Open Space Conservation Grant
This grant supports the purchase of land in New York State for open space conservation to protect ecosystems, enhance climate resilience, and improve public access to nature.
Funder: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027: Q&A deadline | April 2027: Application deadline (bids due by 3:00 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: At least $25 million available; individual awards range from $50,000 to $3,500,000 per project, up to three years in duration.
Summary: Supports land conservation projects in New York State to protect natural resources, enhance climate resilience, and provide equitable access to open space.
Key Information: No match required; only land acquisition projects (not easements) are eligible; not-for-profits must be prequalified in the NYS SFS Grants Management System.
Description
This program funds the acquisition of land for open space conservation throughout New York State, with the goal of protecting air and water quality, enhancing habitat connectivity, preserving diverse ecosystems, mitigating climate change impacts, and improving community access to outdoor recreation. Supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 and the Environmental Protection Fund, the grant prioritizes projects that increase climate resiliency, buffer communities and ecosystems against severe weather, support large-scale habitat connectivity, and safeguard water resources. All projects must align with the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and the State’s 30x30 goals, and must result in the purchase of land in fee simple for eligible conservation purposes.
