Summary
Rivers of Steel is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Mini-Grant Program, offering up to $25,000 in funding for heritage-related projects across the eight-county Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. The program supports initiatives that preserve industrial and cultural heritage, promote heritage tourism, and strengthen community partnerships. Applications are due November 21, 2025.
Homestead, PA — October 20, 2025 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Rivers of Steel is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Mini-Grant Program, which provides funding for heritage-related sites, organizations, and municipalities within the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. The program supports innovative projects that preserve and interpret the region’s rich industrial and cultural legacy while promoting heritage tourism and community revitalization.
Mini-Grants may be used to develop new exhibits, tours, partnerships, and programs that align with Rivers of Steel’s mission to conserve the industrial and cultural heritage that defines southwestern Pennsylvania. Proposals that emphasize collaboration, stewardship of natural resources, historic preservation, or interpretation are strongly encouraged.
Key Dates
- Application Window: Now open
- Application Deadline: November 21, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST
- Grant Awards Announced: February 2026
- Virtual Workshop: A Zoom information session and Q&A will be held on Wednesday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, local governments, and educational institutions. Projects must occur within or across the eight counties of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area—Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington, or Westmoreland—and demonstrate a clear connection to the organization’s mission. Grant requests may range from $1,000 to $25,000, with a required 1:1 match in cash or eligible in-kind contributions. Mini-Grants may not be used as a match for other DCNR-funded projects.
The Mini-Grant Program is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, via DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program and the Heritage Areas Program Fund.
Highlighting Community Impact
Recipients of the Mini-Grant Program are featured in Rivers of Steel’s Community Spotlight series, which showcases stories of collaboration, creativity, and heritage-based development from across the National Heritage Area. The series reflects the diversity and vibrancy of communities working to preserve and interpret the region’s shared history.
How to Apply
To review the Mini-Grant application and budget documents, visit riversofsteel.com.
About Rivers of Steel
Since it was established as a National Heritage Area more than 35 years ago, Rivers of Steel has contributed to the revitalization of Pittsburgh by championing the region’s steel heritage, natural and shared resources, and culture of innovation and hard work. Founded on the principles of heritage development and community partnership, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization through tourism, education, workforce development in traditional trades, metal arts, and outdoor experiences in former iron, steel, and coal communities in the Monongahela River Valley and across eight counties in western Pennsylvania.
Media Contact:
Emily Balawejder
Director of Marketing and Communications, Rivers of Steel
ebalawejder@riversofsteel.com
