News
We are excited to share with you some new federal funding opportunities that have emerged, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. These programs are designed to support land conservation and stewardship projects, and we believe that land trusts are well positioned to benefit from them.
We encourage all land trusts to explore these opportunities and consider how they can further your conservation and stewardship efforts.
If you need support applying for these funding sources or are interested in collaborating with other land trusts for a joint application, please reach out to us. We are here to assist and guide you through the process.
Federal Funding Opportunities
Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
Funding Source: USDA Forest Service.
Grant Sizes: Varies based on project needs and scope. Individual grant applications may not exceed $600,000 in requested federal funding.
Deadlines: Applications are due by January 13, 2024.
Eligible Uses:
- Acquire private forest land, including fee title and conservation easements.
- Costs can include appraisals, land surveys, legal and closing costs, development of the Community Forest Plan, and title examination.
- The program emphasizes public access, sustainable forest management, environmental benefits, economic benefits, and public access.
- The funds cannot be used for long-term operations, maintenance, research, existing liens, or taxes owed.
Info. Session: Wednesday, September 20, 2023; 2-3p.m. and Monday, October 11, 2023; 2-3:30p.m. Registration links will be posted here »
Relevance: This program enables the acquisition and sustainable management of forest lands for community benefits.
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Supporting Underserved and Small-Acreage Forest Landowner Participation (Track B)
Funding Source: USDA Forest Service.
Grant Sizes: Less than $2 million.
Deadlines: Considered for funding on a quarterly basis, starting at least 60 days following publication.
Eligible Uses:
- Support underserved and small-acreage forest landowners.
- Includes outreach plans, technical assistance for the development and implementation of forest management plans and activities, hiring contractors to provide support services, etc.
Info. Session: Wednesday, September 6, 2023; 3-4p.m. Register Here »
Relevance: This program can empower smaller landowners and underserved communities to participate in conservation efforts that promote climate mitigation and forest resilience.
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Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program
Funding Source: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Eligible Uses:
- Improve wildlife habitat, protect air and water quality, plant trees, and remove invasive species.
- EQIP offers financial and technical assistance for conservation practices on privately-owned land, including land trust properties.
- AMA provides assistance to address water management, water quality, and erosion control.
Deadlines: Submit applications by October 31, 2023, for the first signup period for FY2024 funding.
Relevance: These programs offer both technical and financial support for a wide range of conservation practices to enhance the ecological value of conserved lands.
Learn More – EQIP » Learn More – AMA »
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Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Grant Program
Funding Source: USDA Forest Service.
Grant Sizes: Minimum funding per project is $25,000; $600,000 maximum.
Eligible Uses:
- Water quality and watershed health improvement.
- Wildlife habitat improvement.
- Demonstration projects that both achieve on-the-ground accomplishments for a specific area and also provide sites for conservation education and tech transfer.
- Community tree planting projects in communities with a population of less than 50,000.
Deadlines: October 5, 2023 – applicants submit draft project narrative and budget to State Forester for sponsorship consideration. November 30, 2023 – applications due.
Info. Session: Wednesday, September 6, 2023; 2-3 p.m. Register Here »
Relevance: This competitive grant program encourages collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes, leverages public and private resources, and supports priorities identified in State Forest Action Plans.
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Other Funding Opportunities
Farmland Restoration Flood Response Grant
Deadline extended to August 31
Funding Source: CT Department of Agriculture.
Grant Sizes: $20,000 maximum.
Eligible Uses:
- Repairs, replacement, and restoration of fencing, well heads, irrigation pumps and pipes.
- Site reconstruction including drainage, riparian buffer restoration, culverts and stream banks…
- Soil amendments.
Deadlines: August 31, 2023, at 4p.m.
Info. Session: Webinar Recording Here »
Relevance: Land trusts owning or leasing farmland, in use by a farmer, who experienced flooding or excessive rainfall in July may apply to restore lands back into active agricultural production.
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Connecticut Conservation Partnership Program
Bringing federal dollars to CT’s land trusts…
CLCC is accepting project intake forms for the Connecticut Conservation Partnership Program (CCPP). CCPP enables land trusts that have or intend to apply for an OSWA grant to apply through CLCC for federal match funds for their project.
CLCC invites applicants through October 6, 2023. Contact Yaw with questions and for assistance with project intake forms.
Don’t forget about CLCC’s regularly updated Grant Opportunities page »
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Tags: CCPP, Funding Opportunities, Grant Funding, OSWA
