The Peer and Circuit Rider Grant Programs support municipalities, counties, multi-municipal partnerships, and councils of governments in enhancing their capacity for recreation, parks, and conservation. These grants are administered to assist in either the planning and development of local recreational services or to facilitate the hiring of professional staff to oversee these services. The program aims to strengthen local governments' ability to provide effective and sustainable park and conservation efforts through strategic collaboration.

The Peer Grant funds projects that address specific needs identified by the applicant and its partners. This program enables municipalities to work with experienced professionals who provide guidance and strategic recommendations to improve park, recreation, and conservation services. Examples of projects include the formation of new intergovernmental recreation and park agencies, assessment of existing facilities, and training for park and recreation boards. The collaborative nature of these grants ensures that municipalities receive specialized support tailored to their local needs.

The Circuit Rider Grant is designed to provide financial assistance for hiring a full-time park, recreation, or conservation professional. This position is shared among multiple municipalities or governing bodies, allowing them to implement new programs and services that would otherwise be unattainable due to financial constraints. The objective of this grant is to enhance local governments' ability to efficiently manage their recreational and conservation needs. Successful applicants must demonstrate a long-term financial commitment to sustaining the professional position beyond the initial grant funding period. Notably, applicants for Circuit Rider funding are often required to complete a peer review under the Peer-to-Peer grant program before receiving approval.

Eligible applicants for these grant programs include county and municipal governments, as well as eligible municipal agencies. The grant supports contracting qualified professionals to undertake strategic planning, intergovernmental cooperation efforts, capacity-building initiatives, and facility management plans. Walkability and Safe Routes to Parks assessments are also eligible activities under this program.

Applications for Circuit Rider grants are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Before beginning the application process, interested applicants must contact Jason Boris at 717-783-5874 or via email at Jaboris@pa.gov. Additional preparation steps include reviewing all grant requirements, securing matching funds, obtaining a Non-Procurement Vendor Identification Number and a Unique Entity ID (UEI), and ensuring a governing body resolution is passed in support of the grant application.

A variety of guidance documents and tutorial videos are available to assist applicants in completing their submissions. These resources include program-specific instructions, frequently asked questions, and step-by-step application guidance. Applications must be submitted online, and interested parties are encouraged to establish a timeline for submission well in advance of deadlines to ensure compliance with all requirements.