Act 47 – Loan Program
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Can you apply?
This grant is for financially distressed local governments in Pennsylvania seeking financial recovery support. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, counties, and other municipal entities facing severe financial challenges. The program provides both loan and grant funds plus technical assistance to develop financial recovery plans. Geographic scope is limited to Pennsylvania.
This grant is for financially distressed local governments in Pennsylvania seeking financial recovery support. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, counties, and other municipal entities facing severe financial challenges. The program provides both loan and grant funds plus technical assistance to develop financial recovery plans. Geographic scope is limited to Pennsylvania.
Program description
Provides loan and grant funds to financially distressed local governments as well as technical assistance to formulate financial recovery plans.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for financially distressed local governments in Pennsylvania seeking financial recovery support. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, counties, and other municipal entities facing severe financial challenges. The program provides both loan and grant funds plus technical assistance to develop financial recovery plans. Geographic scope is limited to Pennsylvania.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Financial audit or comprehensive financial documentation
- Proposed financial recovery plan
- Governing body resolution authorizing application
- Demonstration of financial distress
- Technical assistance engagement plan
FAQ
Who can apply for Act 47 funds?
Financially distressed local governments in Pennsylvania. This includes cities, counties, townships, and other municipal entities.
What can Act 47 funds support?
Loan and grant funds for financial recovery, plus technical assistance to develop recovery plans. Specific eligible uses depend on your municipality's recovery strategy.
How do I apply?
Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. They will assess financial distress and work with you on recovery planning.
What makes an application competitive?
A clear financial recovery plan and demonstrated commitment to fiscal reform. Engagement with the technical assistance team strengthens applications.
How much funding is available?
Award amounts vary based on municipality size and financial need. Contact DCED for specifics on your situation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Gather comprehensive financial documentation before applying. Show exactly why your municipality meets distress criteria.
- Engage early with DCED technical assistance staff. They help shape recovery plans and applications.
- Demonstrate specific fiscal reforms and revenue improvements. Vague recovery plans are less competitive.
- Include governing body commitment and political support. Elected officials must endorse the recovery strategy.
- Be prepared for ongoing compliance monitoring. Act 47 municipalities face oversight requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting incomplete financial documentation or overstating recovery capacity. Failing to engage technical assistance early weakens application competitiveness. Proposing unrealistic recovery timelines without clear implementation steps.
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