Staff Report / June 6, 2026
ALBANY NY – Municipalities across New York State can now apply for a share of at least $18 million in funding through the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, an initiative designed to help local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and prepare for increasingly severe weather events. The funding opportunity was announced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is available through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application process. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on July 31.
State officials said at least $17 million will be available for implementation projects, with individual grants ranging from $35,000 to $2 million. An additional $1 million has been allocated for planning, inventory, and assessment projects connected to New York’s Climate Smart Communities certification program. Funding is supported through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund and the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
Eligible projects include a wide range of local climate initiatives, including:
- Flood mitigation and protection of critical infrastructure
- Renewable energy improvements at municipal facilities
- Projects that reduce transportation emissions
- Walking and cycling infrastructure enhancements
- Food waste diversion and landfill emission reduction efforts
- Extreme heat preparedness initiatives
- Engineering, feasibility, and resilience planning studies
- Restoration of natural features that help reduce climate risks
Most projects require a 50 percent local funding match, although that requirement may be reduced to 20 percent for disadvantaged communities or municipalities that qualify for financial hardship assistance. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the grants are intended to support local investments that reduce pollution, strengthen community resilience, and help municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change. Since the program was established in 2016, New York has awarded more than $109 million to local governments for climate mitigation and adaptation projects. More than 470 local governments representing approximately 18 million New Yorkers have committed to the Climate Smart Communities program.
