Funding Database

Congressionally Directed Spending requests, also known as Community Project Funding or Earmarks, are funding requests for high-impact, Connecticut-based projects that can be completed with assistance from the federal government. In Connecticut, applications go through the offices of Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murphy. The project must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the accounts listed.

This is a new grant program through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act for land conservation partners to protect and preserve open space in New York State. Up to $25 million is available through the first round of the program and no match is required. Municipalities, not-for-profits, and Indian Nations or Tribes can apply for grants of $50,000 to a maximum of $3,500,000 to purchase land for permanent conservation. Acquired properties must align with the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and possess at least one of the seven resources identified as priorities in the Bond Act which include: projects that possess ecological, habitat, recreational or scenic values; protect the quality of a drinking water supply; provide flood control or flood mitigation values; constitute a floodplain; provide or have the potential to provide important habitat connectivity; provide open space for the use and enjoyment of the public; or provide community gardens in urban areas. All funded projects are encouraged to allow, create, or enhance public access. 

CLCC’s Climate-Smart Forest Stewardship Grant Program is a new initiative that enables land trusts to take care of their forests. To help land trusts face these challenges, CLCC will provide funding for land trusts that integrate climate mitigation, resilience, and adaptation strategies into their long-term forest stewardship.

The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District (the District) is seeking to fund a limited number of mission-aligned projects during 2026. Eligible applicants include local governments in Nassau County and not-for-profit organizations. Applications are due by May 01, 2026, and awards are expected to be made in May 2026. Projects must be completed by May 31, 2027. While these dates and the below amounts are not expected to change, funding amounts and timelines are subject to the District’s own receipt of funding from the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee.

Projects must meet one or more of the following criteria in Nassau County:

1. 1. Conserve or improve soils
   2. Improve water quality of our groundwater and/or surface water
   3. Control and prevent soil erosion and/or prevent floodwater and sediment damages
   4. Conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water
   5. Preserve, increase, or improve natural resources including trees and plants
   6. Control or eliminate invasive plants or wildlife
   7. Control and abate NPS water pollution
   8. Preserve wildlife

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound). The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Partnership (LIS Partnership). Major funding is from EPA through the LIS Partnership.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized tribal governments, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. It does so by recognizing the need to upgrade and modernize the nation’s infrastructure against the growing risks to communities and the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities that promote resilience with respect to natural hazards. $1B total is available.

Administered by the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC), CCPP has established a coordinated process by which land trust applicants to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) may apply for a federal grant as a source of match funds.

CLCC’s Forever Connecticut Fund is a conservation finance tool that provides land trusts with access to immediate, flexible capital to acquire natural and working lands, including fee simple and conservation easements. Beyond financial assistance, the Forever Connecticut Fund strengthens organizations through a new capacity-building program that includes one-on-one coaching from a development expert to help land trusts secure grants and donations, launch capital campaigns, and boost their overall fundraising capacity.

The Land & Easement Acquisition Program (LEAP) is designed to bridge funding gaps and accelerate the protection of valuable conservation lands. CLCC will prioritize projects that:

• Have a closing time frame of 12 months or less.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation.

• Align with statewide land conservation goals.

• Have leveraged and/or exhausted other public and private funding sources.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal has expanded the Resilient Retrofit program and will make available a combination of low-interest loans and grants to low and moderate income single-family homeowners whose homes are located in flood-prone areas or have been damaged due to heavy rainfall, enabling them to render their homes more resilient to flood damage and if, desired, to decrease their greenhouse gas emission consumption by improving the energy efficiency of the home and/or electrification of the home’s heating and cooling systems.   

Home retrofit scopes may include closing off living-space below the base-flood elevation (BFE), adding better insulation to the envelope, installing high-efficient fixtures and appliances, and replacing aged, fossil fuel combustion heating and cooling systems with electric cold climate heat pumps and raising all mechanicals above the BFE. Onsite generation paired with these measures, such as solar panels or battery back with battery back-up may also be included. 

Who is eligible:

• – Owner-occupied, 1-4 unit buildings.
• – Low to moderate income (120% of area median).

Projects can include:

• – Repairing Flood Damage
• – Floodproofing Interior Systems
• – Elevating Electrical Equipment
• – Improvements:
  • – High-efficiency windows

• – Insulation to walls and/or ceilings

EPA WaterTA aims to assist communities with applications for federal funding, quality infrastructure, and reliable water services in partnership with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities and local government. If your community is facing drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater challenges, you can submit a request for no-cost, direct assistance using the WaterTA Request Form. Please note that WaterTA is not a grant program, nor does it provide direct monetary assistance. 

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Transaction Assistance Grant (TAG) Program seeks to accelerate the pace of land conservation by providing financial assistance to land trusts for transaction-related project costs. TAG responds to immediate conservation needs and is designed to get funding on the ground efficiently and effectively. Applications for TAG grants are accepted monthly, with applications due on the last day of a given month as long as funds are available.

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant are providing grant preparation and writing capacity to New York and Connecticut communities that are pursuing funding for sustainability and resilience-focused projects. This technical assistance program helps municipalities and community organizations develop successful grant proposals and develop capacity for navigating the funding landscape. 

NYSDEC’s Trees for Tribs is a statewide program that works to reforest NY’s tributaries and create or improve riparian buffers that decrease erosion, reduce flooding damage, improve wildlife and stream habitat, and protect water quality.

The Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program is a cost-share grant program that provides funding to address and prevent potential water quality issues that stem from farming activities. Financial and technical assistance supports the planning and implementation of on-farm projects with the goal of improving water quality in New York’s waterways. The program seeks to support New York’s diverse agricultural businesses in their efforts to implement best management practice systems that improve water quality and environmental stewardship.

The Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program awards water quality protection projects that focus on environmental planning and best management practice systems. Projects include conservation measures, such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative buffers along streams, and conservation cover crops.

The goal of the Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) Program is to reduce the impact of agriculture on climate change (mitigation) and to increase the resiliency of New York State farms in the face of a changing climate (adaptation).

Program grant funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and carbon sequestration, in addition to enhancing the on-farm adaptation and resiliency to projected climate conditions due to heavy storm events, rainfall, and drought.

The program is a competitive grant program, with funds applied for and awarded through county Soil and Water Conservation Districts on behalf of farmers in one of three project categories: agricultural waste storage cover and flare for methane reduction, on-farm water management, and soil health systems. Projects that may have historically applied for the Agricultural Non-point Source Abatement and Control program may be able to fill funding gaps through the CRF. State funds come from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

Emergency financial assistance is available to municipalities for wastewater and drinking water system issues that pose hazards to public health, public welfare or the environment. The amount is based on the reasonable costs immediately necessary to address the emergency. The financial assistance is to be repaid within one year.

Assistance can be provided within two business days of a determination by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) or Department of Health (DOH). Your will have to formally declare an emergency and submit an application.

Nassau County has initiated a septic system replacement program for residents, small businesses, and nonprofits – Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness (SEPTIC). The SEPTIC program will reimburse eligible recipients that replace a conventional or failing septic system with an innovative and alternative onsite wastewater treatment system.

Under this program, homeowners who replace their cesspool or septic system with new Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS) technologies may be eligible for grants from New York State and Suffolk County that enable them to purchase and install a nitrogen removal septic system and leaching structure.

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.

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) will foster economic development in historically underserved communities across Connecticut. CIF will provide a total of up to $121 million/year to eligible municipalities as well as nonprofit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced multiple funding availability notices under Round 24:

1. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Remediation & Limited-Assessment (up to $6M)
2. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Assessment-Only (up to $200K)
3. Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program (up to $6M)
4. Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization Grant Program (up to $200K)

The total funding amount available for all Round 22 notices is $25 million.

DEEP was awarded this funding from the EPA under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to administer to brownfield sites in Connecticut to perform environmental assessment and cleanup activities.

The Green Fund seeks innovative proposals from committed organizations and individuals for activities that advance our mission which is to promote environmental quality, public health and equity in our community by providing grants and other incentives that contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future and reduce air, water and land pollution.

WPDGs assist state, tribal, local government agencies and interstate/intertribal entities in building programs to protect, manage and restore wetlands. WPDGs provide applicants an opportunity to develop and refine comprehensive state/tribal/local government wetland programs.

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as U.S. territories to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands. Eligible projects include the acquisition of real property interest in coastal lands or waters and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.

Clean Water Act Section 604(b) Water Quality Planning Grants fund regional comprehensive water quality management planning activities as described in Section 604(b) of the federal Clean Water Act. 604(b) funds are to be used for water quality management planning activities, such as determining the nature, extent and causes of point and nonpoint source water pollution problems, and developing plans to resolve these problems.

DEC typically issues a Request for Applications (RFA) every 3-5 years and awards funds to multi-year projects.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program will provide grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act provides an investment of $5 billion to support efforts by states, municipalities, air pollution control agencies, tribes, and groups thereof to develop and implement strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies. This two-staged grant program (Phase 1: Plan & Phase 2: Implement) provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.

The NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant Program is a nationally competitive grants program designed to support projects that address urgent and challenging issues threatening the well-being of coastal and estuarine areas within determined estuaries of national significance.

Acres for America is the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) premier land conservation program and was established to provide urgently needed funding for projects that conserve important large-scale habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants through voluntary land acquisitions and perpetual conservation easements.

The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.

$2.1 million was made available through NYSDEC for community-based not-for-profit organizations working in disadvantaged communities to support community-driven projects to improve air quality and help advance the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The grants will advance local efforts to obtain air quality data tailored to issues identified by community residents.

The goal of this funding program is to assist municipalities in starting or expanding municipal food scraps recycling programs. Approximately $2.75 million is available. To ensure equitable access and development of food scraps recycling opportunities for all New Yorkers, this year’s opportunity will prioritize the first half of available funds for eligible projects serving Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged communities.

The National Audubon Society, Inc., through its state office, Audubon Connecticut, is the “sponsor” of a Connecticut “In Lieu Fee” (ILF) program. The program allows permittees to pay a fee in lieu of taking on mitigation themselves. Instead, local organizations like land trusts, and other environmental nonprofits, are given the opportunity to apply for and receive grant funding for the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of wetland and watercourse resources and associated upland buffers in the State of Connecticut.

The Saltonstall-Kennedy Program is a yearly grant competition that aims to promote U.S. fisheries by assisting the fishing community to address marketing and research needs. Approximately 40 projects worth $10 million are funded annually.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is launching a pilot program to fully fund small water resources projects for economically disadvantaged communities (based on the federal definition of disadvantaged communities (PDF)). This program was directed by Section 165 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. : Project proposals under this pilot program are for projects under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP). Under CAP, the Corps can plan, design, and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project specific congressional authorization. The purpose of the CAP is to plan and implement projects of limited size, cost, scope, and complexity. While CAP projects typically require a costshare with a non-Federal sponsor, this pilot program will fully fund the selected projects.

The NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Habitat Protection and Restoration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Competition will fund designated Reserve agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and habitat restoration projects that support the NERRS mission. NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, improve climate resilience, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and support the habitat protection goals and priorities of the National Coastal Zone Management Act.

EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program funds small businesses to develop and commercialize innovative environmental technologies in broad focus areas which include clean and safe water, air quality and climate, land revitalization, homeland security, sustainable materials management/circular economy, safer chemicals, and risk assessment. Proposals should be responsive to the annual topics under these broad areas.

Sea Grant and the NOAA Climate Program Office, with support from the NOAA Office for Coastal Management, seek to establish programs aimed at placing people across the country into good jobs that advance climate resilience and assisting employers in developing a 21st century workforce that is climate literate, informed by climate resilience, and skilled at addressing consequent challenges. NOAA will assist communities in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories so they may form partnerships that train workers and place them into jobs that enhance climate resilience.

The Marine Debris Foundation is focused on strengthening, enhancing, and improving domestic and international efforts that address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the economy, environment, and/or maritime safety. The Marine Debris Foundation awards annual grants to augment the efforts and impact of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced funding availability under Round 18. The purpose of the Municipal Grant Program as per C.G.S Section 32-763, is to provide grants for brownfield remediation and redevelopment. OBRD has also simultaneously announced the availability of funding under the Targeted Brownfield Development Loan and the Assessment-only Grant Program.

DEEP was awarded this funding from the EPA under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to administer to brownfield sites in Connecticut to perform environmental assessment and cleanup activities.

Nearly $85 million in funding is available for fish passage and tribal capacity building under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. This funding will support U.S. federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and tribal organizations in implementing fish passage work and building tribal organizational capacity.

CIG On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches.  The Soil Health Demonstration (SHD) Trial component of On-Farm Trials focuses exclusively on the implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health.   A critical element of each On-Farm Trials project is the project evaluation. Partners must propose robust scientific approaches to their On-Farm Trials, resulting in data and analyses of the environmental, financial, and to the extent possible, social impacts of the trials.  

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Through creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation’s water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.

$45 million in funding is available for projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Through this funding, NOAA will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $24 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the removal of large marine debris throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. These removal projects should focus on large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand.

This year, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Recreational Trails Program will make up to $1 million available for trail projects. All projects utilizing CT Recreational Trails Grant funds must be accessible to the public. Grant amounts vary and will depend upon the availability of currently uncommitted state funds.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program’s guiding principles are to support communities through capability and capacity building, encourage and enable innovation; promote partnerships, enable large projects, maintain flexibility, and provide consistency.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program’s guiding principles are to support communities through capability and capacity building, encourage and enable innovation; promote partnerships, enable large projects, maintain flexibility, and provide consistency.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

NOAA’s Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program is an environmental education program that promotes place-based experiential learning for K–12 students and related professional development for teachers.This funding opportunity focuses on projects combining long-term, classroom-integrated “Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences” and capacity building for K-12 Environmental Literacy at the state and local level.

The NYS DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program works with communities to manage their community forests and develop self-sustaining local community forestry programs. $12.9 million is available through Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry Grants for urban forestry work in disadvantaged communities across New York State for the following two categories: 1) Community Forest Management Plan Implementation in Disadvantaged Communities ($10 million) and 2) Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities ($2.9 million)

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ORLP is a nationally competitive, dollar-for-dollar matching grant program. It was created to aid disadvantaged, urban communities that lack access to close-by outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or substantial renovation of, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.

Projects may include any or all manner of outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, camping, unstructured play, picnicking, cycling, field and court sports, fishing, bird watching, swimming pools, paddling, and skating, as well as for outdoor recreation facilities and some supporting facilities and infrastructure like restrooms/bathhouses, or parking areas, when part of an overall recreation project.

The Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grants is a new fund for land trusts offered by the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) with support from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. This program will award $500,000 over multiple years for both planning and implementation grants. In 2024, grants will be awarded quarterly.

This year, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Recreational Trails Program will make $10 million available to improve Connecticut’s trail infrastructure, which has seen significant usage increases since the onset of the pandemic. This grant program aims to help support communities managing the trail usage increases that have endured as more residents and visitors become familiar with the more than 2,500 miles of multi-use trails and greenways that crisscross the state.

The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community based groups and environmental education organizations funding for local projects that benefit the environment.

11th Hour Racing fosters systemic change to restore ocean health — our vision for the future includes cleaner, healthier waterways through strong local stewardship and collective action around the world. By supporting local pilot programs that model best practices of sustainability, restore coastal ecosystems, and advance ocean stewardship, our grantees are creating systemic change to restore ocean health. We are working toward a future of cleaner, healthier waterways through strong local stewardship and collective action around the world. 11th Hour Racing works to facilitate this transition by supporting local solutions to global problems, led by community organizations and industry leaders.

For more than 30 years, our Long Island Unitarian Universalist Fund (LIUUF), a field-of-interest advised fund at The New York Community Trust, has worked to address education and racial equity, environmental justice, and immigrant rights. The fund also focuses on LGBTQ+ advocacy, women’s rights, leadership development, legal and legislative advocacy, and community organizing. The fund was established by the Veatch Program at Shelter Rock.

LIUUF grantmaking reflects Unitarian Universalist principles and the Fund’s overarching mission is to build and energize a community of progressive social change activists, and to support prophetic voices in vulnerable communities who speak out against injustices—often in unsafe environments and at personal risk and sacrifice.

Guided by an advisory committee that represents Unitarian Universalist congregations throughout Long Island, the LIUUF has awarded millions of dollars to nonprofits in Nassau and Suffolk counties to advance grassroots progressive social change.

Supports the development of urban agriculture and innovative production activities by funding Planning Projects and Implementation Projects led by nonprofit organizations, local or Tribal governments, and schools.

The Working Lands Climate Corps will provide technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people, helping them deliver economic benefits through climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers across the country, now and in the future. The Working Lands Climate Corps is part of the American Climate Corps, a workforce training and service initiative that is working to ensure more young people have access to the skills-based training needed for good paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy.

The primary goal of the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The program is designed to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal areas through competitive matching grants to eligible State agencies.

The Cultural and Community Resilience program supports community-based efforts to mitigate climate change and COVID-19 pandemic impacts, safeguard cultural resources, and foster cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experience. The program prioritizes projects from disadvantaged communities in the United States or its jurisdictions, and NEH encourages applications that employ inclusive methodologies.

The NCRF is a national program with the goal of enhancing protection for coastal communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural coastal hazards and to improve habitats for fish and wildlife. This year, NFWF will award approximately $140 million in grants for the planning, design, and implementation of natural and nature-based solutions.

The Small Grants Program provides funding for land conservation projects that provide protection of rare or uncommon native plant species or natural communities, or areas of high native diversity. We will also consider habitat improvement projects, protection of open space in low-income and urban communities, and assistance with fund-raising for projects that meet the above criteria.

This program provides funding for a variety of transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments.

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.

Congressionally Directed Spending requests, also known as Community Project Funding or Earmarks, are funding requests for high-impact, Connecticut-based projects that can be completed with assistance from the federal government. The project must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the accounts listed.

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, is soliciting proposals under their Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program.

Using funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science will award up to $1,475,000 in grants to remove derelict fishing traps throughout coastal waterways of the United States while collecting data to prevent future gear loss.

The Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund) provides grants to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is pleased to announce the availability of $60 million in grant funding through the inaugural round of the Green Resiliency Grant (GRG) program under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act). The new program will prioritize grants to flood-prone communities and help them undertake innovative green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, green streets, and permeable pavement.

The Suffolk County Water Quality Improvement Division works to protect and improve Suffolk County’s ground and surface waters. The WQPRP provides funding to protect and restore surface and groundwater resources throughout the County. Funding is available for both planning/ engineering and construction expenses.

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.

This program provides funding for the acquisition, planning, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage Program) to provide funding for projects that would meaningfully improve or restore passage for anadromous fish (anadromous fish species are born in freshwater such as streams and rivers, spend most of their lives in the marine environment, and migrate back to freshwater to spawn).

The second round of grantmaking for the Environmental Justice Data Fund (EJDF) will be supported by a $4 million fund. The EJDF aims to help frontline communities historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustice in the United States use data to address environmental hazards, with special attention to matters regarding air and water quality. The EJDF will support eligible organizations to unlock resources, increase their access to federal infrastructure funding, and advocate for new policies that empower communities to address past environmental harm and pave the way to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.

The Healthy Communities Grant Program is EPA New England’s main competitive grant program to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. he Healthy Communities Grant Program will achieve this through identifying and funding projects that:
– Target resources to benefit communities at risk.
– Assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks.
– Increase collaboration through partnerships and community-based projects.
– Build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems.
– Achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits.

The Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, available through the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and US DOT, makes awards on a competitive basis for projects that reconnect communities by removing, retrofitting, or mitigating highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity, including to mobility, access, or economic development.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced multiple funding availability notices under Round 20:

1. Municipal Grant Program – Remediation & Limited-Assessment (up to $4M)
2. Municipal Grant Program – Assessment-Only (up to $200K)
3. Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program (up to $4M)

The total funding amount available for all Round 20 notices is $25 million.

In collaboration with CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) requests grant proposals for projects that increase the capacity of vulnerable communities to mitigate, plan for, and respond to climate change impacts. This funding supports the recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3).

The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $7 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the installation of proven marine debris interception technologies, throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. Projects will focus on the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of proven marine debris interception technologies that will capture marine debris at or close to known marine debris sources or pathways.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $47 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the removal of large marine debris throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. These removal projects should focus on large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand.

This NYSDEC grant program supports the regeneration of forests so they may continue to deliver vital services such as mitigating climate change, protecting air and water quality, and supporting the economy. Through this cost share reimbursement program, landowners can apply for reimbursement of projects on their land that support the establishment and renewal of healthy forests.

The Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire land for open space, and to water companies to acquire land to be classified as Class I or Class II water supply property.

The Rooting Resilience Program will provide funding and technical assistance to community-based projects that build resilience and enhance communities’ abilities to plan and carry out forestry projects. This opportunity is available for projects located in federally designated disadvantaged communities, including urban, suburban, and rural communities in the United States and its territories. Special priority will be given to community-led groups that are seeking federal funding for the first time.

EPA Long Island Sound Study announced the second round of this program focused on the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut. The purpose of the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities to address environmental issues and improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a funding proposal.  

This fund of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority aims to protect water quality by acquiring watershed land and promoting environmental education. The fund partners with local land trusts, municipalities, state agencies and others to protect threatened watershed lands and protect water quality while adding value to a community’s quality of life by protecting open spaces. There are grants available for land acquisition and environmental education programs.

The Ida Homeowner Repair and Reimbursement Program (IHRR), through NYS Homes and Community Renewal, provides funding to home owners to repair damage caused by Hurricane Ida in 2021.  Available assistance includes: 1) Reimbursement for the cost of repairs, reconstruction, and/or elevation completed and paid for out-of-pocket prior to IHRR application (includes costs paid for using private loans) 2) Grants to repair remaining damage caused by the storm, and 3) Reimbursement or grant funding for the cost of mitigation measures like elevating mechanicals, floodproofing, flood vents, and sewer backflow valves.

EPA has selected Fordham University to serve as pass-through entity for the Thriving Communities Grants for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Thriving Communities subgrants will be distributed to support capacity building in communities affected by environmental or public health issues to eligible applicants. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 31, 2025.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) provides funding, expertise, training, and other resources to help communities advance their climate resilience plans and projects while also developing the strategies and capacities that communities nationwide will need as climate impacts intensify.

Through the Clean Water Fund, CT DEEP is able to provide grants and low-interest loans for infrastructure projects to meet clean water needs such as addressing combined sewer overflows, nutrient pollution, wastewater collection infrastructure needs, and projects using green infrastructure and addressing resiliency. See the Priority List Memo and Project Request Form for updates.

The Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund (LISSF) is a competitive grant program seeking proposals to restore and protect the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. LISSF is interested in empowering communities of all kinds (including communities typically underrepresented in environmental programs and projects) to access, improve, and benefit from Long Island Sound, its waterways, and surrounding lands. Up to $400,000 is expected to be available for grants in 2025. The most competitive proposals will incorporate multiple values including sustainability, resilience, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

NOAA is seeking proposals for transformational projects that will restore coastal habitat and strengthen community resilience under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This funding will prioritize habitat restoration actions that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, use natural infrastructure to reduce damage from flooding and storms, promote resilient ecosystems and communities, and yield socioeconomic benefits. This funding opportunity will invest in projects that have the greatest potential to provide holistic benefits, through habitat-based approaches that strengthen both ecosystem and community resilience.

$20 million in funding is available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities. Through this funding, NOAA will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ORLP is a nationally competitive, dollar-for-dollar matching grant program. It was created to aid disadvantaged, urban communities that lack access to close-by outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or substantial renovation of, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.

Entities interested in seeking funding under the ORLP program should contact their State’s Lead Agency (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for Connecticut; Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for New York) to get details about their state’s process for selecting and submitting projects to the NPS’ national competition.

The Land Capital Grant Program (LCG) is designed to bridge funding gaps and accelerate the protection of valuable conservation lands. CLCC will prioritize projects that:

• Have a closing time frame of 12 months or less.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation.

• Align with statewide land conservation goals.

• Have leveraged and/or exhausted other public and private funding sources.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced multiple funding availability notices under Round 21:

1. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Remediation & Limited-Assessment (up to $4M)
2. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Assessment-Only (up to $200K)
3. Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program (up to $4M)
4. Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization Grant Program (up to $200K)

The total funding amount available for all Round 21 notices is $25 million.

Up to $10 million in non-federal matching funds to support communities applying for the
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
program (FEMA BRIC). DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA BRIC program is a new funding initiative and is part of the new Deployment category of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund (DCRF). DCRF supports implementation and construction for community and energy resilience projects.

FEMA BRIC funds pre-disaster hazard mitigation and climate adaption
projects that will enable communities to withstand or rapidly recover from future disasters. For fiscal
year 2024 funds, FEMA is prioritizing projects that align with multiple BRIC program objectives and
the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan. These objectives include addressing multiple hazards,
incorporating risk-informed nature-based solutions, eliminating disparities across disadvantaged
communities, and mitigating current and future risk to public infrastructure.

Through New York State’s Clean Energy, Clean Water & Green Jobs Bond Act, the Department of State (DOS) is making $15 million available for implementation projects that improve waterfront and watershed resiliency and reduce climate impacts, particularly flooding. Projects should implement a complete or substantially complete LWRP or a complete or substantially complete relevant LWRP Component (including a watershed management plan funded by Department of State). The program prioritizes projects using natural solutions to enhance community resilience while also delivering environmental, economic and social benefits. Eligible applicants are: 1) A village, town, or city located along New York’s coasts or inland waterways 2) A county with the consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns or cities.

Through New York State’s Clean Energy, Clean Water & Green Jobs Bond Act, the Department of State (DOS) is making $20 million available for habitat restoration, climate resiliency and risk reduction, and stormwater management projects located within the New York State Coastal areas, areas draining into the New York State Coastal area, and/or areas within the Coastal Nonpoint Source boundary (see map). Projects must be identified or implement goals outlined in state, regional, or local management plans/programs/studies. The program prioritizes projects using natural solutions to enhance community resilience while also delivering environmental, economic and social benefits. Eligible applicants include Municipalities (counties, cities, towns, villages, Indian Nations or Tribes recognized by the state or United States), Not-for-Profits, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and New York State Agencies and Authorities. Projects may include design and construction, or construction.

$45 million will be made available through the NYSDEC for the RWG Program. The program seeks to build on the success of the Resilient NY program and advance the State’s goal of strengthening water infrastructure and protecting New Yorkers from the impacts of extreme weather. The overall goal of the RWG program is to implement projects that build community resilience to extreme weather events, promote flood risk and ice jam reduction and/or restoration, enhance flood and climate resilience, implement natural and nature-based feature construction, or ecologically sustainable projects while supporting healthy riparian habitats. This funding is for the construction/implementation of projects, not projects exclusively for planning and/or design. The RWG program is open to local governments, Indian Nations, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, State agencies, and not-for-profit corporations.

The Land Capital Grant Program (LCG) is designed to bridge funding gaps and accelerate the protection of valuable conservation lands. CLCC will prioritize projects that:

• Have a closing time frame of 12 months or less.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation.

• Align with statewide land conservation goals.

• Have leveraged and/or exhausted other public and private funding sources.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) is a national program focused on reducing risks to coastal communities. The NCRF is now soliciting pre-proposals for projects that will create and/or restore natural systems in order to increase protection for communities from coastal hazards, such as storms, sea- and lake-level changes, inundation, and coastal erosion, while improving habitats for fish and wildlife species.

This fund of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority aims to protect water quality by acquiring watershed land and promoting environmental education. The fund partners with local land trusts, municipalities, state agencies and others to protect threatened watershed lands and protect water quality while adding value to a community’s quality of life by protecting open spaces. There are grants available for land acquisition and environmental education programs.

Congressionally Directed Spending requests, also known as Community Project Funding or Earmarks, are funding requests for high-impact, Connecticut-based projects that can be completed with assistance from the federal government. The project must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the accounts listed.

NFWF is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations.

This competitive grant program through the NYS Environmental Facilities Cooperation is designed to support flood-prone communities in implementing transformative green infrastructure projects that combat the effects of extreme weather. Eligible projects must utilize green infrastructure (GI) stormwater management practices (SMPs) and/or nature-based solutions to manage combined and/or sanitary sewer overflows and/or mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events.

The Land Capital Grant Program (LCG) is designed to bridge funding gaps and accelerate the protection of valuable conservation lands. CLCC will prioritize projects that:

• Have a closing time frame of 12 months or less.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation.

• Align with statewide land conservation goals.

• Have leveraged and/or exhausted other public and private funding sources.

$5.9 million is now available for community-based organizations for projects that address exposure of communities to multiple environmental harms and risks. Eligible applicants are Tribal Organizations and not-for-profit community-based organizations having 501(c)(3) status, or a community-based organization may partner with a NFP that will serve as their fiscal sponsor. Eligible projects must address a community’s exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks and include a new research component that will be used to expand the knowledge of the affected community.

The NYS Department of State (NYSDOS) is soliciting applications from eligible towns, villages, cities, counties, regional planning entities and not-for-profit organizations to support the creation, or modification of comprehensive plans, area plans, or zoning codes to align with smart growth principals.

The Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NPG) is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). The program aims to prepare nonpoint source projects for implementation funding, and to encourage and support cooperation among regulated MS4s to complete mapping of their stormwater system.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) WQIP funds implementation projects to improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source.

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant program was established in 2016 to provide grants to cities, towns, villages, and counties of the State of New York for eligible climate change mitigation, adaptation, and planning and assessment projects. Funds are available for two broad project categories – implementation and certification. The first project category supports implementation projects related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (mainly outside the power sector), climate change adaptation, and engineering feasibility studies for flood mitigation and Hydrofluorocarbons. The second supports planning and assessment projects aligned with Climate Smart Communities certification actions.

The NYS Department of State (NYSDOS) is soliciting applications from eligible villages, towns, cities located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways, counties, or regional planning councils to advance the preparation or implementation of strategies for community and waterfront revitalization through the following grant categories: Preparing or Updating a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), including Updating an LWRP to be More Resilient to Climate Risks; Preparing an LWRP Component, including a Watershed Management Plan; Implementing an LWRP or a completed LWRP Component.

The NYS Department of State (NYSDOS) is soliciting applications from eligible municipalities, community-based not-for-profit organizations, and NYC Community Boards for Brownfield Opportunity Area Program funding. Funds are available for projects that establish or implement strategies for community redevelopment of areas affected by historical disinvestment, vacant and blighted properties, and the presence or potential presence of brownfields.

The Trees for Communities Grant Program supports urban forestry projects that will increase tree cover or contribute to other urban forestry objectives such as improvement of forest health or utilization of urban wood in communities of need. Recent awardee projects can be found here: Urban and Community Forestry Grant Accomplishments.

The Connecticut Wetland In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program has accrued sufficient funds that are now available for the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of wetland and watercourse resources and associated upland buffers in the State of Connecticut. The National Audubon Society, Inc., through its state office, Audubon Connecticut, is the “sponsor” of Connecticut’s ILF program. The program allows permittees to pay a fee in lieu of taking on mitigation themselves. Instead, local organizations like land trusts, and other environmental nonprofits, are given the opportunity to apply for and receive grant funding for the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of wetland and watercourse resources and associated upland buffers in the State of Connecticut.

$1 million in competitive grant funding is now available through the NY State’s Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. Community forests build local ownership of forests, local participation in forest management, and contribute to the State’s goals of conserving 30 percent of New York’s lands and waters by 2030.

Municipalities can use this funding to purchase land or conservation easements to create or expand community-owned forests to sustain and protect wildlife habitat, promote clean air and water, preserve biodiversity, and increase access to recreation opportunities and open space.

Municipalities may apply for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $300,000. Eligible locations for acquisition include private properties of 10 or more acres within New York State. At least 75% of the property must be forested.

The CO2 Foundation funds innovative smaller-scale projects that can accomplish a lot in a short timeframe, which might otherwise fall through the cracks. They seek proposals to support timely interventions for extreme weather and/or prepare communities for the impacts of a rapidly changing climate system.

The Land Capital Grant Program (LCG) is designed to bridge funding gaps and accelerate the protection of valuable conservation lands. CLCC will prioritize projects that:

• Have a closing time frame of 12 months or less.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation.

• Align with statewide land conservation goals.

• Have leveraged and/or exhausted other public and private funding sources.

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.

The Funders Network (TFN) has launched a new pilot funding opportunity that will leverage infrastructure funds to train and expand career pathways for local workers in critical industries. The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative is aimed at supporting communities with investments and technical expertise to effectively implement equitable infrastructure projects. This funding is not for the physical infrastructure itself, but for the human infrastructure needed to create meaningful collaborations and center community engagement.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced multiple funding availability notices under Round 22:

1. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Remediation & Limited-Assessment (up to $6M)
2. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Assessment-Only (up to $200K)
3. Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program (up to $6M)
4. Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization Grant Program (up to $200K)

The total funding amount available for all Round 22 notices is $25 million.

The Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program provides funding assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education. Promotion of open space in an urban setting may include, but may not be limited to, the development of a community garden or reclaiming and enhancing existing open space for the public’s use. Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate the highest ability to benefit urban communities in close proximity to population centers.

The Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire land for open space, and to water companies to acquire land to be classified as Class I or Class II water supply property.

The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program provides competitive grants to help municipalities affordably undertake critical wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. The program demonstrates New York State’s nation-leading commitment to upgrading water and sewer systems, reducing water pollution, and safeguarding vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals.

The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Intermunicipal Grants (IMG) program is available for both drinking water and wastewater projects that serve multiple municipalities, such as a shared water quality infrastructure project or the interconnection of multiple municipal water systems.

Restore America’s Estuaries is excited to announce the third round of funding for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut in 2026. The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP’s) Land and Water Resources Division requests proposals for the new CT DEEP Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant, made possible by financial support provided by the Long Island Sound Partnership from the U.S. EPA. There are two primary goals of the program: 1) to promote large-scale habitat restoration and enhance restoration planning, while also helping coastal communities and ecosystems adapt to changing environmental conditions; and 2) to further promote the application of green stormwater infrastructure techniques to reduce nonpoint source pollution, improving water resource quality.

The Quinnipiac River Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, makes grants for projects designed to benefit the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River, the New Haven Harbor, and surrounding watersheds.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program is authorized under Section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide capitalization grants to states, eligible federally recognized tribes, territories and the District of Columbia to establish revolving loan funds that provide hazard mitigation assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

These low interest loans will allow jurisdictions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for the next round of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund (DCRF). DEEP is making available up to $44 million in state and federal funds to support planning, project advancement, and construction to help Connecticut’s communities build resilience to extreme weather. The current Notice of Funding Opportunity opens the next application period for Planning (resilience planning) and Advancement (project design) and introduces a Deployment (project implementation) category that includes an expanded matching funds program and a Request for Proposals for the construction of energy resilience infrastructure.

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) will foster economic development in historically underserved communities across Connecticut. CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.

The National Estuary Program (NEP) Watersheds Grant Program is a nationally competitive grants addressing the most pressing threats to estuarine health within the 28 NEP boundary areas. This program is offered through Restore America’s Estuaries, with funding from the U.S. EPA.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) provides funding, expertise, training, and other resources to help communities advance climate resilience plans and projects, with a focus on frontline and climate-vulnerable communities. Funding supports activities such as risk and vulnerability assessments, community engagement, project prioritization, and early implementation actions.

Applicants must apply as a partnership that includes a community-based organization, a local, regional, or Tribal government entity, and an adaptation practitioner. Communities without an established practitioner may access the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners to identify partners.

An informational webinar will be held on November 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. Program details are available at climatesmartcommunity.org

The Nature Conservancy is piloting a new program for land trusts across New York to receive tailored technical assistance aimed at accelerating the protection of lands vital to freshwater and coastal ecosystems, climate adaptation, and landscape connectivity. There is no cost to the land trust and no application is required to access this program.

The Nature Conservancy in New York is pleased to announce the sixth round of the Climate Resilience Grant Program (CRGP). The goal of the program is to support New York’s conservation community in protecting the lands and waters that contribute to New York’s resilience to climate change for the benefit of people and nature. Funding is available to land trusts and other conservation organizations, academic institutions, Tribal Nations, municipalities, and local agencies. Projects funded in the previous round can be found here.   

The Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 cycle. This opportunity is open to all New England communities, and selected applicants will receive free technical assistance from UConn’s Technical Assistance for Brownfields (TAB) program. Support is provided through graduate students and faculty in the UConn Brownfield Redevelopment course, giving communities access to high quality research, planning tools, and redevelopment guidance at no cost.

The EPA’s Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grants provide funding for communities that need support to assess, plan, and remediate brownfield sites affected by hazardous substances and petroleum contamination. Through this program, municipalities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations can complete environmental investigations, develop cleanup strategies, begin remediation work, and strengthen their overall capacity to reduce environmental health risks. These grants help communities improve land use, address blight, and move toward safer and more sustainable redevelopment.

The program includes four types of funding that together support the full brownfield process. Multipurpose Grants allow a community to combine assessment, planning, and cleanup activities within one award. Assessment Grants cover site investigations, environmental reviews, and prioritization work. Cleanup Grants support remediation at specific sites, including soil and groundwater treatment. Revolving Loan Fund Grants provide funding that communities can lend or subgrant to support continued cleanup activities. EPA also offers extensive support resources that include recorded trainings, narrative guidance materials, checklists, and application tools to help applicants prepare strong proposals. Connecticut applicants are encouraged to reach out to UConn’s Technical Assistance to Brownfields Program for assistance.

The U.S. DOT’s BUILD grant program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The eligibility requirements of BUILD allow project sponsors, including state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities, to pursue multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects that are more difficult to fund through other grant programs. Projects can be for planning or construction and are evaluated by their ability to address: safety; environmental sustainability; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation.

The BUILD program was previously known as the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grants.  

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.

The Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund 2026 is now open and supports nonprofit work that helps protect and restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. Funding is available for efforts that strengthen organizations (capacity building), build new collaborations, or support piloting tools and planning that increases environmental and natural resource impact.

This opportunity allows Connecticut communities to submit water resource project priorities for consideration in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2026. WRDA is a federal process led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that authorizes studies and projects related to flood risk management, coastal and shoreline protection, dredging and navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Authorization through WRDA is an important first step toward potential federal funding, though it does not guarantee that funding will be awarded. Projects typically require a non-federal cost share and must fall within the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. General information is available here: Water Resources Development Acts: Primer and Action in the 119th Congress | Congress.gov | Library of Congress. See the Solicitation Letter at the link for Connecticut-specific guidance.

The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP), housed at the Hudson River Foundation, is offering funding to help local governments and nonprofit organizations strengthen community resilience to recurring extreme weather across the Hudson Raritan Estuary watershed. This Request for Proposals supports projects that advance research, planning, and on the ground infrastructure aimed at reducing climate driven risks such as flooding, storm impacts, and related water quality challenges. A total of $350,000 will be distributed across approximately four to six grants for projects that can be completed by June 30, 2027.

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced multiple funding availability notices of the Brownfields Program. The following programs are included:

1. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Remediation & Limited-Assessment (up to $6M)
2. Brownfield Municipal Grant Program – Assessment-Only (up to $200K)
3. Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program (up to $6M)
4. Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization Grant Program (up to $200K)

The total funding available across all Round 23 programs is $25 million.

The Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) invite coastal communities, Tribes, and non-profit organizations from across New England to apply for the Living Shoreline Planning Series, which will offer free training and technical assistance to help guide you and your team through the process of identifying and developing a conceptual design for a living shoreline. These projects will be designed to reduce erosion and coastal flooding and increase resilience with co-benefits like improving habitat and public access to coastal resources. The training and technical assistance are intended to build capacity towards designing, permitting, and implementing living shoreline projects in New England and ensure your community or organization is well positioned to secure funding to advance the project beyond the conceptual design phase.

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.