Resources for
public
Funding
: May 16, 2026
min $50K
Forever Connecticut Fund
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 Forever CT Fund is designed to help land trusts act quickly on conservation opportunities when traditional funding sources are not immediately available. Applications are accepted by invitation only. Email Yaw to discuss your project(s) and eligibility for funding.
Funding
: May 16, 2026
min $50K
Forever Connecticut Fund
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.
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.
Funding
: Jul 17 – Dec 17, 2025
Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program
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.
Please review the Grant Program Eligibility Requirements. For questions on UGCG, contact Steven Perry: Steven.perry@ct.gov
Funding
: Jul 17 – Dec 17, 2025
Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program
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.
Funding
: Oct 1, 2025
$1,000 - $20,000
The Quinnipiac River Fund
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 Quinnipiac River Fund improves the health of the Quinnipiac River by funding projects that provide research, conservation, and advocacy for the river and its surrounding watersheds.
Funding
: Oct 1, 2025
$1,000 - $20,000
The Quinnipiac River Fund
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.
~$300K to $15M
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program – Recurring Notice 5 Year
Note: this program has been paused indefinitely.
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.
Acquisition of lands, wetlands, and waters for public outdoor recreation may be eligible for assistance. Projects could involve a combination of land acquisition and site development. These projects can cater to a diverse range of public outdoor recreation activities and facilities required to enhance the use and enjoyment for the public. These include, and are not limited to: • Community Parks • Campgrounds • Playgrounds • Sport fields and Courts • Picnic Areas and Open-air Pavilions • Trails and Tracks for Hiking, Walking, Skating, or Biking • Water based Recreation Facilities for Swimming or Boating • Fishing and Hunting Facilities • Pools and Splash Pads • Publicly Accessible Nature Preserves or Conservation Areas • Community Gardens • Spectator Facilities such as Amphitheaters or Bandstands • Renovations of Existing Facilities • Interpretive Signage
~$300K to $15M
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program – Recurring Notice 5 Year
Note: this program has been paused indefinitely.
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.
Funding
: Dec 26 – Jun 1, 2025
~$300K to $15M
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program – Recurring Notice 5 Year
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.
Acquisition of lands, wetlands, and waters for public outdoor recreation may be eligible for assistance. Projects could involve a combination of land acquisition and site development. These projects can cater to a diverse range of public outdoor recreation activities and facilities required to enhance the use and enjoyment for the public. These include, and are not limited to: • Community Parks • Campgrounds • Playgrounds • Sport fields and Courts • Picnic Areas and Open-air Pavilions • Trails and Tracks for Hiking, Walking, Skating, or Biking • Water based Recreation Facilities for Swimming or Boating • Fishing and Hunting Facilities • Pools and Splash Pads • Publicly Accessible Nature Preserves or Conservation Areas • Community Gardens • Spectator Facilities such as Amphitheaters or Bandstands • Renovations of Existing Facilities • Interpretive Signage
Funding
: Dec 26 – Jun 1, 2025
~$300K to $15M
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program – Recurring Notice 5 Year
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.
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.
$75,000 - $350,000
Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
EPA has selected Environmental Justice for New England to serve as pass-through entity for the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grants for CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Thriving Communities subgrants will be distributed to support capacity building in communities affected by environmental or public health issues to eligible applicants. The program aims to reduce the burden of the federal grants application process and distribute federal funds to potential applicants working to address environmental justice issues.
Tier 1 will consist of grants for $150,000 for assessment (one-year project period), Tier 2 will consist of grants for $250,000 for planning (1-2 year project period), and Tier 3 will consist of grants for $350,000 for project development (two-year project period). Preference will be given to projects in which the majority of the funds are going to capacity-limited organizations and groups. Additionally, noncompetitive awards, or "Seed Funds" will be made to capacity-constrained communities and CBOs in a fixed amount of $75,000 each.
$75,000 - $350,000
Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
EPA has selected Environmental Justice for New England to serve as pass-through entity for the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grants for CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Thriving Communities subgrants will be distributed to support capacity building in communities affected by environmental or public health issues to eligible applicants. The program aims to reduce the burden of the federal grants application process and distribute federal funds to potential applicants working to address environmental justice issues.
Funding
: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 2025
$75,000 - $350,000
Thriving Communities Grantmaker Program
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.
Grants are available for funding in the following phases: Phase I = Assessment projects for up to $150,000 for a one-year project period Phase II = Planning projects for up to $250,000 for a 1-2 year project period, and Phase III = Project Development projects for up to $350,000 for a two-year project period. $150,000 awards may be made to organizations that offer a plan for engagement, capacity building, or assessment but do not provide a fully itemized budget (fixed amount awards). $250,000 and $350,000 awards must provide an itemized budget as well as a timeline for spending. Preference will be given to projects in which the majority of the funds are going to capacity-limited organizations and groups. Additionally, noncompetitive awards will be made to capacity-constrained communities and CBOs without the submission of an application to the competitive review process. These noncompetitive small subawards will be made in a fixed amount of $75,000 each, designed for ease of access, with a streamlined process that does not require participation in the competitive review process. Awardees will be selected through a participatory process, with fewer reporting requirements compared to competitive grants. Any person or organization in Region 2 may submit a nomination, including self-nominations.
Funding
: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 2025
$75,000 - $350,000
Thriving Communities Grantmaker Program
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.
Funding
: Nov 7 – Apr 30, 2024
Round 7 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
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 application process for the ORLP competition is different from most federal grant programs. Each State has a Lead Agency charged in administering the Land and Water Conservation fund within the State. This agency solicits proposals from project sponsors across the state, then selects and submits those they feel are best qualified to meet the goals of the ORLP program to the National Park Service (NPS) for inclusion in the national competition. If the project is selected in the national competition, the State Lead Agency than works with the project sponsor to prepare and submit additional required documents necessary for NPS to complete a full and final review of the project and make a funding determination. State Lead Agency selection deadlines are earlier than the NPS’s national ORLP competition deadline and may include additional requirements. 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.
Funding
: Nov 7 – Apr 30, 2024
Round 7 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program
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.