Across New York State, many communities shoulder disproportionate environmental burdens and face heightened risks due to the impact of our rapidly changing climate. The New York Power Authority is helping to address these issues with two Environmental Justice community-centered funding opportunities that support healthier, cooler, and more resilient neighborhoods: the Community Greening RFA and the Astoria Community Resilience RFA.
“Through Community Greening and Astoria Community Resilience initiative, we’re proud to support local leaders, organizations, and indigenous nations who are already doing this work, and to give them the resources to do even more.” says NYPA Environmental Justice Vice President Kaela Mainsah.
The statewide Community Greening Program helps fund projects that enhance the natural environment, reduce pollution, improve public health, and mitigate climate impacts in disadvantaged communities with a direct connection to NYPA’s operations across New York State. The Astoria Community Resilience Initiative is specifically focused on strengthening local resilience planning, preparedness, and capacity building through new or expanded programs near NYPA’s Eugene W. Zeltmann facility.
See below for more information on these two grant opportunities, including recordings of the informational webinars that were held last week and list of FAQs from the webinars. Eligible community groups, municipalities, tribal governments and nonprofits across the state have until October 16 and October 19, respectively, to apply.
“Real resilience is built by communities, not for them,” says Mainsah. “We can’t wait to see what these communities build.”
Community Greening: Funding for Healthier, Greener Neighborhoods
What it is: Community Greening helps fund projects that enhance the natural environment, reduce pollution, improve public health, and mitigate climate impacts in disadvantaged communities with a direct connection to NYPA’s operations across New York State.
Examples of eligible projects: efforts that can reduce pollution, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and lower urban heat island effects; for example, tree planting, community gardens, expanded green spaces, and green infrastructure such as rain gardens and bioswales .
Who can apply: Registered not‑for‑profit organizations, Indigenous nations and tribes, municipalities, and state agencies.
Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026.
For More Information: A recording of NYPA’s Sept. 14 virtual information session and FAQs from the session.
Astoria Community Resilience Initiative: Supporting Community‑Determined Resilience
What it is: This initiative focuses on strengthening local resilience through new or expanded programs near NYPA’s Eugene W. Zeltmann facility to advancing planning, preparedness, and capacity building to address climate and community vulnerability.
Examples of eligible projects: Projects that improve energy affordability, create job opportunities, and support positive health outcomes; projects focused on supporting community preparedness and broader climate resilience activities responsive to locally identified needs. For example, expanding or creating community gardens and green spaces to provide cooling, improving air quality, and enhance recreational and wellbeing benefits.
Who can apply: Registered not‑for‑profit organizations, Indigenous nations and tribes, community‑based organizations (CBOs), or community development organizations; projects must serve the area within four miles of the Zeltmann facility.
Deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026.
For More information: A recording of NYPA’s virtual information session and FAQs from the session.
Ready to apply?
Interested organizations can apply through the NYPA RFP portal and consult the linked RFA documents for detailed guidance.
Still have questions?
Organizations may reach out (CommunityGreening@nypa.gov or AstoriaCR@nypa.gov)