NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants

The NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants program is a recurring, community-centered grant initiative designed to support climate action and sustainability efforts within the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments. Developed in collaboration between the Public Housing Community Fund and The New York Climate Exchange, the program empowers residents of NYCHA who are 18 years or older to conceive, lead, and implement local climate projects. With three tiers of funding available—Seed, Growth, and Sustain Grants—the program accommodates a wide range of initiatives, from new experimental ideas to more established and impactful efforts. Funding tiers provide up to $1,500 for Seed Grants, up to $5,000 for Growth Grants, and up to $15,000 for Sustain Grants. The 2026 application cycle is currently open, with a two-stage application process. Interested applicants must first submit a short screening application due by February 12, 2026. This screener collects a brief project description, intended fund usage, team involvement, and prior funding history. Based on this information, applicants may be invited to submit a full application in one of the three grant tiers. Specific submission deadlines for the second stage vary: Seed Grant applications are due by February 28, 2026; Growth Grants by March 14, 2026; and Sustain Grants by March 21, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced by Earth Day, April 22, 2026. The grant supports a wide variety of resident-led climate and sustainability projects within NYCHA properties. Past projects have included community gardening and greening efforts, educational and advocacy campaigns, climate-focused arts projects, adaptation strategies for extreme weather events, and clean energy initiatives. The program highlights the importance of intergenerational engagement, social infrastructure, and local resilience. Applicants are encouraged to propose unique and innovative solutions, even those still evolving or that combine multiple project themes. Successful applications will be evaluated based on creativity and innovation, sustainability impact, project longevity, feasibility, community-building potential, and alignment with NYCHA's broader Sustainability Agenda. Applications must demonstrate how they will positively influence the local environment and engage NYCHA residents of all ages in meaningful, climate-forward activities. Applicants are encouraged to attend virtual information sessions scheduled for February 4 and February 10, 2026, to learn more about the grant, submission process, and project eligibility. These sessions provide guidance, clarify requirements, and offer inspiration to potential grantees. For additional support, applicants can contact the program team directly at [email protected]. The Resident Climate Action Grants program is an extension of NYCHA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental equity. Since its inception, the program has evolved through community feedback and institutional partnerships. It is generously supported by the Public Housing Community Fund and facilitated in partnership with The New York Climate Exchange, ensuring both funding and technical assistance throughout the grant cycle. This initiative represents a collaborative investment in local leadership and climate resilience across New York City public housing developments.

Emphasize intergenerational impact, creativity, and mission alignment with NYCHA Sustainability Agenda.