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EJ Community Impact Grant Program Round 13

🏛 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

⏰ Deadline
Jul 1, 2026 in 30 days
📊 Total program funding
$7M
📍 Scope
State

Can you apply?

This grant is for not-for-profit organizations and tribal organizations in New York State focused on environmental justice. Applicants must address environmental issues affecting disadvantaged or overburdened communities. The program supports community-led projects that reduce environmental risks and improve health outcomes. Multi-year projects up to 36 months are eligible.

Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations. Projects must be located in or primarily serve New York State communities. Environmental justice focus requires demonstrated impact on low-income or communities of color experiencing disproportionate environmental burdens.

Activities supported include community organizing, environmental health assessments, pollution reduction initiatives, and advocacy. Capacity-building and technical assistance are encouraged. Projects should involve meaningful community participation in planning and implementation.

Eligible applicants
Check your eligibility — what type of organization are you?

This grant is for not-for-profit organizations and tribal organizations in New York State focused on environmental justice. Applicants must address environmental issues affecting disadvantaged or overburdened communities. The program supports community-led projects that reduce environmental risks and improve health outcomes. Multi-year projects up to 36 months are eligible.

Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations. Projects must be located in or primarily serve New York State communities. Environmental justice focus requires demonstrated impact on low-income or communities of color experiencing disproportionate environmental burdens.

Activities supported include community organizing, environmental health assessments, pollution reduction initiatives, and advocacy. Capacity-building and technical assistance are encouraged. Projects should involve meaningful community participation in planning and implementation.

Program description

EJ Community Impact Grant Program Round 13 is a New York State grant opportunity administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Total program funding is approximately $7,000,000. Eligible applicants: Not-For-Profit, Tribal Organization. Focus area: Environmental Supports. Project period: 36 Month(s). Applications are due 2026-07-01. Posted through the New York State Grant Opportunity Portal in the Statewide Financial System (SFS).

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

Demographic focus

Details

This grant is for not-for-profit organizations and tribal organizations in New York State focused on environmental justice. Applicants must address environmental issues affecting disadvantaged or overburdened communities. The program supports community-led projects that reduce environmental risks and improve health outcomes. Multi-year projects up to 36 months are eligible.

Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations. Projects must be located in or primarily serve New York State communities. Environmental justice focus requires demonstrated impact on low-income or communities of color experiencing disproportionate environmental burdens.

Activities supported include community organizing, environmental health assessments, pollution reduction initiatives, and advocacy. Capacity-building and technical assistance are encouraged. Projects should involve meaningful community participation in planning and implementation.

How to apply

Application links

Required documents

  • Grant application form (via NY SFS portal)
  • Project narrative/description
  • Budget and budget narrative
  • Organizational capacity statement
  • Evidence of 501(c)(3) or tribal status
  • Community engagement/partnership letters
  • Environmental justice assessment or community health data

Program contact

  • 👤 Raymond Loftfield

FAQ

Who can apply for this grant?

Not-for-profit organizations and tribal organizations are eligible. Your organization must serve New York State communities experiencing environmental justice concerns.

What is the deadline?

Applications are due July 1, 2026. This is the posted deadline for Round 13; future rounds may have different dates.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects addressing environmental hazards in disadvantaged communities are prioritized. Examples include pollution reduction, community health initiatives, and environmental advocacy.

How competitive is this grant?

With $7 million in total funding, competition is typically moderate to strong. Applications with strong community engagement and clear environmental justice focus rank higher.

What is the funding range per award?

Specific award amounts are not specified in the program guidelines. Review the full RFP for typical grant sizes and budget details.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Center community voice in your proposal. Show how residents led project development and decision-making from the start.
  • Clearly identify the environmental burden your community faces. Use data on pollution levels, health disparities, or other environmental risks.
  • Connect your project to measurable outcomes. Define specific environmental or health improvements you expect to achieve within 36 months.
  • Build partnerships with environmental health experts, health clinics, or government agencies. Collaborators strengthen your credibility and capacity.
  • Address how you will sustain the project after grant funding ends. Outline plans for ongoing operations or future funding.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Weak community engagement documentation. Reviewers want evidence that residents shaped the project, not just benefited from it.

Vague environmental justice connection. Applicants often fail to clearly link their project to specific environmental hazards or health disparities in their community.

Unrealistic timelines or budgets. 36-month projects require careful planning; underfunded or overly ambitious plans reduce competitiveness.

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