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: 02/18/2026
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 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
DEC has made available at least $25 million for the first round of a grant program supported by the Bond Act for land acquisition and associated non-land costs, with a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $3.5 million available for each project.
Grant Period
June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2029.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses include:
- the purchase price of the land;
- appraisal, survey and boundary marking;
- title search;
- environmental assessment; and
- site improvements to improve recreational access.
Eligible Projects
Acquired properties must align with the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and possess at least one of the following seven resources that are defined in the Bond Act as protecting lands or waters and/or providing recreational opportunities for the public.
- Possess ecological, habitat, recreational or scenic values;
- Protect the quality of a drinking water supply;
- Provide flood control or flood mitigation values;
- Constitute a floodplain;
- Provide or have the potential to provide important habitat connectivity;
- Provide open space for the use and enjoyment of the public; or
- Provide community gardens in urban areas.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit organizations;
- Indian Nations or Tribe; and
- Municipalities.
For more information, visit DEC.
