eligibility of prior awardees.

Click here to access the application portal.

A Legacy of Impact

Since 2004 the PECO Green Region Open Space Program has awarded municipalities and non-profit organizations in southeastern Pennsylvania more than $3.15 million for almost 400 individual open space improvement projects. The total population of communities receiving grants is 3 million, representing 75 percent of the five-county region’s residents. Among other enhancements, these grants have:

  • Funded the planting of almost 9,000 trees;
  • Saved more than 400 acres of open space;
  • Supported more than 150 upgrades to local parks;
  • Built or improved more than 50 miles of trails; and
  • Improved access to natural areas.