Highlights of Five Grants Available Through New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application

Applications are due on July 28, 2023 at 4:00 PM for entities seeking to pursue grant awards under Round XIII of New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). As discussed in Walden’s recent blog, NYS Opens Application for Grant Funding for 2023, the CFA streamlines the State’s grant application process by offering applicants a single submission tool used by numerous state agencies.

Five programs offering funding to municipalities and other eligible parties under this round of the CFA are highlighted below. Refer to the 2023 REDC Available Resources Guide for details on eligibility and application requirements for these and other CFA programs.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Grants

Up to $86 million in funds are available through three programs administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC):

Climate Smart Communities Grant Program ($8 million available)

Under this program, municipalities that aspire to become certified Climate Smart Communities can pursue funding that will cover studies and planning to improve their ability to address climate change within their communities. This program provides resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote projects such as flood plain restoration and emergency preparedness to deal with impacts associated with climate change.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program ($75 million available)

As the name suggests, WQIP funding is directed to projects focused on improving water quality and coastal or fresh water habitats. Eligible projects include those that reduce flood risks, improve resiliency to climate impacts, or protect sources of drinking water. Previous rounds of the WQIP Program have provided essential funding for wastewater treatment system improvements, stormwater drainage system maintenance equipment, road salt storage, and marine habitat protection and restoration.

Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Mapping Grant Program ($3 million available)

This program supports projects that promote coordination and collaboration among neighboring Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) to improve nonagricultural nonpoint source water quality. Such projects include comprehensive stream corridor studies and MS4 mapping.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC)

The EFC is accepting applications through the CFA for up to $18 million in funds through two programs:

Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) ($15 million available)

The GIGP provides funding for eligible projects whose goal is to improve water quality and mitigate climate change by implementing green practices. These practices include green stormwater infrastructure improvements and efficiency measures to reduce energy and water consumption. Innovative projects are funded to expand the use of new technologies which incorporate green practices throughout New York State.

Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant ($3 million available)

This program offers funding to municipalities to support the development of engineering reports in order to advance water quality projects to the design and construction phases. The objective of this program is to assist eligible communities to perform the preliminary engineering studies and planning needed to seek financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund or other sources.

Note that the EFC also separately administers several other non-CFA grant programs. Track Walden’s future blogs for notifications posted when these grant offerings are released.

Contact Our Grant Writing Team Today!

There are many other grant programs in addition to those listed above which are currently accepting applications through Round XIII of the CFA.

If you’re interested in pursuing grant funding opportunities, contact Walden today to discuss how we can help you. Our grant writing team has helped numerous municipalities successfully apply for grant funding, resulting in over $50 million in awards to finance critical projects including drainage improvements, sewer system inflow and infiltration studies, water supply system upgrades, and emergency generator installations. We can do the same for you!

Contact Walden today at 516-548-2974 to discuss your project needs and find out how we can help you apply for grant funding to take advantage of the latest round of the CFA.