Natural Climate Solutions Grants
Natural Climate Solutions Grants support New Jersey organizations and landowners in restoring coastal wetlands, forests, and urban trees to store carbon and strengthen habitat and climate resilience.
Funder: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (Final application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$5 million per project; $30 million available in Round 2; projects normally completed within 3 years
Summary: Supports projects that restore and enhance New Jersey’s coastal, forest, and urban natural carbon sinks.
Key Information: Projects on privately owned land require a separate application and at least 25% matching funds.
Description
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program funds on-the-ground projects that create, restore, and enhance natural carbon sinks across the state. Round 2 is administered by the Division of Climate Change Mitigation and Monitoring and funded through proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
The program has two tracks: blue carbon projects in coastal areas and green carbon projects involving forests and urban trees. Eligible work ranges from living shorelines and tidal marsh restoration to forest restoration and urban tree canopy improvements. Alongside carbon sequestration, the program seeks benefits such as habitat, flood resilience, water quality, and reduced urban heat.
