Build-Out Resources: Free, In-Kind, Low Cost and Funding Opportunities

You’ve got a site chosen, community on board (if relevant) and a design plan. Time to gather resources and transform the lot. Most impactful initial steps include:

1. Removing trash/debris and mowing

2. Building site boundary markers like fencing

3. Greening the site with fresh grass seed, flowers and/or mulch

4. Installing basic lighting at entry points

Here are financial and capacity resources you can tap into for the above steps:

In-Kind and Free Resources

Litter and Dump Site Clean Up

• Report a dumpsite with Allegheny Cleanways and their team will respond to let you know how they can assist. 
• If the trash is less substantial than a “dumpsite,” organize a community ReddUp day. For sites in the City of Pittsburgh, schedule a trash pick-up from the Department of Public Works in advance of your volunteer clean up event. Grounded may be able to help organize a volunteer workday if funding and staff capacity allow. Reach out to [email protected] to inquire.
• Revisit the site on a regular basis with additional volunteer clean-up events. Grounded’s Mobile Toolbox can also help maintain a transformed site.

Mowing

Overgrown vacant lots or problem abandoned structures can all be reported through:

• In the City: dial 311, submit a service request online , over email or through the PGH311 mobile app
• In Allegheny County but outside of the City: submit an online complaint or call 412-350-4046

If a public agency owns the lot or structure, they will send someone out to mow that lot. The more of your neighbors report a given issue, or if a safety concern is expressed along with the call/report, the higher priority addressing the complaint becomes for the agency.

Tree Planting

The Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance has federal funding to provide material and technical support for projects that can include tree planting in census tracts identified as “disadvantaged” or a “Justice 40” neighborhood. You can see if your site qualifies by looking at this Justice 40 map. If your site qualifies and you are:

• In the City: reach out to Hana Kneiser at [email protected] in the City Forestry Division. This funding may also include resources for site clearing.
• In Allegheny County but outside of the City: reach out to Clara Kitongo, Tree Equity Manager at Tree Pittsburgh [email protected] 

Benches and Picnic Tables

Boy scouts often will build various structures as part of their Eagle Scout projects. This can come with fundraising assistance for the materials. Reach out to your local troop, scouting district or the Laurel Highlands Council, which serves Allegheny County, for more information. The project will need to be supported by a local non-profit or church to qualify.

Low Cost Resources

Site Clearing

Student Conservation Association organizes young adult and volunteer clean-up, invasive plant removal and trail building crews. Reach out to Joanna Lemmon to inquire at: [email protected]   

Fencing

Low cost, reclaimed fencing materials can sometimes be found at Construction Junction.

Lighting

Solar stake lights or community solar lamps can be lower cost solutions. Motion lights on adjacent buildings can also help. Install lighting especially at entry points to the lot.

[More info coming soon from Duquesne Light Company about additional potential lighting resources.]

Public Art

ShiftWorks or Industrial Arts Workshop are great organizations to connect with to learn more about potential partnerships or resources. Murals can be a lower cost option that can bring more eyeballs and foot traffic to your site.

Seeds, Flowers and Other Plants

Penn State Extension’s Master Gardener program sometimes gives out free seeds. [Stay tuned for other resources coming soon]

Funding

Grounded is happy to partner with you on a funding application, including potentially submitting as the primary applicant if Grounded projects or staff time will be supporting your work. Many of the above listed organizations would also be interested in partnering on a funding application. Make sure you ideally reach out to any partner organizations and funders at least a month in advance to discuss the opportunity and potential partnership before moving forward.

• Love Your Block Grant (City of Pittsburgh)
  • This year’s application round closed June 28th
  • Up to $2,500 in reimbursement for neighborhood improvement projects
  • Owner needs to have agreed to site use for project to be successful
  • Must be awarded through a non-profit
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) (Allegheny County)
  • 2026 program application information to be posted soon (website says July)
  • $20,000 minimum construction budget for demolition, recreation, etc.
  • Also fund housing,human services, economic development projects (streetscape improvements)
  • Minimum of 15% of proposed construction costs must be covered for recreation projects
  • Each Council of Governments gets an allocation
  • Emergency projects given greater weight (ACHD or PA DEP must provide a letter; Local Government Unit must submit a resolution declaring the emergency and a structural report)
• Vacant Property Recovery Program (Allegheny County)
  • Acquires tax delinquent lots and structures, transfers them to groups with redevelopment plans. Applicant must identify target properties
  • Monthly review by Vacant Property Review Committee (3rd Tuesday at 10am)
  • Applicant must be in a participating municipality 
  • Supports side yards (at 50% of appraised value), demolition, rehab
• PA Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener Plus Grant
  • 2025 applications were due June 20th
  • Awards typically $20,000 - $500,000 - No match required for Environmental Justice communities, 5% match for other communities
  • For stormwater and watershed protection projects, including planning or construction
  • County, COG, non-profits, educational institutions or municipal authorities can apply
• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
  • County and municipal governments, municipal agencies or non-profits can apply
  • Applications open the third Tuesday in January to the first Wednesday in April
  • Park Rehabilitation and Development Grants
    • $60,000-$250,000 typically awarded - no match for first $30k for municipalities with <5k population
    • To build or rehabilitate park or recreation facilities (playgrounds, skateparks, ballfields, splash pads, pavilions, etc.)
  • Recreation and Conservation Planning Grants
    • $25,000-$75,000 typically awarded
    • Fund master site development, comprehensive park plans or stewardship plans
  • Land Acquisition and Conservation Grants
    • $150,000-$500,000 awards typically - dollar for dollar match required
    • For communities or non-profits to acquire land for public parks and open space
    • Only eligible non-profits are pre-qualified land trusts
  • Community and Watershed Forestry Grants
    • Fund community trees and lawn-to-meadow conversions
    • $50,000 minimum with 20% minimum match required

Disclaimer: Please note that this is a working document that may not reflect complete information about all available steps and pathways for vacant lot access and greening. Also, the contact information or website links are subject to change over time. Some of these partners or offices are making changes to their processes as you read this document. Last updated August 2025.

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