[New York Community Trust](https://thenytrust.org)

April 27, 2026

Typical grants range from $15,000 to $25,000; most project grants are for 1–2 years.

Supports projects addressing climate change, public health, and biodiversity through sustainable, resilient, and just environmental initiatives nationally and internationally.

U.S. national proposals due April 27, 2026; international proposals are invitation-only.

--- ## Description This program funds projects that address environmental challenges on a national and international scale, with a focus on climate change mitigation, enhancing community resilience, protecting public health from toxic pollutants, and preserving biological diversity. The grant supports initiatives such as promoting energy efficiency, advancing alternative energy, transitioning to low-emission transportation, improving grid resilience, reducing emissions from fossil fuels, and encouraging sustainable land use and infrastructure. Special emphasis is placed on projects benefiting disadvantaged communities and those that integrate cross-cutting approaches like smart growth, sustainable agriculture, and regional food systems. Internationally, a limited number of grants are awarded to U.S. organizations to build capacity for biodiversity protection and greenhouse gas reduction worldwide. --- ## Due Dates - April 27, 2026: Proposal submission deadline for the national Environment (national & international) program RFP (proposals accepted through April 27, 2026) **Note:** For the international environment program, proposals are by invitation only. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: $15,000–$25,000 per project - Most grants are for 1–2 years - Only 2–3 international grants awarded annually (by invitation) - Projects must generally benefit more than one U.S. state or territory (unless New York State-focused) --- ## Eligibility - U.S.-based nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) status) or those with a qualified fiscal sponsor - Board of directors with at least four members (preferably five), no more than one paid board member - Projects must benefit more than one U.S. state or territory (unless focused on New York State) - International grants: Only U.S. organizations, by invitation, for capacity-building in biodiversity, environmental health, or greenhouse gas reduction - The Trust does **not** fund: individuals, general operating support, capital/building campaigns, endowments, equipment, religious purposes, or routine operational expenses --- ## Application Process - Confirm eligibility via the [Eligibility Quiz](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/) - Prepare required materials: - Cover letter (signed by staff head or designee) - Narrative proposal (max 5 pages): agency background, problem statement, project plan, outcomes, sustainability, and—if applicable—progress from prior Trust funding - Itemized project budget (full costs, other income sources, in-kind support) - Current annual operating budget; for arts/culture, also most recent income/expenses - Board of directors list (affiliations, unrelated members) - Submit via the [Grantseeker Portal](https://proposals.nycommunitytrust.org/) - For universities/academic medical centers: overhead for grant administration capped at 5% of total project budget --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be systemic, policy-focused, or build organizational capacity (not general operations) - Preference for initiatives benefiting disadvantaged or vulnerable communities - Multi-year grants are possible, but funding is typically project-specific and not for ongoing projects - Applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions; see [upcoming events](https://thenytrust.org/events/?term-event-type=for-nonprofits) - For the 2026 cycle, national proposals are accepted through April 27, 2026; international proposals are invitation-only --- ## External Links - [Program Page: National & International Environment](https://thenytrust.org/grant-funding/national-and-international-environment/) - [Eligibility Quiz](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/what-we-fund-apply-for-grant/) - [Apply via Grantseeker Portal](https://proposals.nycommunitytrust.org/) - [Background Paper: Environmental Grantmaking Strategy (PDF)](https://www.nycommunitytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2014_Environment_Kraft_Natl_Intl_GrantmakingStrategy.pdf) - [FAQs for Nonprofits](https://thenytrust.org/nonprofits/nonprofit-faqs/) - [Upcoming Information Sessions](https://thenytrust.org/events/?term-event-type=for-nonprofits) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Title | Email | Phone | |------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@thenytrust.org](mailto:info@thenytrust.org) | (212) 686-0010 | | Program Officer (Environment) | [llagunoff@thenytrust.org](mailto:llagunoff@thenytrust.org) | | | Grants & Scholarship Admin (Sheila Dinkins) | [sdinkins@thenytrust.org](mailto:sdinkins@thenytrust.org) | (212) 871-6413 | ---

Environment National & International

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