Best Green Infrastructure Grants in New York

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.

The Affordable Solar and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance program, offered by NYSERDA, aims to enhance solar access for low-to-moderate income households in New York. With grants totaling $3,600,000, it addresses barriers to solar installations in rental and multifamily housing. Projects can receive up to $200,000 to support predevelopment efforts, ensuring equitable solar development and meaningful benefits for underserved communities.

The Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NY) funds projects aimed at improving water quality through planning reports and mapping of storm sewer systems. This competitive grant offers up to $50,000 for project planning and up to $400,000 for collaborative MS4 mapping efforts, encouraging cooperation among municipalities. The program not only prepares projects for construction funding but also supports regulated MS4s in effective stormwater management.

The Building Operations and Maintenance Training (PON 5357) program by NYSERDA aims to enhance the skills of operations and maintenance staff to improve energy efficiency in buildings. By providing funding for training initiatives, the program supports building owners and managers in creating a skilled workforce capable of operating energy-efficient systems. Funding can cover up to 90% of project costs, promoting sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions across New York State.

The Climate Resilient Farming Program Grant - Round 9 invites Soil and Water Conservation Districts to propose projects aimed at mitigating agriculture's impact on climate change. Funding is available for initiatives in livestock management, adaptation, healthy soils, and agricultural forest management. Projects must align with the Agricultural Environmental Management framework and will receive cost-share funds from the Environmental Protection Fund for the fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

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