Open Space Conservation Grant Program

The Open Space Conservation Grant Program, administered by New York State, is designed to support land conservation initiatives that align with the state’s environmental and community resiliency goals. This grant is funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, along with support from the Environmental Protection Fund. These funding sources reflect the state's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable land use practices. Projects funded through this initiative aim to increase climate resiliency and adaptation, enhance biodiversity, and ensure equitable public access to recreational and green spaces throughout New York. The primary objectives of the program include the protection of air and water quality, the promotion of resilient ecosystems, and the mitigation of climate change impacts. The grant also emphasizes equitable access to nature and the promotion of community resiliency. Projects are expected to align with the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and support the state's 30x30 goals, which aim to conserve 30% of the state's land and water by 2030. Funded projects must increase ecological connectivity, mitigate flood risks, protect forests for heat mitigation, and preserve water quality through strategic land acquisition and stewardship. Funding is available for the acquisition of properties that contain critical conservation values or provide significant recreational benefits to the public. Properties eligible for acquisition must exhibit at least one of seven defined resource values, including ecological significance, water quality protection, flood control, habitat connectivity, public recreational value, scenic importance, or urban community garden potential. Importantly, only projects involving the purchase of land are eligible for funding under this program. Expenses covered include land purchase costs, appraisals, boundary surveys, legal fees, environmental assessments, and certain site improvements that enhance recreational access. Land trusts may also include conservation defense insurance premiums in their budgets. Applicants must be municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, or Indian Nations or Tribes. The grant awards range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $3,500,000, with a total of $25 million available for disbursement in this funding round. There is no matching fund requirement, making this grant particularly accessible to a broad range of eligible entities. Projects must be submitted through the NYS SFS Grants Management System. The program provides comprehensive resources, including webinars, a detailed Request for Applications (RFA), and various appendices to guide applicants through the financial and procedural components of the submission. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to register and submit well in advance to avoid technical issues or disqualification for lateness. Additional support is available through the SFS Help Desk. A recorded informational webinar held on December 3, 2025, is also available to guide applicants on project eligibility and the submission process. The grant program does not involve a pre-application phase or multi-phase submission process. Questions about the Open Space Conservation Grant Program should be directed to the Division of Lands and Forests at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Contact can be made via email at dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov or by mail at 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4254. This funding opportunity plays a crucial role in advancing environmental protection and public benefit by enabling land conservation efforts across New York State in accordance with strategic and science-based planning frameworks.

Upload all required documents in the correct slots within the SFS Grants Management system to avoid disqualification. Use the provided checklist in Appendix B. Full appraisals submitted at application earn bonus points.