SHARE Grants Committee

Grants Committee Board (GCB)

The SHARE Grants Committee is always looking for new members to assist with outreach, grant coordination, and planning. If you have an interest in learning more or would like to attend a meeting, please contact our Grants Committee Board at grants@sharefest.org

Voting Membership is obtained by attending at least two committee meetings prior to the Award Evaluation Session

Future Committee Meetings 

All meetings will be held virtually unless otherwise noted   

• July 20th; 1pm - General Meeting 
• August 23rd; 12pm - PreFest Meeting - Volunteer Gathering
• September 27th; 1pm - Fellowship Gathering at SHARE
• October 26th; 1pm - Post Festival Meeting
• November - GCB Only - Notes will be sent out
• December - None
• January - GCB Only - Notes will be sent out
• February 8th; 1pm - Grant Evaluation Training Session
• March 8th; 1pm - 2026 Project Grant Evaluation Meeting 
• Date TBD - Project Grant Award Preparation (held prior to Member's Meeting)

2025 Project Grant Awards

Total Amount Awarded = $20,509.84

2025 Project Grant Descriptions (Alphabetical Order):

• Appalachian Trail Pollinator Garden Expansion: The Appalachian Trail Museum Society, Inc. was granted $500 to expand their existing pollinator garden and install educational signage. This initiative aims to further support local pollinator populations and educate visitors about their vital role in the ecosystem.

• Art in Nature Camp: The Perry County Council of the Arts received $500 to support their Art in Nature camp. The funding will cover instructor fees for creative activities that connect art with nature and environmental education for young participants.

• Bosler Memorial Library Community Garden: With $500 in funding, the Bosler Memorial Library will replace existing shrubs with a vibrant Community Garden. This project will create a welcoming green space for the community and potentially offer educational opportunities related to gardening and local ecosystems.

• Centre Markets Community Garden: Centre Markets received $1,000 to establish a community garden. This initiative will foster community engagement, provide access to fresh produce, and enhance the local environment.

• Clawson Preserve Wildflower Garden: Funded at $710, this project supported Abigail Henry in establishing a native annual wildflower garden at the Clawson Preserve. The funding covered the purchase of diverse flower species, protective fencing, and informative signage to enhance the natural beauty and ecological value of the area.

• Delta High School/Middle School Greenhouse Renovation: Delta High School/Middle School received $500 to renovate their greenhouse. The funding will provide essential seeds, tools, and gloves for both students and adult volunteers involved in hands-on learning experiences in horticulture and plant science.

• East Hanover Township Nature Park Book-Walk: Manada Conservancy was funded $800 for the installation of a book-walk along the trail system at the East Hanover Township Nature Park. This innovative project will combine a love of reading with outdoor exploration for park visitors of all ages.

• Hambright Elementary Environmental Literacy Curriculum: Funded at $704.84, Hambright Elementary will implement an environmental literacy curriculum. The grant will also support the purchase of stream study equipment, allowing students to engage in direct scientific investigation of their local waterways.

• Juniata River Sojourn: HICO Harrisburg Inspiring Connections Outdoors received $1,200 to support a Juniata River sojourn. This program will provide participants with an immersive experience on the river, fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for this important waterway.

• Lebanon Valley Conservancy Art and Environment Activity: The Lebanon Valley Conservancy received $400 for instructor fees and supplies for an art and environment activity at their sustainability fair. This engaging program will connect artistic expression with environmental awareness.

• Little Buffalo Festival Presenters and Youth Art Supplies: The Little Buffalo Festival received $725 to support presenter fees and provide youth art supplies. This funding will contribute to the festival's educational and creative offerings for young attendees.

• Lykens Valley Children's Museum Nature Exploration Backpacks: The Dauphin County Woodland Owners Association was funded $650 to create nature exploration backpacks for the Lykens Valley Children's Museum. These backpacks will equip young learners with tools and resources to engage with and learn about the natural world around them.

• Outdoor-Themed Mosaic Mural: The LEBANON VALLEY COUNCIL ON THE ARTS was granted $500 to create an outdoors-themed mosaic mural. The funding will cover instructor fees and the purchase of art supplies for this community-based public art project.

• PaReelsisters Fly-Fishing and Conservation Programs: PaReelsisters received $1,700 in funding to support their conservation and educational initiatives, which include streambank restoration and maintenance to promote sustainable land management. Their programs not only protect vital waterways but also continue to empower women through outdoor education and community engagement.

• Peffer Street Garden Group Pollinator Garden Restoration: The Peffer Street Garden Group received $2,000 for a Pollinator Garden restoration project. The funding will cover the costs of seeds, signage, and infrastructure repairs to revitalize this important habitat for pollinators.

• Pittsburgh Irish Festival Sustainability Initiatives: The Irish Partnership of Pittsburgh dba Pittsburgh Irish Festival received $1,000 as part of their larger $40,000 plan to implement festival sustainability initiatives. Our grant will specifically fund the addition of a composting dumpster, supporting their broader efforts to reduce environmental impact through composting, the use of biofuels, and other green practices aimed at shrinking the festival’s overall footprint.

• Rolling Hill Park Mini-Forest: Lower Merion Conservancy received $1,700 to purchase native tree saplings and soil amendments for establishing a pilot mini-forest in Rolling Hill Park. This project will enhance biodiversity and create a small, natural woodland within the park.

• St Patrick School Pollinator and Rain Gardens: St Patrick School received $1,420 to purchase plants and soil amendments for their pollinator and rain gardens. Funds will also support the installation of poles and brackets for birdhouses, enhancing the ecological value of the school grounds.

• Storm Water Run-Off Education and Storm Drain Art: Penn State Ext. Master Watershed Stewards and the Watershed Alliance of York were granted $1,000 to implement a storm water run-off education program that includes the creation of storm drain art. This initiative aims to raise awareness about water quality and the impact of urban runoff.

• Tracker Camp Scholarships & Instructor Support: The Amethyst Foundation received $1,000 to provide scholarships for students to attend Tracker Camp. Any remaining funds will be used to support instructor fees, ensuring high-quality outdoor education experiences.

• West Shore Wildlife Center Anesthesia Machine: The West Shore Wildlife Center was granted $2,000 to purchase an anesthesia machine for their wildlife intake center. This crucial equipment will greatly assist in the safe and effective treatment of medium to large wildlife in need of care.

2025 SHARE the Funds

SPRING

$1,700 - Speranza Animal Rescue

$500 - Conestoga River Club

$200 - Friends of Wildwood

Fall - TBD

Make sure to vote when you arrive at Greeters this September!