Environmental Protection Fund Grants Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage (EPF)

The Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, an agency responsible for overseeing a large network of parks, historic sites, and recreational resources across New York State. This program is authorized under the Environmental Protection Fund Act of 1993 and is designed to support public investment in outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and heritage resource management. The agency manages hundreds of facilities and serves millions of visitors annually, positioning it as a central steward of the state’s environmental and cultural assets. The primary purpose of the program is to provide matching grants to support the acquisition, planning, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and designated heritage areas within New York State. Funding is intended to enhance public access, preserve natural and cultural resources, and ensure long term protection of funded properties. Projects must demonstrate clear public benefit and align with statewide planning priorities such as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Eligible activities include development of recreational facilities, restoration of historic structures, and improvements to lands and waterways used for public enjoyment or conservation. Funding is structured as a matching grant program, meaning recipients must provide a share of project costs. Awards are available to municipalities and not for profit organizations that have an ownership interest in the property being improved or acquired. The program supports a wide range of project types, including playground construction, trail development, historic building rehabilitation, and heritage area preservation. All funded properties are subject to long term protections such as public access requirements or preservation covenants, ensuring that state investments provide lasting benefits. Eligibility is limited to entities operating within New York State, specifically municipalities and qualifying not for profit organizations with ownership interest in the project site. Historic preservation projects must involve properties listed on or eligible for listing on the State or National Registers of Historic Places, while heritage area projects must align with approved management plans. Projects must also comply with applicable standards, such as the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic preservation work. These requirements ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with broader preservation goals. Applicants must submit proposals through the Consolidated Funding Application system managed by the Regional Economic Development Councils. The application process requires review of program guidance, participation in informational workshops or webinars if needed, and submission of all required documentation by the stated deadline. Required materials may include environmental review forms, cost share summaries, certifications, and supporting documentation relevant to the project. Incomplete applications may be deemed ineligible or receive reduced evaluation scores. Applications are evaluated based on established scoring criteria that consider factors such as project impact, alignment with program goals, readiness, and public benefit. Successful applicants must enter into a formal contract with the State of New York before beginning any work. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning expenses must comply with state requirements and be included in the approved project scope. Failure to adhere to program conditions can jeopardize funding. For the 2026 funding round, up to 28750000 dollars has been allocated across program categories, with a maximum award of 675000 dollars per project. The application deadline is July 31, 2026 at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle through the Consolidated Funding Application process. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Regional Grants Administrators for guidance and to ensure compliance with all requirements throughout the application and implementation phases.