Environmental Protection Fund Grants Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage (EPF)

The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) for Parks, Preservation and Heritage is a grant program administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Established under Title 9 of Article 54 of the Environmental Conservation Law and implemented through Title 9 NYCRR (sections 439.1–443.4), the program supports projects across New York State that aim to acquire, plan, develop, improve, and protect parks, historic properties, and designated heritage areas. OPRHP oversees over 250 state-managed parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, and boat launches, serving more than 88 million visitors annually, and the EPF is a key component of its broader commitment to preserving New York’s environmental and cultural heritage. The EPF program is a matching grant initiative, requiring recipients to contribute a portion of the project cost. It funds three primary categories: Parks, Historic Preservation, and Heritage Areas. Parks projects can involve acquisition, development, and planning of recreational facilities and conservation infrastructure. Eligible projects include playgrounds, sports courts, community gardens, swimming facilities, and various indoor and outdoor recreational amenities. Historic Preservation funding is reserved for properties listed or nominated for listing on the State or National Registers of Historic Places. It supports acquisition, rehabilitation, restoration, and planning activities that comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Heritage Area projects must align with approved management plans for designated Heritage Areas and may include acquisition, preservation, restoration, and structural assessments. For the 2025 cycle, OPRHP has allocated up to $26 million through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal. The maximum grant award is $675,000. Only municipalities or not-for-profit organizations with ownership interest in the project property are eligible to apply. All applications must reflect priorities outlined in the New York Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The public must benefit from the investment of state funds, and long-term protections—such as perpetual parkland designation or preservation covenants—are required for any property funded through the program. Applicants are required to apply through the CFA portal by the official deadline. For 2025, the submission deadline was Thursday, July 31 at 4:00 PM. The application process involves reviewing program guidance, attending optional CFA workshops, and submitting necessary documents as outlined in the Attachment Checklist. Required materials may include the Environmental Review Form, cost share summary, letters of endorsement, and municipal resolutions, depending on the applicant’s organizational structure. Incomplete applications may be deemed ineligible. All awards are contingent upon the execution of a contract with the State. Grant recipients must not begin work until the contract is fully executed. Awarded funds are reimbursed only after expenses are incurred and verified as compliant with state standards. Grantees must adhere to procedural and documentation requirements set by OPRHP. Additional documentation such as certification under anti-discrimination and anti-harassment executive orders, authorizing resolutions, and signed preservation covenants may be required post-award. Regional Grants Administrators (RGAs) serve as key contacts to assist applicants. Each county in New York is assigned to a regional office, and RGAs offer guidance during both application and post-award stages. Contact information for each RGA is listed by region in the program’s official documentation. General inquiries can also be directed to [email protected] or (518) 474-0427.