CLCC looks forward to considering applications from a diversity of landscapes and a variety of scales. We welcome urban, suburban and rural projects on parcels of varying sizes and will prioritize projects in CT Environmental Justice Communities.

For ideas about possible climate smart practices, potential applicants may wish to consult this list developed by the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Examples of projects that may be funded through the Climate-Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program include, but are not limited to:

• Developing plans for climate smart land stewardship projects, including forest management plans
• Establishing pollinator habitat, including pollinator gardens and meadows
• Managing invasive species, followed by native tree and shrub planting
• Managing forests to improve wildlife habitat, create structural diversity, and facilitate oak regeneration
• Establishing wildlife corridors to provide habitat continuity
• Increasing riparian forest buffers
• Implementing agricultural practices that improve water quality and/or soil health

Learn more about recent Climate-Smart grantees.

Potential applicants with questions about whether a project idea would qualify for funding are encouraged to reach out to Ricky at rbentley@ctconservation.org prior to application to discuss.

For a project to be eligible for this grant program, the following criteria must be met:

• Applicant is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. 
• Applicant’s mission is dedicated to permanent land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands.
• Applicant’s service area is located within or includes the State of Connecticut.
• Applicant is a current member of CLCC.
• Eligible projects are located within the state of Connecticut on land owned in fee by the applicant. 

The following are eligible expenses that can be funded, provided that they directly relate to the climate smart project for which funding is awarded:

• Consultant or contractor costs for planning and/or implementation
• Tool and equipment purchases or rentals
• Materials 
• Permit fees

Other project-related costs such as staff costs, administrative costs, overhead, printing/mailing and training/conference fees are not eligible to be covered by grant funds but may be used as a match.

The following are ineligible expenses that will not be funded and cannot be used as match:

• Expenses incurred prior to grant award and contract execution
• Costs related to land acquisition 
• Any services or supplies not directly related to the climate smart project for which funding is awarded

Please see Grant Guidance document (link) for more information.

Funding is available for two types of grants:

• Planning Grants – Maximum award $8,000

These grants are designed for organizations in the early stages of developing a climate-smart land stewardship project. They can fund the background research and plan development needed to implement a climate smart project in the future. Note: Recipients of Planning Grants may (and are encouraged to) apply for Implementation Grants in future rounds. Federal funding for implementation (e.g. through NRCS’s EQIP program) may also be available. 

• Implementation Grants – Maximum award $50,000

These grants are designed for organizations that already have a well-developed plan for a climate-smart land stewardship project. They can fund activities related to the on-the-ground implementation of the project and may fund the continuation of implementation work that has already been initiated with funding awarded through this grant program or other programs such as NRCS’s EQIP program. 

Note that Planning Grants and Implementation Grants have separate application forms.

Matching Fund Requirements

Planning Grants require a 25% cash match. Match may be retroactively reimbursed after project completion if an applicant is awarded an Implementation Grant in a subsequent funding round. Match must be included in the Budget Worksheet.

Applicants for whom this match requirement presents a hardship, please contact Ricky Bentley prior to application to discuss. 

Implementation Grants have no match requirement, but a match can help demonstrate an applicant’s commitment to the project. If applicants choose to contribute cash and/or in-kind matching funds, they are invited to include this information in their Budget Worksheet.

Project Duration

Planning Grants must be completed within 12 months of the contract start date.

Implementation Grants must be completed no later than April 30, 2027. Applicants should align their proposed project timeline with the needs of their project, and are strongly encouraged to present a realistic, well-supported rationale for the project duration they propose. Applicants anticipating the need for multi-year grants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If an applicant anticipates that this project duration will be problematic for their project, please contact Ricky Bentley prior to application to discuss. 

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Primary Criteria

• Project will contribute to climate mitigation, resilience and/or adaptation.
• Deliverables, budget and timeline are realistic.
• Organization and proposed project team have the capacity to execute the project.

Secondary Criteria 

• Project is located in a CT Environmental Justice Community.
• Project outcomes are clearly articulated and measurable.
• Project will be leveraged to have additional impacts beyond the immediate project area.
• Applicant demonstrates organizational commitment to climate change.
• Applicant demonstrates intention and capacity to sustain the project after the grant period has ended. 
• Applicant provides a strong rationale for the approach they propose. (IMPLEMENTATION ONLY)
• Project includes a plan for measurement and evaluation of implemented actions. (IMPLEMENTATION ONLY)

Bonus Criteria

• Project includes partnerships and/or evidence of landscape-level planning.
• Project demonstrates a high degree of innovation and/or creativity.
• Project includes matching funds beyond what is required and/or leverages state/federal funding sources such as NRCS EQIP.