Applications are now open for the Lumber Heritage Region’s (LHR) 2025-26 Mini Grant Program.

The annual funding opportunity supports projects that celebrate, preserve and prompt the rich lumbering heritage of northwestern and northcentral Pennsylvania. The program is open to nonprofits, municipalities, educational institutions and community organizations in the 15-county LHR, which includes McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties.

Mini grants of as much as $5,000 — with a required 50/50 match from recipients as cash or in-kind contributions — are possible through the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program Fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Projects requesting more than $5,000 will be considered case by case.

The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Sept. 30. Awards will be announced Oct. 29. Projects must be complete by Oct. 29, 2026.

“Since its inception, the LHR Mini Grant Program has helped fund dozens of projects across the region, supporting historic preservation, cultural conservation, recreation and educational initiatives, said Holly Komonczi, LHR executive director. “The LHR Mini Grant Program has leveraged nearly a million dollars for projects in our small communities.

“We are expecting this year to be super competitive as we know of many great projects just waiting to be funded.”