Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency (CLEAR) Implementation Design Grants
Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency (CLEAR) Implementation Design Grants support Lake Ontario communities with design and feasibility work to advance coastal resilience and protect coastal ecosystems.
Funder: New York State Department of State
Due Dates: September 17, 2026 (Questions) | October 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM (Applications)
Funding Amounts: $1,500,000 available; up to $300,000 per award, covering up to 90% of eligible costs; contracts up to three years
Summary: Supports design, feasibility, and engineering work to advance coastal resilience projects in New York’s CLEAR planning regions.
Key Information: Nonprofits cannot lead applications; regional planning boards and conservation districts must apply on behalf of an eligible municipality or county.
Description
The New York State Department of State’s Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure administers CLEAR Implementation Design Grants to advance resilience projects across the five CLEAR planning regions. The program funds design, feasibility, or engineering-equivalent work for nature-based shoreline protection, resilient stormwater systems, and blue-green infrastructure. Projects must implement at least one CLEAR recommendation and advance Article 14 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.
The program aims to help Lake Ontario coastal communities address flooding, erosion, and changing climate conditions while protecting coastal ecosystems. Supported concepts include living shorelines, wetland and dune restoration, stormwater retrofits, culvert improvements, rain gardens, and flood-resilient waterfront parks. Applicants should explain how the funded design work will position their project for implementation using other grants or local funds.
