Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Program

The Neighborhood Climate Resilience Grant Program is an initiative of the City of Richmond’s Office of Sustainability designed to fund equity-centered, neighborhood-based planning and climate resilience projects. This program aligns with the city’s RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan and is focused on strengthening climate resilience in Richmond’s frontline communities. In its third cohort, the program continues to offer support for a diverse range of grassroots initiatives that address localized impacts of climate change, particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods. A total of $150,000 is available for Cohort 3, with individual grants capped at $49,999. Final funding allocations are contingent upon approval by the Richmond City Council. Eligible activities under the grant include workforce development related to climate resilience, enhancement of green spaces, public space revitalization, minor facility upgrades, strategies to mitigate urban heat, food insecurity relief projects, remediation of vacant properties, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. However, staffing costs are restricted to no more than 15% of the overall project budget. Organizations seeking to apply must serve residents within the City of Richmond and demonstrate how their work supports the goals of the RVAgreen 2050 plan. Applications must include a clear project scope and budget, and proposals should focus on equitable climate action, resilience building, or climate change mitigation. Projects involving City-owned property require additional approval before funds can be released. All conditional awards are subject to a thorough review process, and final disbursement may take 60 to 90 days post-approval. The grant application process follows a two-round review cycle. For Cohort 3, applications open on December 1, 2025. The priority deadline is January 23, 2026, with Round 1 reviews scheduled between February 2 and February 17, 2026. Conditional awards will be announced in Spring 2026. Should funds remain, a second application round may be offered. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, as all required materials will be accessible through the program’s website starting on the opening date. Prospective applicants are supported through periodic informational sessions, hosted both virtually and in person. These sessions provide guidance on application requirements and the review process. Interested parties can contact the grant program team at [email protected] for technical assistance or with questions about the application process. The Office of Sustainability has previously awarded significant funds through this program, including $250,000 to seven organizations in 2025 and $865,000 to a larger cohort in 2024. This historical context illustrates the city’s ongoing commitment to advancing climate equity through direct investment in community-led solutions.

Ensure the project aligns clearly with RVAgreen 2050 goals and do not exceed the 15% staffing cost cap.