ISGP 4 Restoration and Resiliency

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) administers the Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP) under the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), a core component of New York’s statewide environmental strategy. Since 2016, ISGP has invested over $9.5 million across 157 projects, supporting local governments, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions in addressing invasive species through prevention, control, research, and restoration. The program’s Round 4 funding opportunity continues this mission by providing financial assistance to qualified applicants for projects that promote ecological resilience and long-term habitat recovery from invasive species impacts. The **Restoration and Resiliency of Sites Impacted by Invasive Species** category specifically funds initiatives that restore native plant and animal communities in areas significantly degraded by invasive species. Eligible projects include site rehabilitation, replanting with native species, shoreline or wetland restoration, and habitat stabilization to reduce vulnerability to future invasions. This category emphasizes projects that produce lasting ecological benefits, enhance ecosystem function, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of New York’s natural landscapes. Applicants are encouraged to propose data-driven restoration strategies that incorporate adaptive management and community involvement. A total of approximately $4,000,000 is available under Round 4, with $1,500,000 allocated specifically for restoration and resiliency projects. Individual awards range from a minimum of $11,000 to a maximum of $250,000. Funding may cover eligible costs directly associated with on-the-ground restoration work, including materials, labor, planning, ecological assessments, and monitoring activities. All costs must fall within the approved contract term, and indirect or administrative expenses must adhere to EPF requirements. Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and clearly defined performance metrics aligned with the state’s invasive species management priorities. Projects must be completed within a three-year contract term under a Master Contract for Grants (MCG), subject to approval by DEC, the Attorney General, and the State Comptroller. One-year time extensions may be granted based on written justification. Applicants are permitted to submit up to two distinct proposals for separate projects or locations. Projects must be located entirely within New York State. Costs incurred outside the approved contract period are ineligible for reimbursement. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and public or private higher education institutions located within New York State. Applications must be submitted through the New York State Grants Management System (SFS). Applicants must be registered within SFS prior to submission; registration guidance is available at https://grantsmanagement.ny.gov/transition-SFS. The application deadline for Round 4 is December 17, 2025, at 3:30 PM Eastern Time. Technical and programmatic inquiries should be directed to Michelle Higgins, Program Specialist, at dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9405. Fiscal questions should be directed to John Bolt, CMS Trainee, at john.bolt@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9256.

Demonstrate measurable restoration outcomes; ensure early registration; align project with invasive species management goals.