Invasive Species Grant Program

The Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP), administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), provides funding to support projects that prevent, detect, respond to, and restore ecosystems affected by invasive species throughout New York State. Funded through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), this initiative aligns with the state’s Invasive Species Comprehensive Management Plan, which aims to safeguard ecological integrity by controlling the spread and impact of invasive flora and fauna. Since its launch in 2016, the program has awarded approximately $9.5 million across 157 projects and is now in its fourth round of funding. Round 4 of the ISGP offers approximately $4 million in total funding and includes four distinct project categories: Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention or Boat Decontamination, Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response and Control, Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Research, and Restoration and Resiliency of Sites Impacted by Invasive Species. Each category targets specific stages in the management lifecycle of invasive species, from initial prevention through post-removal ecological recovery. Eligible projects must be located entirely within New York State. Grant amounts range from a minimum of $11,000 to a maximum of $250,000, with a mandatory 25% match required from non-state and non-federal sources. All projects must be structured to complete within a three-year contract period, typically expected between April 2026 and March 2029. In-kind and partner contributions may be used to satisfy the match requirement, and projects must demonstrate cost-effectiveness and readiness for implementation. Award recipients are responsible for permitting, reporting, and compliance with applicable federal and state laws. Eligible applicants include municipalities, academic institutions, and not-for-profit corporations registered in New York State. Community-based organizations may also apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Unincorporated groups, individuals, or for-profit entities are not eligible to apply directly. Bidders must submit evidence of landowner permissions, project maps, and appropriate certifications. Evaluation criteria include the alignment of the project with grant objectives, geographic impact, capacity of the applicant, and long-term benefits such as public access, educational components, and environmental resiliency. Applications must be submitted through the New York State SFS Grants Management System, which requires prior registration and prequalification for not-for-profits. The application window opened on October 8, 2025, and all submissions are due by December 17, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A pre-submission webinar will be held on October 16, 2025, to provide prospective applicants with an overview of the program and the opportunity to ask questions. All responses to inquiries will be published on the grant platform and the question period closes on December 15, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified of awards in February 2026. Project performance will be tracked through required quarterly reports and a final report that includes metrics such as treatment area, public engagement, and restoration outcomes. Additional consideration will be given to projects supporting disadvantaged communities, promoting long-term ecosystem recovery, and contributing to the state’s 25 Million Trees Initiative.

Clearly justify control methods; use iMapInvasives; emphasize partnerships; describe long-term monitoring plans; ensure 25% match is not from state/federal sources; get letters of support