Best Climate Change Grants in New York

Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations in New York can receive up to US $675,000 for acquisition, planning, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and designated heritage areas that support conservation and climate resilience. With a mission to protect natural and cultural resources, New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation provides matching grants for eligible indoor and outdoor projects.

New York municipalities and eligible public entities in New York can receive US $1,000,000 - US $10,000,000 for green infrastructure projects that improve water quality and climate resilience. New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation provides climate change resilience and equity funding for nature-based stormwater solutions, prioritizing transformative projects and ensuring at least 35% of benefits reach disadvantaged communities.

Universities and research organizations studying coastal resilience laws and policies can apply for funding to assess issues like sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, and land use. Focused on legal and policy effectiveness, the National Sea Grant Law Center invites climate resilience researchers in New York and other eligible coastal and Great Lakes states to propose two-year projects.

Focused on climate justice and clean energy, New York organizations can apply to host full-time fellows through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; awards US $40,000 per fellow for salary and support. Eligible hosts work on climate justice and clean energy priorities in disadvantaged New York communities, including nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and clean energy businesses.

Municipalities in New York seeking funding for greenhouse gas reduction or climate adaptation projects can apply for the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, with awards from US $10,000 - US $200,000. Focused on local climate resilience and planning, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation supports implementation, certification, and feasibility projects that advance Climate Smart Community goals.

Conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and local and state agencies in New York can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Climate Resilience Grant Program; awards up to US $50,000 for climate resilience projects. Funding supports climate adaptation planning, organizational capacity building, and land or easement acquisitions that protect resilient floodplains and shorelines with meaningful community benefits.

Community organizations and local government agencies in New York can receive US $10,000 - US $30,000 to run projects that promote pollution prevention, sustainability, and climate change resilience. The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology funds initiatives that raise public awareness, encourage sustainable practices, and support communities facing environmental harms and risks.

Conservation and community 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in New York and other Appalachian states can seek funding for land protection projects through the Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. Focused on climate resilience and community benefits, The Nature Conservancy offers up to US $100,000 for fee or easement acquisition and related project costs.

Nonprofits, community groups, and other organizations working on climate resilience, clean water, and habitat projects in New York’s Long Island Sound watershed can apply for Restore America’s Estuaries’ Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund, with awards from US $5,000 - US $100,000. Funding supports pollution reduction, habitat restoration, community resilience, public engagement, and community-based science aligned with the Long Island Sound CCMP.

Land trusts, nonprofits, Tribal governments, and municipalities in New York can receive up to US $20,000 to develop broad-scale, climate-informed conservation and community resilience plans. Open Space Institute supports planning efforts like priority-setting, mapping, and community engagement that accelerate land protection and climate change resilience across the Appalachian region.

Nonprofits, municipalities, and community partners working on climate resilience and clean water education in New York can apply for up to US $20,000 to conduct Lake Wise, Stream Wise, or stormwater property assessments. The Lake Champlain Basin Program supports projects that inform and engage landowners on stormwater management, biodiversity, ecological resilience, and flooding within the Lake Champlain Basin.

State, county, and municipal entities in New York conserving high‑value natural resources can receive US $25,000 - US $3,850,000 for land acquisition projects in the Highlands Region. The US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service provides New York climate resilience and land conservation programs with competitive funding covering up to 50% of project costs.

Local governments, Indian Nations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, state agencies, and not-for-profit corporations in New York can access funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to implement flood mitigation and watershed resilience projects. Awards of US $150,000 - US $10,000,000 support construction that reduces flooding, erosion, and ice jams while enhancing climate resilience and riparian habitats.

New York climate resilience and coastal conservation projects seeking implementation funding can access support through the New York State Department of State. Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants back coastal rehabilitation and related efforts, including final design and construction, with state assistance covering up to 90% of eligible project costs for New York communities.

Local governments and waterfront communities in New York can seek funding to implement inland flooding and waterfront revitalization projects that enhance climate resilience and reduce flood risk. Grants from New York State Department of State support final design and construction, prioritizing nature-based solutions and projects advancing climate change resilience and equity under the Environmental Bond Act.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts in New York can seek funding to implement climate-smart agricultural practices and on-farm climate adaptation. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports projects in livestock waste and feed management, adaptation and resiliency, healthy soils and agroforestry, and agricultural forest management, with awards from US $2,000,000 - US $10,000,000.

Nonprofit organizations in New York working on environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, or climate-related education can seek funding for general operating or project support. Focused on climate resilience and equity, Joseph Robert Foundation invites smaller organizations, especially those with community-based initiatives, to apply for grants up to US $10,000, starting with a letter of interest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on climate and environmental justice for BIPOC communities in New York can seek funding for grassroots organizing, movement-building, and policy advocacy. Scherman Foundation supports local frontline efforts, including renewable energy, green jobs, mass transit equity, and climate resilience, with limited support also available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

With a mission to advance climate resilience, NYSERDA provides New York climate change researchers and practitioners with US $100,000 - US $300,000 for projects on vulnerable populations, indoor air quality, compound events, and extreme weather projections. Eligible projects should address climate impacts and adaptation needs that can inform state and local resilience planning.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working on climate action, Indigenous sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, climate justice, or youth climate leadership can receive US $200 - US $20,000 for projects that advance bold, bottom-up climate solutions, including in New York. Earth Rising Foundation supports efforts that uplift marginalized voices and envision equitable, sustainable futures.

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Environment Grant aims to support initiatives that combat climate change, prioritizing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance climate education for young adults. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions and partnerships to address both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. Areas of focus include climate and clean energy policy, as well as providing scientifically accurate climate change education. By leveraging data and research, the foundation seeks to empower organizations dedicated to creating impactful change.

The Aerie Real Foundation™ Community Grant aims to enhance confidence, inclusion, and sustainability among young women while supporting non-profit organizations in the US and Canada. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to programs focused on mental well-being, fostering inclusive communities, and environmental protection. Applications are accepted from certified 501c3 nonprofits, with funding allocated for projects that align with the Foundation's mission. The goal is to empower the next generation and create a positive impact in local communities.

The Community Connect Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants aiming to deliver broadband services in rural areas where access is limited. This initiative fosters economic growth and enhances educational, healthcare, and public safety benefits, improving the quality of life in underserved communities. By supporting projects that create better market opportunities and promote equitable access, the program plays a vital role in advancing rural development and addressing environmental justice.

The MSA Climate Change Research Award, offered by the Mycological Society of America, supports innovative research addressing the impacts of climate change through the lens of fungal studies. Ideal candidates include undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral scientists who are MSA members or have applied for membership. This award encourages collaboration and aims to disseminate research findings to the global scientific community, fostering inclusivity across various demographics.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The Skoll Awards for Social Innovation, presented by the Skoll Foundation, recognize social innovators addressing root societal problems. Each awardee receives $2 million in unrestricted funding and joins a global community of leaders dedicated to significant social change. The foundation focuses on key areas such as health systems, effective governance, inclusive economies, racial justice, and climate action. Nominations are made through a multi-year sourcing process, ensuring that candidates align closely with the foundation's mission.