Community Impact Grant Program - Round 13

The Community Impact Grants program is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through its Office of Environmental Justice. This office is responsible for advancing environmental equity by supporting communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental harms. The program is part of a broader statewide effort to empower disadvantaged and environmental justice communities by providing financial resources that enable them to actively participate in identifying, researching, and addressing environmental and public health concerns. The primary purpose of the Community Impact Grants program is to fund projects that directly address community exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks. These harms may include pollution, environmental degradation, or other conditions that negatively affect public health and quality of life. A defining feature of the program is its requirement that funded projects include a research component. This research is intended to expand the knowledge base of the affected community, ensuring that interventions are informed by data and can contribute to broader understanding and replication of successful strategies. Funding for this round totals approximately seven million dollars and is intended for community-based organizations that are deeply embedded in the populations they serve. Projects must be designed not only to mitigate environmental risks but also to strengthen community engagement, build consensus, and enhance public education and outreach. Allowable uses of funds therefore include activities such as environmental monitoring, community-based participatory research, public awareness campaigns, and the development of local solutions to environmental challenges. While specific restrictions are not explicitly outlined in the summary, projects must align with the overarching goal of addressing multiple environmental harms and producing actionable knowledge. Eligibility for the program is limited to not-for-profit community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status and Tribal Organizations. Organizations that do not hold 501(c)(3) status may participate only if they secure a qualified fiscal sponsor that meets the eligibility requirements. This ensures that applicants have the organizational capacity and legal standing to manage grant funds and execute proposed activities. The program emphasizes inclusivity within eligible categories but maintains strict adherence to nonprofit and tribal eligibility criteria. The application process is conducted through the Statewide Financial System, which requires applicants to complete registration and prequalification steps before submission. Applicants are expected to review the Request for Applications and associated materials, prepare required forms, and submit a complete proposal by the specified deadline. Supporting documents, templates, and examples are provided to guide applicants. The process also includes a defined question and answer period, allowing applicants to seek clarification prior to submission. The timeline for the current funding round includes a firm application deadline of July 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. A question and answer period is available until June 17, 2026, and informational webinars are scheduled to support applicant preparation. While specific award notification dates and project performance periods are not detailed in the summary, applicants can expect a competitive review process based on alignment with program goals, quality of the research component, and demonstrated community impact. The program appears to operate in recurring rounds, as indicated by the designation of this opportunity as Round 13, suggesting future funding cycles may be anticipated.

Ensure project addresses multiple environmental harms and includes a strong research component tied to community impact