New York’s Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program

New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, administers the New York’s Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program. This initiative is funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and enabled through Article 14 of the Environmental Conservation Law. It seeks to support projects that apply ecosystem-based management (EBM) principles to address local watershed challenges within the New York Great Lakes basin. By promoting stakeholder-driven efforts, this program contributes to the ecological integrity, economic resilience, and social vitality of communities throughout the region. The program prioritizes alignment with the Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA), which outlines six priority goals addressing water quality, healthy ecosystems, community resilience, and sustainable practices. Eligible applicants for the 2026 funding round include not-for-profit organizations, county and local governments, Indian nations with territory in New York State, public agencies such as regional planning bodies and soil and water conservation districts, and educational institutions at all levels. Projects must originate from a locally supported and approved community plan and align with at least one GLAA goal, strategy, or action, supported by appropriate evaluation metrics. Examples of eligible community plans include Watershed Management Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, Local Waterfront Revitalization Plans, and other strategic or planning documents endorsed by a local or public authority. Projects must prioritize nature-based solutions, demonstrate EBM integration, and offer measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits. Applicants may request funding up to $40,000. No cost share or match is required. A total of approximately $200,000 will be distributed across about five projects. While previously funded projects may be eligible for additional support, they must demonstrate clearly distinct and expanded scopes. Requests focused on research, infrastructure, property acquisition, or the sole maintenance of existing projects will not be prioritized. Proposals are expected to showcase creativity, demonstrate strong alignment with program goals, and reflect meaningful engagement with Environmental Justice communities where applicable. Special consideration may be given to projects lacking access to alternative funding sources. The program operates on a fixed schedule. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the New York Sea Grant’s eSeaGrant system no later than March 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. All application components must be compiled into a single PDF file following a prescribed naming convention. Required elements include a cover sheet, detailed project description, personnel information, letters of support (if applicable), a project timeline, a budget justification, the official 90-4 Budget Form, and the Subcontractor Commitment Form. The program offers virtual office hours each Thursday in February to assist applicants with questions and provide proposal guidance. Applications will be evaluated by a technical review team composed of representatives from New York Sea Grant, NYSDEC, and other state agencies. Proposals will be assessed on their alignment with GLAA goals, measurable outcomes, integration of EBM principles, local plan relevance, creativity, outreach strategies, team qualifications, partner coordination, budgeting clarity, and potential for capacity-building. The total possible evaluation score is 95 points. Successful applicants will receive subawards from Cornell University and will be required to comply with reporting, insurance, and quality assurance protocols as outlined in the program’s guidelines. Awards are expected to be announced by May 29, 2026. Funded projects must begin by July 1, 2026, and conclude no later than December 31, 2027. Requests for no-cost extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The program emphasizes transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship, aiming to foster replicable models that serve New York’s Great Lakes Basin communities well into the future.

Strong alignment with GLAA goals and locally supported plans is critical. Demonstrate measurable outcomes and nature-based solutions.