Climate Smart Communities 2025 Grant Program Round 9

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is soliciting applications for the Climate Smart Communities 2025 Grant Program Round 9, a competitive grant opportunity for municipalities to undertake climate change mitigation and adaptation projects. The program seeks implementation projects focused on reducing vehicle miles traveled, minimizing food waste in landfills, decreasing hydrofluorocarbon emissions, increasing natural resiliency, reducing flood risks, preparing for extreme weather events, and developing renewable energy initiatives in municipal facilities. Eligible municipalities can apply for implementation project grants ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000 and planning/assessment project grants between $10,000 and $200,000. Applicants must submit their proposals through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) by 4:00 pm on July 31, 2025, with a mandatory review of the complete Request for Applications (RFA) available on the DEC website. The program emphasizes quantifiable evidence of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and resilience improvements, with a contract term spanning from March 15, 2026, to March 14, 2031.

The grant opportunity has specific set-aside and participation goals, including a 30% Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation requirement and a 6% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business contracting goal. Municipalities do not need to be registered or certified Climate Smart Communities to apply, and all New York State counties are eligible. Funding is contingent on the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, with a local match requirement ranging from 20-50% based on the municipality's median household income and environmental stress level. The program prioritizes projects located in disadvantaged communities, aiming to direct 35-40% of benefits to these areas. Approximately $22 million is available for funding, with at least $21 million allocated for implementation projects and up to $1 million for planning, inventory, and assessment projects. Eligible expenses include personnel services, contractual services, equipment, travel, supplies, and real property acquisition.