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PA Sojourn Program

The PA Sojourn Program is a nationally unique program that awards more than $30,000 in grants across the state to support local organizations and their sojourn events. On average POWR supports between 10 to 15 paddling events under this program. Over the years PA Sojourns supported by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) have each year encompassed over 500 river miles, for 50+ on-the-water days, offering more than 100 educational programs and engaging over 4,000 people.

POWR administers the Pennsylvania Sojourn program. POWR has been in place for over a decade and has sponsored sojourn/paddling trips on many of the Commonwealth’s rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) is the prime sponsor of the program.

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2024 Sojourn Mini Grant Application Period is now closed.

The 2024 Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant cycle is closed. Applications were accepted until March 29, 2024. Grants were available on a competitive basis for paddling events on Pennsylvania Rivers. Sojourns must have incorporated significant educational programming, and be open to all participants (i.e., private trips were not eligible). 

POWR no longer accepts applications via email or mail. All applications must be submitted online at: https://pecpa.org/apply

POWR strongly recommends that perspective applicants visit the Plan a Safe Trip webpage on this site to access videos with many important and useful tips for planning safe and successful sojourns. 

Eligible applicants include: 501c3 watershed organizations with a current Charitable Organization Registration Statement (BCO certificate).

Project costs eligible for grant funding/reimbursement must follow the PA DCNR guidelines found here

Applications are typically due in March of each year.

Application must be submitted through PEC’s online grant platform located here

Mini Grant

Fun and Unique Sojourn Ideas

Looking for some great ideas to incorporate into your sojourn application and event?  Over the years organizations have hosted fun, innovative, and unique programming for a variety of ages, abilities, and interests. Read about some of them on the Success Story page, maybe it will spark an idea for your event that will draw new participants and attendees to your event.

More Success Stories

in 2019 Guardians of the Brandywine hosted two multi-day paddles for middle school aged girls. Each day, canoeing was supplemented with teambuilding, skill development, and educational activities with the goal of giving the girls  an opportunity to develop confidence in thier leadership, scientific inquiry, and stewardship abilities.  

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has been hosting sojourns along the Susquehanna River for over 12 years. In 2020, SGP held a Popup Paddle series due to COVID-19 restrictions. The first paddle took participants on a 11.5-mile adventure on the West Branch from Milton State Park to Shikellamy State Park. The sold out event introduced paddlers to the work of SGP and partners and highlighted the beauty and opportunities of the water trail.

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Sojourn Success Stories

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Plan a Safe Trip