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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

The 2023 Round is now open, with a grant application deadline of 4:00 PM, Thursday November 30, 2023. Please click here to begin the application process. Grant applications are reviewed by a committee composed of county government officials, members of the region’s non-profit land conservation community, and PECO representatives. For a copy of current Grant Guidelines, please click here.

Eligible Applicants

- Any township, borough, city, 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 or to religious institutions (unless programs are non-denominational).

Check out the 2021 award winners at this virtual ceremony.

A sign next to a trail that says "Green Region"

A Legacy of Impact

PECO Green Region has awarded nearly $2.4 million to municipalities and non-profit organizations since 2004. The total population of communities receiving grants is 3 million, representing 75 percent of the five-county region’s residents. These grants have:

Supported 303 open space projects in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York Counties;
Saved more than 400 acres of open space;
Supported more than 100 upgrades to local parks;
Built or improved more than 15.5 miles of trails; and
Protected endangered species.