Private Entity

Use the PERSISTS criteria included in this guide and worksheet to help identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact projects. These criteria serve as a guide for LIS communities to move projects from idea to implementation – they will help you identify & prioritize sustainable and resilient projects that advance the goals of the Long Island Sound Partnership Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The guiding questions in the sections below are intended to help you think through each of the eight criteria. Not all of the guiding questions below will be applicable to every project type. The questions and criteria are not listed in order of importance or priority. Each guiding question will not be applicable to every project type, so it is recommended that you consider all the criteria equally and as appropriate for your project.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for fiscal year 2025 Clean Water Section 319 grants.  Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act (Section 319) is a Federal program to control nonpoint sources (NPS) of water pollution.  Connecticut receives funds from EPA for Section 319 grants that can be passed onto communities, local conservation groups, and other organizations for NPS implementation projects, plans, and statewide NPS management efforts.

The Trust for Governors Island has announced the launch of the 2026 Climate Solutions Challenge, the third annual cycle of its Climate Piloting Program designed to support early stage climate innovators. This year’s Challenge focuses on the theme of urban climate adaptation, asking how new solutions can help communities remain safe and healthy, reduce disruptions to essential services, and improve overall quality of life in cities. Selected participants will have the opportunity to pilot their climate products and services on Governors Island in New York Harbor, gaining access to rent-free physical space, technical support, visibility through events and marketing, and connections to investors, funders, and public-sector partners.

National Geographic Society is seeking to fund impactful projects driving science-based solutions to the growing threat of extreme weather events and natural hazards such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, droughts, floods, heatwaves and severe storms. Projects should aim to increase adaptability and resilience to these events and demonstrate tangible positive impacts on people and nature. Successful projects will demonstrate sufficient engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure that project development and implementation are carried out for at-risk human communities and natural systems. Proposals for both new and ongoing projects will be considered. We encourage projects in regions most vulnerable to extreme weather events and natural hazards, as well as regions that currently have limited capacity for research and implementation.

This grant opportunity is open to municipalities and non-governmental organizations interested in partnering with SCSWCD to implement a variety of projects focused on improving Suffolk County and its environment. These projects focus on revitalizing and protecting Long Islands ecosystems, waterbodies, ground water and habitats. The goal of this grant is to attract new partners to develop and implement innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental issues.

The NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) supports projects across New York State that utilize unique EPA-designated green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies. Competitive grants are awarded to projects that implement one or more of the following green practices: green stormwater infrastructure, energy efficiency, and water efficiency. There is $15 million available this round. Funding is made available through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative is offering no-cost climate change risk assessment technical assistance to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities, as well as other water sector stakeholders. Through this technical assistance process, CRWU will assist approximately 75 water sector utilities / communities in identifying long-term climate change adaptation strategies, as well as potential funding options to implement adaptive measures.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides EPA with $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. This new funding program will build on EPA’s Ports Initiative that helps our nation’s ports, a critical part of our infrastructure and supply chain, address public health and environmental impacts on surrounding communities. EPA has announced two separate Notices of Funding Opportunities to disburse the allocated $3 billion – the Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition AND the Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition.

Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund is an innovative program that provides fast, flexible funding and support for engaging your community on wide-ranging sustainability projects. Eligible projects receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds from Sustainable CT.