CFA Grants: OPRHP and DOS Program Highlights

Now is the time to act on Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) grants. The CFA process, administered by New York State, is centered around making it simple to apply for one or more grants by utilizing the same online system at the same time each year. The 2025 CFA features a multitude of programs that you can apply for, so let us take a closer look at four specific offerings and see if they are a good fit for your community.

If any of these programs suit your interest, ensure that your CFA application is submitted by July 31, 2025, no later than 4:00 p.m.

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

The Environmental Protection Fund program is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Those looking to obtain a grant from this program should be in the process of acquiring, planning, developing, or improving on parks, historic properties, or heritage areas.

EPF grants are available to municipalities or not-for-profits with an ownership interest. The EPF grant awards are capped at $675,000.

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Another program that runs through the New York State OPRHP is the Recreational Trails Program. The RTP is structured so that 40% of the available funds are used for diverse recreational trail use, 30% for non-motorized recreation, and 30% for motorized recreation.

Municipalities that are looking to develop and maintain their recreational trail areas are eligible to seek grant funding from this program. Grants from the RTP are capped at $375,000.

Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP)

Moving on to programs administered through the New York State Department of State (DOS), the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is ideal for communities looking to improve and renew waterfront areas or to resolve issues with waterways and water quality.

The DOS offers LWRP grants ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000, which makes this grant opportunity ideal for waterfront areas impacted by deterioration or neglect.

Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program

Another program run by the DOS is the Brownfield Opportunity Area Program. A Brownfield site is generally described as a blighted property that is impacted by environmental contamination. Communities having multiple Brownfield sites located in close proximity to each other may be designated as Brownfield Opportunity Areas.

The BOA Program is designed to transform such areas through remediation and redevelopment to create spaces that are safe to live and work on. This program awards grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, and grants are only awarded to municipalities, community-based organizations, and New York City community boards.

Multiple applications can be submitted; however, each application must go towards one of the following activities related to the BOA Program:

• County-wide pre-planning
• Planning
• Predevelopment activities
• Phase II environmental assessments

How Can Walden Help?

If any of these programs seem relevant to you or your community, or if you are simply interested in learning more, contact Walden today at 516-548-2974. Our professionals have unique experience working on the programs and can aid you in obtaining these sought-after grants.