Best Green Infrastructure Grants in New York

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in New York offering arts or science programming can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes large, well-established U.S. organizations engaging youth, developing artistic talent, and advancing arts education or STEAM-focused science initiatives that demonstrate measurable, lasting impact.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Green infrastructure project sponsors in New York City can receive more than US $50,000 to retrofit private property roofs with green roofs that manage stormwater runoff. Focused on green infrastructure, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection reimburses eligible projects based on green roof area and soil depth, with a minimum project size of $50,000 and 3,500 square feet.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, housing, workforce training, basic needs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants may support projects that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, promote arts and culture, advance environmental efforts, or foster diversity and inclusion, including green infrastructure-related work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in New York communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW computer science programs and serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $20,000 for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help eligible New York schools in specified counties launch and expand computer science offerings over two years.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Computer Science programs can apply for US $10,000 in funding from Project Lead The Way; awards support participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. New York schools in eligible Burns & McDonnell communities that meet the free/reduced lunch threshold may benefit if located in a listed county.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW Engineering programs in select New York counties can receive US $40,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. With a mission to expand STEM pathways, Project Lead The Way supports schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs in eligible New York counties can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, with awards of US $10,000. With a mission to expand hands-on STEM learning, Project Lead The Way provides support beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

Public and charter middle schools starting new PLTW Gateway STEM programs in eligible New York counties can receive US $20,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help schools expand hands-on STEM learning while serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students.

Public and charter middle schools running PLTW Gateway in eligible New York counties can use this US $10,000 grant to expand their existing STEM program, add units or class periods, and train additional teachers. Grants from Project Lead The Way also cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, and program equipment for the 2027–2028 school year.

Public and charter elementary schools launching new PLTW Launch STEM programs in eligible New York counties can receive up to US $20,000 for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. Project Lead The Way, with Burns & McDonnell, supports schools serving at least 40% free/reduced‑price lunch students over two academic years.

New York public and charter elementary schools already offering PLTW Launch and serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students can use this US $5,000 grant to expand their STEM curriculum and teacher training. Funding from Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell can cover PLTW fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in New York’s Capital Region can seek $1,000 to $5,000 for Albany County tourism programs, attractions, events, and related capital projects. Grants from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region may benefit green infrastructure efforts that enhance tourism destinations and increase overnight stays in Albany County.

New York municipalities, community groups, and other organizations planning green streets, community greening, or urban tree canopy projects can access funding through Chesapeake Bay Trust to support green infrastructure within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Grants up to US $175,000 cover conceptual planning, engineered design, construction, community greening, white papers, and technical planning assistance to reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waters.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing BIPOC-led environmental and climate justice, including green infrastructure and resilience projects, may be eligible for this program. Grants from Scherman Foundation help New York climate justice organizations, plus select groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, build grassroots power, equitable mass transit, renewable energy, and other intersectional climate solutions.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, educational institutions, and coalitions can seek funding for green and blue infrastructure, extreme weather adaptation, and community resilience projects. Con Edison provides support within its New York City and Westchester service area, prioritizing historically marginalized communities and programs tied to climate resilience, social justice, or clean energy and technology careers.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation

The mission of the Environmental Facilities Corporation is to assist communities throughout New York State to undertake critical water quality infrastructure projects by providing access to low-cost capital, grants and expert technical assistance. A primary goal is to ensure that these projects remain affordable while safeguarding essential water resources. We support this mission by consistently using an innovative approach to developing and advancing new financing strategies to maximize the funding that can be made available to our clients, aiding compliance with Federal and State requirements, and promoting green infrastructure practices.

EFC has broad knowledge and a breadth of experience as a national leader in the municipal bond market. Our distinction gives our partners significant advantages in funding projects: Low cost of capital through grants, low interest rates and reduced bonding costs; Multiple funding options to fit your needs through project planning to construction and completion; Expert support to guide you through the application process and help you comply with state and federal requirements. We ensure the participation of minority-, women-, and service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses through every stage of the construction process. We also partner with a wide variety of professional organizations

Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancement (SECURE) Assessment Grant

EFC is offering $2.5 million dollars to strengthen cybersecurity readiness and resilience and support operational continuity for eligible water and wastewater systems across New York State. The SECURE program will provide funding for projects that enhance cyber protections, modernize digital infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities for critical drinking water and wastewater systems. This strategic initiative expands upon Governor Hochul’s commitment to safeguard essential services, improve risk management practices, and support communities meeting evolving cybersecurity expectations. Funding is available for both cybersecurity assessments and implementation based on best practices and regulatory requirements. 

The SECURE Assessment grant will assist eligible clean water and drinking water systems to evaluate their cybersecurity posture, identify vulnerabilities, and prioritize risk mitigation needs. A municipality may apply for up to $50,000 with a 0% match.   

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation

The mission of the Environmental Facilities Corporation is to assist communities throughout New York State to undertake critical water quality infrastructure projects by providing access to low-cost capital, grants and expert technical assistance. A primary goal is to ensure that these projects remain affordable while safeguarding essential water resources. We support this mission by consistently using an innovative approach to developing and advancing new financing strategies to maximize the funding that can be made available to our clients, aiding compliance with Federal and State requirements, and promoting green infrastructure practices.

EFC has broad knowledge and a breadth of experience as a national leader in the municipal bond market. Our distinction gives our partners significant advantages in funding projects: Low cost of capital through grants, low interest rates and reduced bonding costs; Multiple funding options to fit your needs through project planning to construction and completion; Expert support to guide you through the application process and help you comply with state and federal requirements. We ensure the participation of minority-, women-, and service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses through every stage of the construction process. We also partner with a wide variety of professional organizations

Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancement (SECURE) Implementation Grant

EFC is offering $2.5 million dollars to strengthen cybersecurity readiness and resilience and support operational continuity for eligible water and wastewater systems across New York State. The SECURE program will provide funding for projects that enhance cyber protections, modernize digital infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities for critical drinking water and wastewater systems. This strategic initiative expands upon Governor Hochul’s commitment to safeguard essential services, improve risk management practices, and support communities meeting evolving cybersecurity expectations. Funding is available for both cybersecurity assessments and implementation based on best practices and regulatory requirements. 

The SECURE Implementation Grant will fund deployment and enhancement of cybersecurity controls, technologies, and response capabilities identified during the assessment phase. The funded activities will be in response to a submitted cybersecurity assessment of the system. Completion of a prior assessment using a SECURE Assessment Grant is not required to apply; however a comparable assessment of the system’s cybersecurity needs must have been completed prior to applying for a SECURE Implementation Grant. A municipality may apply for up to 20% of net eligible costs, up to $100,000. 

New York green infrastructure and water quality project sponsors can access funding through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to implement green stormwater infrastructure, energy efficiency, or water efficiency projects. Competitive Green Innovation Grant Program awards cover a portion of eligible planning, design, and construction costs, requiring a local match and separate applications for each green category.

Municipalities, public authorities, and state agencies in New York can seek $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 for green infrastructure and nature-based stormwater projects that improve water quality and climate resilience. Focused on stormwater management and climate resilience, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation invites applicants to propose regional or local green infrastructure that benefits disadvantaged communities and mitigates extreme weather impacts.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) 

Grant Description

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit corporations to implement projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This funding is for construction/implementation projects, not projects that are exclusively for planning.

Maximum funding awards vary by project type. Program priorities and requirements are also subject to change from year to year. The typical annual funding available for the WQIP program is at least $75 million.

Grant funds are available for up to 75% of the application budget. Applicants must provide the remaining 25% in match funds. Additional information regarding eligible forms of match (eligible costs) is provided under each project type. 

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following project types: 1) Wastewater Treatment Improvement; 2) Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control; 3) Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas; 4) Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection; 5) Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction; 6) Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Removal; 7) Aquatic Connectivity; 8) Marine District Habitat Restoration; 9) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement; 10) Landfill Leachate Treatment

Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control

Project Type Description

Funding is available for non-agricultural nonpoint source projects or programs that improve a documented water quality impairment, promote flood risk reduction, enhanced flood and climate resiliency, and restoration or that protect a drinking water source. 

• Decentralized wastewater treatment facilities
• Green infrastructure practices
• Stormwater retrofits
• Streambank and shoreline stabilization
• Riparian buffers
• In-waterbody controls for nutrients
• Bathing beach restoration
• Stream culvert repair and replacement
• Programs to implement nonpoint source management within a defined geographic area