America250PA And Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Award $32,500 For Community Improvement Grants
(May 4, 2026) The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, EQT Corporation and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, today announced the seven recipients of its 2026 National Pennsylvania Day Mini Grants. Grants totaling $32,500 were awarded in support of projects that improve the community and engage volunteers. Projects could include community cleanups, park improvements, revitalization efforts, river sweeps, graffiti abatement, and murals.
Grants up to $5,000 were available to existing America250PA partners.
The following organizations are the recipients of a 2026 National Pennsylvania Day Mini Grant from America250PA and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful:
- $5,000 – Friends of Washington Crossing Park, Bucks County
- $5,000 – Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, Beaver County
- $5,000 – Cambria County Tourist Council, Inc., Cambria County
- $5,000 – Friends of the Rail Park, Philadelphia County
- $5,000 – Stroudsburg Borough, Monroe County
- $5,000 – Lehighton Downtown Initiative Committee, Carbon County
- $2,500 – Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation, Wayne County
All projects will be happening on July 20, National Pennsylvania Day. America250PA formally adopted July 20 as a statewide day of service and civic pride in the lead‑up to the United States’ 250th birthday this year. On this day, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to volunteer, give back, and celebrate the Commonwealth’s role in American history.
“At America250PA, we believe the strongest legacy we can leave for the Semiquincentennial is a Commonwealth that shows up for one another,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “In 2026, we’re seeing the culmination of years of work and partnership with communities across Pennsylvania. Volunteerism is part of who we are, and for 250 years, Pennsylvanians have stepped up for each other in moments big and small. National Pennsylvania Day brings that spirit to life in every corner of the Commonwealth. Through our partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, EQT, and PennDOT, we’re building toward our biggest and best PA Day yet—one that brings people together, strengthens our communities, and reflects the pride we share across all 67 counties.”
“This year, we are especially excited to honor America’s 250th anniversary by awarding National Pennsylvania Day grants in collaboration with America250PA. Over the course of our partnership, we’ve seen firsthand how impactful this collaboration has been in empowering local organizations, strengthening civic pride, and creating lasting improvements to communities and public spaces across the Commonwealth. These grants allow us to celebrate this historic milestone by investing directly in projects that reflect Pennsylvania’s rich heritage and bright future, ” said Shannon Reiter, Executive Director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has supported community improvement initiatives and encouraged community leadership, responsibility, and respect for the environment since 1990. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, a state affiliate of Keep American Beautiful, Inc. has more than 30 years of experience in organizing volunteer-driven community improvement events. Visit keeppabeautiful.org for more information on programs or to find an event near you.
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About America250PA
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the General Assembly and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. The Commission is made up of current and past Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state.
America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation. That shared history gives us the foundation to better understand the origins and diverse viewpoints on the challenges affecting both our Commonwealth and our nation. The Commission’s ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. theme of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth.
For more information, visit www.america250pa.org.
About Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s vision is a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. Since 1990, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has supported hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the state in their community improvement efforts. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Beautiful’s core programming. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s core programming focuses on litter and illegal dump prevention, cleanup, community greening, and proper waste handling and sustainable practices. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful works with many partnering organizations on the state and grassroots level to accomplish our goal of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. To learn more about Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, visit www.keeppabeautiful.org.
