Summary
Funding for AMD remediation and watershed restoration is available from private foundations, corporations, and a range of federal and state programs. Knowing where to look, how to approach funders, and how to maintain relationships over time is as important as the technical work. This page covers the main funding categories, key Pennsylvania and federal programs, and practical strategies for building a sustainable funding base.
Where to Look #
Begin locally. A brainstorming session among partnership members is a good way to surface networks and contacts. Funding comes from two main sources: private sector and public sector.
Private Sector Funding #
Foundations — Must give away at least 5% of assets annually. Most have boards that review proposals against published eligibility requirements and funding cycles.
Nonprofits and professional organizations — Environmental organizations, professional societies, and universities can provide direct funding or in-kind support including technical assistance.
Corporations and local businesses — Many have community relations offices. Local banks and businesses may provide small grants or in-kind services. Mining industry partners have sometimes contributed heavy equipment work for treatment system construction.
Key Pennsylvania Programs #
Growing Greener (PA DEP) — Pennsylvania’s primary grant mechanism for environmental restoration including abandoned mine reclamation. Also serves as an umbrella for federal Section 319 Non-Point Source funding channeled through DEP. Verify current program status and funding cycles at dep.pa.gov.
Section 319 Non-Point Source Program (EPA/DEP) — Federal Clean Water Act funding for NPS pollution remediation channeled through PA DEP. AMD qualifies as NPS pollution and is eligible.
Key Federal Programs #
Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program (OSMRE) — Established by Title IV of SMCRA. Coal operators pay a per-ton fee into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (AMRF). States receive annual allocations; Pennsylvania has historically received approximately $20 million per year. States may set aside 10% of their allocation specifically to address AMD.
Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative (ACSI) — A focused federal initiative to improve coordination and efficiency in AMD clean-up across Appalachian states. Provides technical assistance and project funding. Contact your state ACSI representative for current opportunities.
EPA Region 3 Coal Mine Drainage Initiative — Programs including NPS Section 319, Regional Geographic Initiatives, Environmental Education grants, and Environmental Justice funding are available for AMD-impacted watersheds.
Practical Strategies #
Establish a dedicated fund-raising committee early. As potential funding sources are identified, keep them updated on field progress — people fund projects and people they trust, not just proposals. Assign committee members to cultivate individual funder relationships.
Your AMD project may be eligible through program areas beyond direct AML funding: watershed restoration, sediment and erosion control, NPS pollution control, and source watershed protection. Cast a wide net. Pennsylvania’s funding gap is significant context: an estimated $15 billion in AML/AMD problems against roughly $20 million in annual AML allocations. Private and foundation funding is not supplemental — it is essential.
Related Pages #
- Finding Assistance
- Government Partners and Agencies
- Incorporate as a Non-Profit — Often required for direct grant eligibility
- Maintaining Your Effort
Source and Last Reviewed
Source: EPA Region 3, A Citizen’s Guide to Address Contaminated Coal Mine Drainage, EPA-903-K-97-003. AMR Clearinghouse.
Last reviewed: 2026-03 | Program eligibility and funding levels change frequently — verify with DEP, OSMRE, and EPA Region 3 before applying.
Tags: funding, planning, practitioner, program-manager, policy, pa
