The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) is now seeking applications for the 2022 cycle of the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program.

            This program provides funds to municipalities to make targeted physical improvements that achieve real progress toward the goals of the county's comprehensive plan, Montco 2040: A Shared Vision. The grant program focuses on supporting local projects that specifically further the goals of the comprehensive plan and the plan's themes of Connected Communities, Sustainable Places, and Vibrant Economy. Applications are due March 1, 2022. 

            "This important grant program has successfully enabled municipalities to enhance their communities and implement the goals of the county's comprehensive plan. We are pleased to offer our municipalities another round of funding and look forward to seeing all of the great things that can be achieved in our county," said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

            For the 2022 cycle, a funding allotment of $2.5 million is available on a competitive grant basis for municipalities and their partners to work toward achieving the goals of the comprehensive plan that affect their local communities. The maximum grant amount is $200,000; the average award is around $100,000. The grant program, established in 2016, has awarded over $10.3 million to 95 projects in 46 municipalities in Montgomery County.   

            While the program is open to a wide array of projects fitting within the comprehensive plan, specific "Focus Categories" that highlight recent county planning initiatives are connected with each cycle. Projects that fall under a Focus Category receive greater consideration during the application review. The 2022 Focus Categories are: Walk Montco and Bike Montco – Trails, Paths, Sidewalk Connections, and Bike Facilities; Support of Downtowns and Community Destinations; and Adaptation and Resiliency.

            Other project types that meet the goals of the county comprehensive plan may also be eligible. More information and complete guidelines for the 2022 cycle, along with application forms and instructions and a brochure that provides a complete list and suggestions for eligible projects, are available at www.montcopa.org/Montco2040GrantProgram.

            To date, the grant program has awarded over 95 grants totaling $10.2 million to 46 municipalities in Montgomery County.