Credit: Montgomery County.
For the 2026 cycle, $2.75 million is available on a competitive grant basis for municipalities and their partners to put toward local projects
Montgomery County is seeking applications for the 2026 cycle of its Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program. Facilitated by the Montgomery County Planning Commission, the grant program focuses on supporting local projects that specifically further the goals of the comprehensive plan—Montco 2040: A Shared Vision—and the plan’s themes of Connected Communities, Sustainable Places, and Vibrant Economy. Applications are due March 2, 2026. The Planning Commission will host a virtual info session for interested applicants at Noon on January 8.
For the 2026 cycle, $2.75 million is available on a competitive grant basis for municipalities and their partners to put toward local projects. Multi-municipal projects are strongly encouraged and can be funded up to $350,000. Projects in one municipality can be funded up to $250,000.
“The Montco 2040 grant program is one of the most effective ways the County directly funds the community improvements our municipal partners need and deserve—from welcoming parks and trails to safe streets and vibrant town centers,” said Neil K. Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “This year’s grant cycle will expand initiatives that make our communities feel like home, whether that’s through development, infrastructure improvements, or beautification projects.”
With affordable housing as a priority for the County's growing population, extra consideration will be given to projects that help make communities more livable where new housing is being built, where zoning is encouraging redevelopment, or where existing density creates a desirable environment for population growth and downtown destinations.
While the program is open to a wide array of projects fitting within the comprehensive plan, specific Focus Categories that highlight recent County planning initiatives are connected with each cycle. Projects that fall under a Focus Category receive greater consideration during the application review. The 2026 Focus Categories are listed below:
Funded and successfully completed projects over the last 10 years have included historic building renovations, murals, streambank restorations, park and recreational facilities, and pedestrian and bike safety upgrades. Since its inception in 2016, the grant program has awarded nearly $21 million to 157 projects in 55 municipalities in Montgomery County.
Other project types that meet the goals of the County comprehensive plan may also be eligible. More information and complete guidelines for the 2026 cycle, along with application forms and instructions and a brochure that provides a complete list and suggestions for eligible projects, are available at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/Montco2040GrantProgram.
For any questions about this grant program, including the additional narrative on housing that’s being requested of applicants, please feel free to reach out to MCPC staff or register to join the webinar on Jan. 8 for a chance to chat with County staff about the grant program’s parameters.
