Climate Resilience Fund
Forecasted
Climate Resilience Fund supports Rhode Island governmental and nonprofit groups in restoring habitats and reducing infrastructure vulnerability to strengthen communities against climate impacts.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Final proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $350,000 per request; approximately $2 million available in the 2026 round; project agreements generally span 6–24 months
Summary: Supports on-the-ground projects that strengthen the resilience of Rhode Island habitats and communities to climate impacts.
Key Information: Applicants must provide a match of at least 25% of the grant award.
Description
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) administers the Climate Resilience Fund to help governmental and nonprofit entities address climate-driven challenges in inland and coastal communities. The fund supports work that restores or improves vulnerable coastal habitats, river and stream floodplains, and related habitats while strengthening community resilience and public safety. The 2026 request for proposals draws on proceeds of the voter-approved 2024 Green Bond.
Projects must put resilience into practice through design, engineering, or construction rather than solely planning or research. The fund considers nature-based solutions and the removal, relocation, or redesign of vulnerable infrastructure, separately or together. Grants are awarded competitively, with priority for approaches that deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.
