Resources for
connectivity
Guidance Tool
Level of Effort:
Climate Action Tool
The 2025 expansion of the Climate Action Tool (CAT) allows you to:
1) Access information on climate impacts and vulnerability of species and habitats; and
2) Explore adaptation strategies and actions, related to connectivity, conservation planning, and forestry, among other relevant areas.
This tool was developed by the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.
Guidance Tool
Level of Effort:
Climate Action Tool
The 2025 expansion of the Climate Action Tool (CAT) allows you to:
1) Access information on climate impacts and vulnerability of species and habitats; and
2) Explore adaptation strategies and actions, related to connectivity, conservation planning, and forestry, among other relevant areas.
This tool was developed by the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.
Funding
: May 16, 2026
min $50K
The Land & Easement Acquisition Program (LEAP)
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.
Applications are accepted by invitation only. Potential applicants are required to contact Yaw Darko, CLCC’s Director of Grants and Programs, to discuss their project and determine eligibility.
Funding
: May 16, 2026
min $50K
The Land & Easement Acquisition Program (LEAP)
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.
Mapper
Level of Effort:
Resilient Land Mapping Tool
The Resilient Land Mapping Tool, developed by The Nature Conservancy’s Center for Resilient Conservation Science, is an interactive mapping tool that helps users explore climate resilient landscapes across the United States. The tool allows users to view and analyze data on terrestrial resilience, biodiversity, connectivity, and other conservation indicators to support land protection and planning decisions. Users can explore different map layers, analyze specific areas, and download datasets for conservation research and planning. This tool is designed to support conservation efforts that protect biodiversity and maintain ecological functions in a changing climate.
Mapper
Level of Effort:
Resilient Land Mapping Tool
The Resilient Land Mapping Tool, developed by The Nature Conservancy’s Center for Resilient Conservation Science, is an interactive mapping tool that helps users explore climate resilient landscapes across the United States. The tool allows users to view and analyze data on terrestrial resilience, biodiversity, connectivity, and other conservation indicators to support land protection and planning decisions. Users can explore different map layers, analyze specific areas, and download datasets for conservation research and planning. This tool is designed to support conservation efforts that protect biodiversity and maintain ecological functions in a changing climate.
Funding
: Nov 26 – Feb 24, 2026
up to $25M
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program
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.
Eligible Capital Project activities include: (1) Highway, bridge, or other road projects eligible under title 23; (2) Public transportation projects eligible under chapter 53 title 49; (3) Passenger and freight rail transportation projects; (4) Port infrastructure investments; (5) Surface transportation components of eligible airport projects; (6) Projects investing in surface transportation facilities located on Tribal land; (7) Projects to replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species that will advance the goal of the program; (8) Intermodal projects whose components are otherwise an eligible project type; and (9) Any other surface transportation infrastructure project that the Secretary considers to be necessary to advance the goals of the program. Eligible Planning Project activities include: (1) Planning, preparation, design, or engineering (e.g., feasibility studies, benefit-cost analysis, environmental analysis, permitting, and other pre-construction activities) of eligible surface transportation Capital Projects that will not result in construction with this funding; (2) Development of master plans, comprehensive plans, transportation corridor plans, and integrated economic development, land use, housing, and transportation plans; (3) Planning activities related to the development of a multimodal freight corridor; (4) Development of port and regional port planning, including State-wide or multi-port planning within a single jurisdiction or region; (5) Risk assessments and planning to identify vulnerabilities and address the transportation system’s ability to withstand probable occurrence or recurrence of an emergency or major disaster. Note that applications must be submitted through Valid Eval, not Grants.gov.
Funding
: Nov 26 – Feb 24, 2026
up to $25M
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program
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.
Funding
: Mar 1 – Apr 1, 2026
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land & Easement Acquisition Program (LEAP) March-April
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.
Applications are accepted by invitation only. Potential applicants are required to contact Yaw Darko, CLCC’s Director of Grants and Programs, to discuss their project and determine eligibility.
Funding
: Mar 1 – Apr 1, 2026
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land & Easement Acquisition Program (LEAP) March-April
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.
Funding
: Jul 1 – Sep 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 4
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.
Applications are accepted by invitation only. Potential applicants are required to contact Yaw Darko, CLCC’s Director of Grants and Programs, to discuss their project and determine eligibility.
Funding
: Jul 1 – Sep 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 4
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.
Funding
: May 1 – Jul 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 3
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.
Applications are accepted by invitation only. Potential applicants are required to contact Yaw Darko, CLCC’s Director of Grants and Programs, to discuss their project and determine eligibility.
Funding
: May 1 – Jul 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 3
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.
Funding
: Mar 1 – May 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 2
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.
Applications are accepted by invitation only. Potential applicants are required to contact Yaw Darko, CLCC’s Director of Grants and Programs, to discuss their project and determine eligibility.
Funding
: Mar 1 – May 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 2
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.
Funding
: Jan 1 – Mar 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 1
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.
Applications are accepted by invitation only. Potential applicants are required to contact Yaw Darko, CLCC’s Director of Grants and Programs, to discuss their project and determine eligibility.
Funding
: Jan 1 – Mar 1, 2025
$50K - $500K (or 30% of appraised value)
The Land Capital Grant Program – Round 1
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.
RAISE Grant Program
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The eligibility requirements of RAISE 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. The RAISE program was previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grants.
Eligible projects for RAISE grants are capital projects including but not limited to: * highway, bridge, or other road projects eligible under title 23, United States Code; * public transportation projects eligible under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code; * passenger and freight rail transportation projects; * port infrastructure investments; * the surface transportation components of eligible airport projects; * projects to replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species while advancing the goals of the RAISE program; * projects investing in surface transportation facilities that are located on Tribal land; and * any other surface transportation infrastructure project that the Secretary considers to be necessary to advance the goals of the program. Planning projects which include planning, preparation, or design (for example - environmental analysis, equity analysis, community engagement, feasibility studies, benefit cost analysis (BCA), and other pre-construction activities) of eligible surface transportation capital projects that will not result in construction with this funding.
RAISE Grant Program
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. The eligibility requirements of RAISE 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. The RAISE program was previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grants.
Funding
: Feb 28 – May 17, 2024
$500,000 min
2024 Transportation Alternatives Program
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.
These funds are made available to the State through partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The New Haven Urbanized Area alone is expected to receive $7.3 million between FFY 2026 and FFY 2030. To learn more and apply, please review the program application and solicitation memo attached. Applications must be submitted to Jim Rode at SCRCOG via email: jrode@scrcog.org by May 17, 2024. Project applications will be reviewed and ranked based on criteria provided by CT DOT. A prioritized list will be reviewed and finalized at the Transportation Committee meeting on June 12, 2024. Approval of the prioritized list of projects will be on the Board Meeting agenda on June 26, 2024.
Funding
: Feb 28 – May 17, 2024
$500,000 min
2024 Transportation Alternatives Program
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.