CLCC: Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program
The overarching goal of the Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program is to increase the number of acres in Connecticut that are managed using climate smart land stewardship practices and encourage the use of climate smart practices among Connecticut’s land trusts. This grant program, and CLCC’s accompanying outreach and technical assistance, will elevate the role of conserved lands in providing natural climate solutions by integrating climate mitigation, resilience, and adaptation into the stewardship of conserved lands throughout the state. This program will award $500,000 over multiple years for both planning and implementation grants. In 2024, grants will be awarded quarterly. In 2024, applications will be reviewed quarterly.

Submission deadlines are at 5:00pm on: March 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. Funding decisions are anticipated approximately six weeks after application deadlines.  
More information at: https://ctconservation.org/programs/climate-smart/

CTDOT Active Transportation Microgrants Program

The Active Transportation Microgrant Program provides grant opportunities to municipalities, schools, school districts and nonprofits for small active transportation projects. The goal of the Active Transportation Microgrant Program is to provide equitable, safe, accessible, and sustainable access to transportation by making conditions safer for people of all ages to walk, bike and roll, thereby encouraging more people to use these healthy and environmentally sustainable modes of travel.

The funding limits for Active Transportation Microgrants awarded for this solicitation range up to $5,000. Eligible activities/items include:

• Bicycle helmets
• Bicycle locks
• Bicycle maintenance training and materials
• Bicycle fleets including adaptive bicycles
• League Cycling Instructor (LCI) training
• Programs, events and materials for pedestrian and bicycle safety education
• Safety vests for pedestrians

Applications and any supporting documents in the SCRCOG region should be emailed to Gabe Filer, Program Manager at [email protected].  Please email any questions regarding the grant opportunity to Anna Bergeron ([email protected]) or Kristen Levesque ([email protected]).

To read the full guidelines and download the application, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Programs/Safe-Routes-to-School-SRTS-Program/SRTS—Home

CDBG Small Cities

 Connecticut’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, also known as the Small Cities Program, provides funding and technical support for projects that achieve local community and economic development objectives (in accordance with state plans and HUD regulations). The Small Cities Program principally benefits low-and moderate-income persons. This program is only available to Connecticut towns and cities with populations of less than 50,000. Certified Grant Administrator training on CBGD Small Cities Program requirements is available through CT DOH.    A CDBG Small Cities workshop has been scheduled for March 26, 2024. 

Link to registration:  Microsoft Word – Bulletin 2022-01 – Announcement of 2022 SC CDBG Application Workshop FINAL (ct.gov)

Section 5310 Grant Program

CTDOT announced the availability of the FFY 2023 Section 5310 application for Traditional Capital and Nontraditional Capital and Operating projects. This program provides capital funding for the purchase of wheelchair accessible buses, as well as funding for operating services that benefit the aging and disabled communities in the region.

More information on this program is available on the SCRCOG website.                        Application deadline: 4:00 PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program funding

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that they are accepting applications for the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program. These funds are made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and are administered by CTDOT. This program provides funding for a variety of transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments.

More information on this program is available on the SCRCOG website.

Application deadline: May 17, 2024.

USDOT Safe Streets for All Planning and Implementation Grants

The fiscal year (FY) 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is open.

The FY 2024 NOFO has multiple deadlines, depending on the grant type:

• April 4, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #1 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
• May 16, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Sole deadline for Implementation Grants. Deadline #2 for Planning and Demonstration Grants.
• August 29, 2024, 5 p.m. (EDT): Deadline #3 for Planning and Demonstration Grants. NOFO closes.

CT Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Sub applicants for FEMA HMA and BRIC
The fiscal year 2023 funding opportunities for two FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are now posted.  For this grant cycle, $800 million is available for the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program and the $1 billion is available to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program.  The application period is open from October 16, 2023 – February 29, 2024.  Sub-applicants are encouraged to contact the state, territory, or tribal applicant as they may have earlier deadlines.

FEMA’s two competitive mitigation grant programs provide states, local communities, tribes and territories funding to address high-level future risks to natural disasters such as wildfires, drought, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme heat, and increased flooding to foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.

Hazard Mitigation funding in Connecticut consists mainly of federal funds administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Application Deadline: February 29, 2024.
For more information go to:  https://portal.ct.gov/DEMHS/Emergency-Management/Resources-For-Officials/Hazard-Mitigation-and-Resiliency/Hazard-Mitigation-and-Resiliency 

DECD Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup grants
DECD’s Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) has released the Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) for Round 19/BAR Round 4 Funding. NOFAs are available for the following programs:

• Municipal Grant Program – Remediation & Limited-Assessment (max. of $4 million)
• Municipal Grant Program – Assessment-Only (max. of $200K OR $500K for Land Banks/COGs)
• Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program (max. of $4 million)
• BAR Planning Grant Program (max. of $200K)

OBRD will hold online presentations and Walk-In Question/Answer Hours via Microsoft Teams on January 17, 2024, January 24, 2024, January 31, 2024, and February 7, 2024. Please see the Announcement of Funding Availability for Round 19/BAR Round 4 for times, topics, and how to join. Questions regarding the NOFAs should be directed to [email protected] or 1.860.500.2395 by January 31, 2024.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2024 at noon.
For more information go to: Announcement-Letter_Rd19_132024.pdf (ct.gov)

CT DEEP Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program

DEEP is currently seeking proposals for the Federal LWCF Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. DEEP encourages interested parties to reach out at their earliest opportunity to begin a dialogue to address any questions. You may contact Cameron Clegg of the Land Acquisition and Management unit ([email protected]). Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Application Deadline: March 01, 2024.

For more information: Visit CT.gov

CT DEEP Recreational Trails Grant

CTDEEP is now accepting proposals for the State’s Recreational Trails Program Grants. Authorized in the state budget, this grant round makes $10 million available, and applications will be accepted through March 11, 2024. Any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments, and tribal governments may apply. Connecticut Recreational Trails Program funds may be requested for uses including:

• Planning and design of trails;
• Construction of new trails (motorized and non-motorized);
• Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails;
• Acquisition of land or easements for a trail, or for trail corridors;
• Operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection as related to recreational trails;
• Increased access to trails for underserved communities;

Application Deadline: March 11, 2024.

For more information: Visit CT Recreational Trails

USDOT Bridge Investment Program-Planning and Implementation

FHWA is accepting applications for $9.7 billion in multi-year funding to improve the nation’s bridges through the competitive Bridge Investment Program’s “Planning” and “Bridge Project” categories, which fund bridge planning, repair, and replacement projects under $100 million. FHWA has provided a Bridge Project Application Template and Planning Grant Application Template and highly encourages applicants to use the templates for their applications. FHWA plans to conduct outreach regarding the Bridge Investment Program “Planning” and “Bridge Project” grants via a virtual recorded webinar which will be available on FHWA’s website. Technical assistance is also available to recipients who receive Bridge Investment Program grants. 

Planning Application Deadline: February 19, 2024

Bridge Project Application Deadline: March 19, 2024.

For more information: Visit FHWA.DOT.gov

DEEP Urban Forest Equity Grant Program 

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, historic funding is available to state and local government entities, federally recognized tribes, and non-profit organizations to support urban forestry projects that will increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged communities throughout Connecticut. Eligible projects include tree planting on private lands; engaging groups in urban forest planning and planting; urban forest planning and assessment; workforce development; invasive species management; urban wood utilization; extreme heat mitigation; and urban food forests. 

An informational and grant writing guidance session will be held on February 1, 2024 from 4:30-5:30PM; request to register by contacting  [email protected]. The Urban and Community Forestry Program also offers bi-weekly virtual office hours.  Questions about the grant will be accepted through February 21, 2024 at [email protected].

Application Deadline: April 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

For more information: Visit CT.gov

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program offers an unprecedented $2 billion in grants which will fund community-driven projects that aim to address climate challenges and reduce pollution. There will be two tracks of funding under this opportunity.

• Track I will fund approximately 150 large, transformational community-driven investment grants of $10 million – $20 million.
• Track II will fund approximately 20 meaningful engagement grants of $1 million – $3 million.

Grants cannot exceed 3-years in duration.

Application Deadline: November 21, 2024.
For more information go to: grants.gov/search-results-detail/351071

UConn Municipal Technical Assistance for Brownfields (TAB)
The Spring Municipal Assistance Program RFP through TAB is now open. This program is FREE and the deadline to apply is December 15th. The program provides free technical assistance to municipalities that are interested in pursuing brownfield funding. To apply, fill out the following form: https://tab.program.uconn.edu/map-requests-for-proposals/

Application Deadline: December 15, 2023.
For more information, please visit the UConn TAB Program webpage.

CT Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs
The fiscal year 2023 Notices of Funding Opportunities for two Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants are now available. For this grant cycle, $800 million is available for the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program and the $1 billion is available to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. The application period is open from October 16, 2023 to February 29, 2024. Sub-applicants are encouraged to contact the state,
as territory or tribal applicant may have earlier deadlines. FEMA’s two competitive mitigation grant programs provide states, local communities, tribes
and territories funding to address high-level future risks to natural disasters such as wildfires, drought, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme heat, and increased flooding to foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.

Application Deadline: February 29, 2024.
For more information visit the CT DEMHS webpage.

Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced the availability of approximately $13.4 million in competitive grant funds through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning. The funding will support local planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities.

The Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning will help fund comprehensive or site-specific planning efforts that advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals to lower costs for American families, combat climate change, and promote equitable delivery of benefits to underserved communities. Special consideration will be given to applications that improve air quality, advance environmental justice, support unhoused populations, and promote housing affordability. This year, applications for areas with a lower population density or lower average income compared to surrounding areas will receive a higher federal funding share. Additionally, applications with a substantial focus on affordable housing may receive up to 100% federal cost share support.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023.

More information can be found on the Federal Transit Administration’s webpage.

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for the second years of its SMART Grants Program. This SMART Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will accept applications for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping grants. During Stage 1, the SMART program seeks to fund innovation aimed at solving real-world transportation problems and focused on building data and technology capacity and experience for State, local, and Tribal governments. The program also recognizes that many public sector transportation agencies face challenges finding the resources and personnel to leverage new technologies; so, the program builds in the time and support to enable successful deployment.

The funding opportunity is open to public sector entities seeking to carry out transportation projects that demonstrate at least one of the following technology areas:

• Coordinated automation
• Connected vehicles
• Sensors
• Systems integration
• Delivery/logistics
• Innovative aviation
• Smart grid
• Traffic signals

Application Deadline: October 10, 2023.

More information can be found on the SMART Grants Program website.

Exploring Office-to-Residential Conversions

HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research has announced a new funding opportunity to study recent efforts to convert downtown office buildings to properties with residential units since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vacant office buildings coupled with a crisis of affordable housing have recently spurred efforts among city leaders to jointly address these issues through incentives and flexibilities that allow for the conversion of vacant office buildings for residential use. Research supported by this NOFO will compile case studies of conversion projects that have taken place since the start of the pandemic, improve understanding of the financing limitations associated with conversions and the policy reforms and subsidies that can make projects more economically viable, propose metrics to evaluate conversions on housing affordability and other outcomes, and develop a guide for local leaders and practitioners.

HUD will award up to $860,000 under this NOFO. Submitted research proposals must describe how the knowledge generated under the proposed project will contribute to understanding the federal, state, or local policies and programs designed to address office-to-residential conversions.

Application Deadline: October 12, 2023.

More information can be found on Grants.gov.

Do we want to include grants that are very specific to only some municipalities? I.e., “2022-2023 Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) National Grants”? Deadline is 12/1/23

HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants for Public Schools

In 2022, Governor Lamont signed legislation establishing a new grant program to encourage public school districts to install, replace, or upgrade, their heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This program addresses school facilities’ needs and repairs for improved ventilation and indoor air quality to support healthy learning environments in districts and schools. The application for FY24 grants is open now. Eligible applicants include local boards of education, regional boards of education, and regional education service centers.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2023.

More information can be found on CT.gov

NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge

Approximately $575 million is available for projects that build the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes and storm surge) and other impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and drought. Funding was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic, federal government-wide investment that is advancing NOAA’s efforts to build Climate-Ready Coasts. The focus of this grant program is on collaborative approaches to achieving resilience in coastal regions. Proposed projects should address risk reduction, regional collaboration, and equity, and build enduring capacity for adaptation.

Full Application Deadline: February 13, 2024.

More information can be found on NOAA’s website.

CPRG Implementation Grants

The EPA has announced two competitions for CPRG implementation grants – a general competition for applications from states, municipalities, tribes, tribal consortia, and territories, and a competition only for tribes, tribal consortia, and territories. These competitions are open to entities that received planning grants to develop Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAPs) under phase 1 of the CPRG program, as well as entities that did not directly receive a planning grant that are applying for funds to implement measures included in an applicable PCAP. Eligible applicants may only apply for funding to implement measures contained in an applicable PCAP. An optional Notice of Intent to Apply is due to [email protected] by February 1, 2024.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024.

More information and the Notice of Funding Opportunity can be found on the EPA’s website.

Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services

ADS has been awarded $10 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that will be used to support upgrades and enhancements at senior centers statewide in Connecticut.  The state is designating $9 million of this funding to be distributed to municipalities. The municipalities can use the funding to support upgrades at their local senior centers through:

• Facility improvements, which can cover a variety of capital improvements, including air and HVAC systems, lighting, accessibility features, vehicle acquisition, maintenance, and repurposing; and
• Programming, which can include the acquisition of program registration software, web design renovation capability, extended senior center hours, special or focused entertainment or programming, while also encompassing expanded staff hours to support those programs, when applicable.

To obtain funding, municipalities must develop a plan and submit it, along with an application, to the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services’ Unit on Aging.

Application Deadline: June 2024

More information for municipal officials is available online at portal.ct.gov/ADS-SeniorCenterARPA.

AID Demonstration Program

Are you looking to deploy an innovation on a highway project and need funding to offset the costs?  The Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration provides incentive funds to eligible entities to accelerate the implementation and adoption of innovation in highway transportation. AID Demonstration funds can be used in any phase of a highway transportation project between project planning and project delivery, including planning, finance, operation, structures, materials, pavements, environment, and construction.

This is a multi-year NOFO, and the first solicitation period (for “FY 23”) is now open from October 24, 2023 to January 23, 2024.  The “FY 24” solicitation period will quickly follow—from February 27, 2024 to May 28, 2024.  The NOFO will also cover FY 25 and FY 26. The 2023-2026 AID Demonstration will make up to $10 million in grants in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and $12.5 million FYs 2024 through FY 2026. The FHWA will host an external webinar to overview the program on November 20, 2023 from 3 – 4 PM ET. You can register here: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/8ef5041e-98fd-4935-9059-da51457af215@c4cd245b-44f0-4395-a1aa-3848d258f78b

Application Deadline: January 23, 2024.

For more information, please visit the FHWA Innovation Grants webpage.

CT DECD Community Investment Fund (CIF) Grants (Round 4)

The Department of Economic and Community Development (“DECD”) is administrating the fourth round of the Community Investment Fund 2030. CIF provides funding for a variety of capital improvement and small business support projects. Eligible projects can be viewed in the Notice of Funding Availability.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2023 at Noon.

More information can be found on the Community Investment Fund 2030 webpage.

Clean School Bus Program Rebates

The EPA is offering a Clean School Bus Rebate Program to eligible entities to subsidize the purchase of a zero-emission (ZE) or clean school bus, eligible infrastructure, and other costs, including workforce training, that meet the requirements of the program. Rebates allow selectees to receive awarded funds before purchasing the buses and associated infrastructure listed in their application. Eligible entities include public school districts and third parties.

The EPA plans to award at least $500 million through this rebate competition. For more information, please visit https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-rebates

Application Deadline: January 31, 2024, before 4 PM.

Indoor Air Quality Grant Program

Make sure your school district doesn’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program administered by the Department of Administrative Services. Below are links to a few resources to support your school districts in applying for the grant program:

• Program guidance document
• Recording of the informational webinar
• Slides from the webinar
• Air Quality Resources (ct.gov), including an information and recommendations document compiled by DPH IAQ/IEQ team
• FAQs (ct.gov)