The Open Space Conservation Grant program is designed to provide funding for land conservation partners across New York State.
Donor Name: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
State: New York
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/15/2026
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pleased to announce availability of at least $25,000,000 from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act) and the NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). New York offers incredible recreational and outdoor opportunities, from the majestic Adirondack High Peaks to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. However, some communities, particularly underserved ones, lack access to green spaces that provide significant community benefits. The goal of this grant program is to provide funding for land conservation partners across New York State. Bids are invited for grant funding to acquire land for the purpose of open space conservation and preservation.
The purpose of this grant program is to support land conservation in order to:
- protect air and water quality;
- provide habitat connectivity;
- preserve diverse ecosystems;
- mitigate the impacts of climate change;
- provide equitable access to open space and recreational opportunities; and
- promote resilient communities.
Funding Information
Minimum grant amount is $50,000 and maximum amount is $3,500,000.
Grant Period
November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2029.
Eligibility Criteria
Bidders must possess the knowledge, skills, and /or track record to successfully implement the project and need to demonstrate ability to own and manage the property for its intended use. For the purposes of this grant program, the following entities are considered eligible Bidders:
- Municipalities, as defined in subdivision 58-0101(8), include:
- A local public authority or public benefit corporation;
- A county, city, town, village, school district, supervisory district, district corporation, improvement district within a county, city, town or village; or,
- Indian Nation or Tribe recognized by the state or the United States with a reservation wholly or partly within the boundaries of New York State, or any combination thereof.
- Not-for-profit (NFP) corporations, as defined in 49-0303(8)2, include any not-for-profit corporation organized inter alia for the conservation or preservation of real property and which has the power to acquire interests in real property. Such organization must have qualified as exempt for federal tax purposes pursuant to Section 501 (c)(3) of the internal revenue code or any similar successor statutory provision.
For more information, visit DEC.
