NYSEFC Announces $425 Million Available for Grants for Water Infrastructure
Next Round of Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants is Open
Funding Boost Delivered by Governor Hochul's $3.75B Investment Plan in the Enacted State Budget
EFC is now accepting applications for Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants. Governor Kathy Hochul has made $425 million available, delivering on her landmark $3.75 billion commitment in the newly Enacted State Budget. This increased investment will allow local governments to continue tackling legacy threats such as lead service lines and emerging contaminants, ensuring that New York remains a national leader in protecting our abundant water resources and delivering clean, safe drinking water.
Local governments and public authorities are encouraged to apply. EFC’s Community Assistance Teams are available to provide one-on-one consultations to help municipalities prepare strong applications. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on July 27.
Priorities this round reflect the Governor’s continued commitment to ensuring this funding is awarded to the communities that need it most:
• There is $127.5 million allocated for projects that identify and replace lead service lines.
• Enhanced grants will continue for drinking water projects that bring systems in compliance with the State’s strict standards for emerging contaminants.
• Enhanced grants will continue for wastewater and sewer projects in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities.
Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.
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NYS Climate Smart Communities Grant Program Accepting Applications
The New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant Program is now accepting applications for the latest funding round—and for the first time, certain local authorities are now eligible to apply.
This is an exciting opportunity to secure State funding for projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts, improve resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advance local sustainability goals.
Funding Available
The CSC Grant Program provides funding for eligible projects that help local governments and authorities
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions (outside the power sector);
• increase community resilience to flooding, extreme heat, and other climate hazards;
• advance clean transportation and energy initiatives; and
• improve planning and implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Funding Amounts, Project Types
Funding is available for implementation grants ($35,000 to $2,000,000) for GHG mitigation and climate change adaptation projects, including certain feasibility and engineering studies. See the request for applications (RFA) for more details: 2026 RFA (PDF).
Why Apply?
Climate-related investments can help communities
• reduce future infrastructure and maintenance costs;
• improve community resilience;
• access additional state and federal funding opportunities; and
• deliver environmental, economic, and public health benefits to residents
Whether you are considering a feasibility study, flood risk reduction, clean energy project, infrastructure project, or another climate-related investment, this funding opportunity may help move your project forward.
Resources
Learn more about the program:
• CSC Grants website
• 2026 Request for Applications (PDF)
• CSC Grants Fact Sheet (PDF)
Important Dates
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026, through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA)
Informational Webinar: July 8, 2026 – 2:00 p.m. - Register here.
Free Technical Assistance Available
The regional Climate Smart Communities Coordinators are available to provide no-cost technical assistance to those interested in advancing climate initiatives in their communities.
Coordinators can help eligible applicants learn more about the program, discuss potential project concepts, understand application requirements, and identify resources that may support successful applications. We encourage interested Local Public Authorities & Local Public Benefit Corporations to connect with a CSC Coordinator early in the application period to explore potential opportunities and available support. Please note that Coordinators can provide general support but cannot assist in compiling materials or writing content for grant applications.
We strongly encourage prospective applicants to connect with their regional CSC Coordinator early in the process to discuss project ideas and available support.
We encourage newly eligible authorities to review the available resources and consider how this funding opportunity can support your community's climate, resilience, and infrastructure priorities.
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Community Impact Accelerator Grant Program 2026-2027
Application Period is Now Open • Due July 1, 2026
The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Community Impact Accelerator Grant (CIAG) Program — a new funding program supporting scalable, community-led pollution prevention initiatives across New York State.
Funding Overview
• Award amount: $30,000–$50,000
• Up to 10 projects will be funded
• Projects must demonstrate potential for replication and statewide impact
Program Focus
The CIAG Program supports projects that:
• Prevent pollution at the source
• Deliver measurable environmental and public-health benefits
• Build tools, knowledge, and local capacity for statewide replication
Projects should focus on:
• Source reduction
• Safer product or practice substitution
• Operational or behavioral changes that permanently reduce pollution
Projects focused primarily on treatment, recycling, disposal, or end-of-pipe controls are not eligible.
Priority Areas
Preference will be given to projects that:
• Benefit Priority Impact Areas and disadvantaged communities
• Advance pollution prevention and circular economy strategies
• Demonstrate collaboration with municipalities, organizations, or businesses
• Quantify measurable outcomes such as waste reduction, energy savings, emissions avoided, material diversion, or others
Who Should Apply
We welcome proposals from organizations working to create positive environmental change in New York State, including:
• New York State nonprofit community organizations
• Local government agencies
• Organizations legally established and operating for at least two years
What We’re Looking For
Projects must align with NYSP2I’s mission and support one or both of the following:
• Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)
• New York State Solid Waste Management Plan 2023–2032 (SSWMP)
Collaborative proposals involving community organizations, municipalities, institutions, and businesses are strongly encouraged.
Submission deadline: July 1, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET