Economic Advancement Program

The Economic Advancement Program provides grants to promote economic development projects in Pennsylvania that, in the judgment of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), are consistent with the authorizing legislation and these program guidelines, and meet all requirements of the DCED Single Application for Assistance.

Guidelines:

• Economic Advancement 2008-2009 Guidelines (Revised 06/10) (Adobe PDF)

Uses:

Improve the stability of the community; Promote economic and/or community development; Improve existing and/or develop new civic, cultural, recreational, industrial and other facilities or activities. Assist in business retention, expansion, creation or attraction; Promote the creation of jobs and employment opportunities; Enhance the health, welfare and quality of life of citizens of this Commonwealth.

Funding:

Varies

Eligibility:

Local government; including, but not limited to, counties, cities, boroughs, townships, and home rule municipalities. Municipal and redevelopment authorities and agencies. Industrial development authorities and agencies. Non-profit organizations incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth.

Terms:

Refer to Program Guidelines

Where to Apply:

Electronic Single Application for Assistance
Paper applications are no longer acceptable.
All application inquiries should be directed to:
Department of Community and Economic Development
Customer Service Center
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225
1-866-466-3972
E-mail: ra-dcedcs@state.pa.us

FAQs:

1. Grant awards are made in three funding rounds during the fiscal year.
2. Successful applicants for projects that funded during the fiscal year will be notified of such during the fiscal year of application. Unsuccessful applicants must submit a new application to be considered for funding in the following fiscal year.
3. Information on the status of submitted grant applications may be obtained from the DCED Customer Service Center. An "assignment of account manager" letter constitutes confirmation of receipt of the application.
4. CRP grant award notifications will be issued by letter. The applicant will receive a contract and a payment requisition form to be signed and returned to DCED. All contracts are subject to availability of funds and subject to the applicant providing all information required by DCED.
5. The applicant must maintain full and accurate records with respect to the project. DCED must have complete access to such records (including invoices for goods and services and other relevant data and records) as well as the right to inspect all project work. The applicant will promptly furnish all data, reports, contracts, documents, and other information requested by DCED.
6. Every approved grant in the amount of $100,000 or more require the grantee to provide a project audit prepared by an independent certified public accountant as defined under Pennsylvania law. The Single Audit performed for Federal audit purposes (A133) is not acceptable.
7. Grants under $100,000 require the grantee to submit a Closeout Report with appropriate supporting documentation identifying the expenditures of State funds consistent with the approved contract budget.
8. Applications from organizations that are not compliant with audit or closeout report requirements for prior contracts with DCED are ineligible to receive additional financial assistance from DCED until such audit or closeout report requirements are met.
9. Funds will be directly deposited in grantees’ bank accounts via Automatic Clearing House (ACH) transfer of funds in accordance with the grant contract.