Bill > HB1560

This bill establishes the Municipal Grant Assistance Program (MGAP) within the Department of Community and Economic Development to help municipalities, particularly those with limited resources, obtain grant funding. The program will provide financial assistance to municipalities to hire grant writers and develop training programs that teach municipal employees how to identify and apply for grants. To be eligible, municipalities must either have a financial recovery plan or have at least 25% of their census tracts designated as low-income. The bill creates a dedicated Municipal Grant Assistance Program Fund in the State Treasury to support these efforts. Municipalities without dedicated grant writing staff can receive support to hire eligible grant writers, who must be registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations. The department will develop guidelines within 90 days, including criteria for fund allocation, application procedures, and training development. An optional advisory committee can be established to provide stakeholder input. Within five years, the Local Government Commission will report to the General Assembly on the program's funding and effectiveness. The bill aims to address disparities in grant-seeking capabilities among municipalities by providing professional grant writing assistance and training.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1560