Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants need to compile required supplemental exhibits (found in Section VI of the program guidelines) and submit an Enterprise eGrants System application.

The program guidelines have the most current information about eligible applicants, projects, and costs. If you have questions about eligibility, please reach out to DCED staff at 717.787.6245 or ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.

A detailed description of the proposed project, along with answers to statements (a) through (f) answered accordingly.

The cost estimate must include a detailed estimate of total project costs. The estimate must be dated and current (within one year of application submission). Engineering and construction estimates must be provided by a PA licensed engineer or other qualified professional. Estimates of costs for specified products, materials, equipment, etc. must be in writing from a qualified vendor. Acquisition costs must be supported by an appraisal that was completed within one year of application submission.

Matching funds are not required currently; however, as the maximum grant request is $1,000,000, we often see projects with multiple sources of funding. If your project includes other funding sources, please provide copies of funding commitment letters and/or evidence of organizational fund capacity (financials, grant commitments, loan commitments, equity commitments, etc.).

The application window opens on September 1st at 9AM and closes at 11:59PM on November 30th on an annual basis. Please note that a complete application must be submitted by the application deadline.

Projects may not commence prior to CFA award announcements. Commencing or starting a project includes signing vendor contracts, issuing a notice to proceed, making a down payment, or incurring costs prior to award announcements. Should your project (or any part of your project) need to commence or start prior to award announcements, please contact the program office to discuss specifics in more detail to determine eligibility.

Projects in the public interest that will be owned and maintained by a nonprofit or an eligible entity may be submitted for consideration by an eligible applicant, as defined in the guidelines. As a nonprofit, you will need to seek the sponsorship of an eligible applicant. Please be mindful that these eligible applicants are not obligated to sponsor your application. We recommend starting with your local municipality, followed by the county, unless you have a relationship with another eligible applicant.

Yes, but the eligible project must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant and/or PA nonprofit entity. It is possible that a project may be owned by one eligible entity and maintenance responsibilities fall to another eligible entity.

We anticipate at least $225 million being available on an annual basis; however, this is always subject to change based on casino revenue collections.

Upon approval of an application by the CFA, a grant agreement and commitment letter will be electronically issued to the applicant explaining the terms and conditions of the grant. Please note that this program is a reimbursement program, and costs must be incurred (at a minimum) prior to reimbursements being processed.

You must follow all applicable state laws.

The anticipated time frame for approval is September in the year following application submission, but that could change depending on the level of demand for funds and the timeline necessary for reviews. Please note, we recommend that projects requesting funds do not plan to start them for at least a year after application submission.

Eligible project costs must be incurred during the eligible grant activity period as outlined in the grant contract. Grant contracts are typically written for a period of about three years, but the CFA may consider an extension of time for legitimate delays.

The eligible applicant is the grantee and will be required to e-sign the grant contract. Your organization should work closely with the grantee of the funds to ensure compliance with all requirements of the grant, including bidding/procurement and prevailing wage (if applicable). The “on behalf of” organization MUST comply with all requirements that would be applicable to the grantee of the funds as if the grantee were the entity completing the project.