CATAWISSA CREEK WATERSHED
RIVERS CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RCAP)
RCAP GRANT GUIDELINES
The Catawissa Creek Watershed River Conservation Assistance Program (RCAP) is a reimbursement
funding program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(PA DCNR) and administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).
PURPOSE
To promote early implementation of priority projects identified in the Catawissa
Creek Watershed Rivers Conservation Plan (RCP) dated December 9, 2010.
Priority Focus Areas: Projects and programs within or directly impacting the Catawissa Creek
Watershed, with a preference on those identified in Table 16, Action Plan, of the Catawissa Creek
Watershed Rivers Conservation Plan.
Important Dates for the RCAP:
Catawissa Creek Watershed Rivers Conservation Assistance Program Kick-Off Mtg – May 18, 2011
Application Deadline Extended – Postmarked or received on or before July 29, 2011 at 4:00pm.
Grant Awards Announced – August 2011
Project Completion – June 1, 2012
Eligibility for the RCAP:
Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants for the Catawissa Creek Watershed Rivers Conservation
Assistance Program (RCAP) consist of all municipalities and any appropriate non-profit
organizations with tax-exempt status and/or 501c(3) status working within the Catawissa Creek
Watershed.
Intent and Funding Guidelines for the RCAP:
What is the Intent of the RCAP? The intent of the RCAP is to provide funding for smaller projects
that are consistent with the Action Plan and overall intent of the Catawissa Creek Watershed
Rivers Conservation Plan.
What are the Funding Guidelines for the RCAP?
 Grant requests should be a minimum of $1,500.00, and should not exceed $3,000.00.
 All grants must be matched by the Applicant with cash and/or eligible non-cash services at
a minimum ratio of 1:1.
 All projects and project related costs and funding must conform to the guidelines and
limitations outlined in the PA DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program found
at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/.
1
CATAWISSA CREEK WATERSHED
RIVERS CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RCAP)
Responsibility of Applicant:
 Identify projects that support the intent of the Catawissa Creek Watershed Rivers
Conservation Plan.
 Secure local match at a minimum ratio of 1:1 for RCAP funding – greater leverage through
match is encouraged.
 Submit a completed application with proof of match secured.
 Demonstrate ability to complete project on time and within budget.
 Secure letters of support.
 Submit all applications, by the deadline, either by mail or electronically (postmarked or
received by July 29, 2011) in Word or PDF format, to: Attention: Janet Sweeney,
Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), 175 Main Street, Luzerne, PA 18709 or
jsweeney@pecpa.org; www.pecpa.org.
 For questions about the application or process, please contact Janet Sweeney,
Pennsylvania Environmental Council at 570-718-6507 or jsweeney@pecpa.org.
Selection Criteria:
 Project is consistent with the Catawissa Creek Watershed Rivers Conservation Plan;
 Project falls within or impacts the Catawissa Creek Watershed;
 Project is prepared to begin in a timely manner and be completed by the project
completion deadline of June 1, 2012;
 Proof of match (minimum 1:1 ratio) secured;
 Opportunities for collaboration.
Responsibility of Successful Applicant:
 Meet with PEC to discuss overall project, budget, timeline, match and deliverables within
the context of the RCAP.
 Complete a Cooperative Agreement with PEC for project, as proposed;
 Complete project as proposed, on time and within budget, including all deliverables
identified in Application and Agreement.
 Submit proof of work completed, detailed requests for reimbursements that includes all
appropriate documentation and written quarterly progress reports to PEC.
 Submit before and after digital photos and maps of project, if applicable.
 Use verbiage outlined in Cooperative Agreement to identify source of funds (PADCNR) and
intent (Catawissa Creek Watershed Rivers Conservation Plan).
Reimbursement Process and Documentation
 Cooperative agreement is executed between PEC and each successful applicant;
 Appropriate documentation and accountability of time spent and progress made on
projects will be provided to PEC in regular communications and quarterly progress reports;
 Proof of local match (minimum ratio of 1:1) is provided – cash and/or in-kind, for example:
o Private and local funding
2
CATAWISSA CREEK WATERSHED
RIVERS CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RCAP)





o Other sources, not DCNR funds;
All deliverables are completed as proposed and agreed to in the Cooperative Agreement.
100% of project total expenditures is submitted including sufficient detail to allow review
of staff time/hours (number of hours multiplied by hourly billable rate) and expenditures
(detail of type and cost) incurred while completing project;
Letter report defining project completed, deliverables, outcomes is submitted;
Evaluation is provided, if appropriate, of future goals and needs of project to ensure
continued success or implementation, as appropriate or potential ability to leverage this
project toward a larger goal or outcome.
Half of grant amount awarded will be withheld until proof of total project budget
expenditures of all match is received and verified.
3