Search tool to streamline access to Pa. government funding opportunities launched

Listen to this article

A new resource on PA.gov makes it easier for businesses, non-profits, residents, schools, and local governments to find and apply to grant programs from state agencies. 

The resource was launched Wednesday by Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver and the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA).  

“We are working to level the playing field for state and federal dollars to benefit communities, small businesses, schools, non-profits, and many others across Pennsylvania,” Weaver said in a statement. “Under Governor Shapiro‘s leadership, we are working to increase participation in these programs for even greater impact across our commonwealth.” 

Billions of dollars are distributed in funding by state agencies each year through over 300 grant programs. According to a release, the new resource tool allows users to search for, sort, and filter information about grants based on the type of applicant, category, application deadline, location, and other criteria. Search results include links to each program, including information on who the funding is intended for, the application process, dates and deadlines, eligibility criteria, and where to apply. 

Internal and external research was carried out by CODE PA to inform the design of the new grants’ discovery tool, including focus groups with grant participants and employees in agencies who administer grant programs.  

“One of the themes we heard consistently throughout our interviews with grant participants was the need for a comprehensive way to discover funding opportunities across state agencies and share the information with other interested entities and organizations,” said Bry Pardoe, Executive Director of CODE PA. “This is a long-awaited tool that directly solves this problem for Pennsylvanians. CODE PA was created to build custom solutions to Pennsylvanians’ problems for a fraction of the cost outside vendors would charge – and we’re proud to continue delivering those solutions.” 

CODE PA’s work will next focus on improvements to the existing Electronic Single Application (ESA), a shared platform that manages the application and administration processes for grants by multiple state agencies. Changes to ESA are designed to improve accessibility and provide information in additional languages so that all Pennsylvanians can benefit from these programs. In addition, CODE PA will work on technical challenges and help streamline the management of grant programs.