The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant Program is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to support local government efforts in addressing climate change. Launched in 2016, the program aims to help municipalities within New York State undertake initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. The program is funded under Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund as described in the Environmental Conservation Law.
This grant supports two primary categories of projects: implementation and certification. Implementation projects include initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions outside the power sector, develop climate change adaptation measures, and conduct engineering feasibility studies for flood mitigation and Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) management. Certification projects focus on planning and assessment aligned with the Climate Smart Communities certification framework.
Eligible applicants include all municipalities within New York State, such as counties, cities, towns, villages, and boroughs (specifically Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island). Other political subdivisions, like school districts and fire districts, may participate as partners in projects led by eligible municipalities. Applicants do not need to be certified Climate Smart Communities to apply but must be registered in the New York Statewide Financial System Grants Management System.
The application must be submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) system by July 31, 2025. The application requires a work plan, budget using specific templates, a sexual harassment prevention certification, and Executive Order 16 compliance documentation. Applicants must also submit a resolution or formal letter from an authorized municipal representative confirming authority to apply, the source of local matching funds, and supporting documentation if the property is not owned by the applicant.
Additional requirements apply to land acquisition projects, including property maps, appraisals, deeds, monitoring protocols, and environmental assessments. All land use must support climate change mitigation or adaptation, and funding cannot be used for eminent domain. Informational webinars are scheduled for June 9 and July 14, 2025. Questions can be directed to cscgrants@dec.ny.gov.
Attend webinars; ensure all documents including ownership and match documentation are uploaded; contact DEC for editable forms if needed.
