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    The New York State Conservation Partnership Program is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alliance’s New York Program.

    Throughout its history, the Conservation Partnership Program has awarded 1,144 grants totaling more than $28 million to 94 land trusts working across New York. This funding, provided by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, has leveraged more than $29.5 million in local matching funds, helping land trusts conserve tens of thousands of acres of farmland, wildlife habitat, recreational areas and urban open spaces.

    Current funding opportunities

    The New York State Conservation Partnership Program is not currently accepting new grant applications. The Land Trust Alliance and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation expect to release a Request for Proposals for the 2024-2025 round of CPP grants in early September 2024. In the meantime, prospective applicants are encouraged to look through last years Request for Proposals, Evaluation Criteria and Frequently Asked Questions. 

    Prospective applicants and current awardees can create a new account or access their existing account through our online Application and Reporting Portal. Having trouble logging in or need to update organizational information? Please contact Katrina Howey, New York Project Manager.

    Grant types available

    Conservation Partnership Program Grants are available in five categories:

    Capacity & Excellence

    Grants to develop land trust programs and build organizational capacity to increase impact and sustainability of non-profit conservation organizations.

    Conservation Catalyst

    Grants to support collaborative projects that “catalyze” new partnerships and community-supported conservation, stewardship and outreach initiatives.

    Professional Development

    Grants for land trusts looking to professionalize and strengthen programs and services by adding permanent staff.

    Stewardship & Resource Management

    Grants for land trusts seeking to make a substantial capital investment in public access improvements and on the ground stewardship of conserved properties.

    Transaction

    Grants that help cover the indirect costs associated with new conservation easements and fee-acquisition projects that result in strategic, permanent protection of environmentally significant lands in New York.

    Eligibility requirements

    Grant funding through the Conservation Partnership Program is available to qualified land conservation organizations working in New York State that meet the following criteria:

    • Applicant is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

    • Applicant’s mission is dedicated to land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands, and has formally adopted the 2017 Land Trust Standards and Practices.

    • Applicant’s service area and/or project site is located within the state of New York. Grant funds may only be used for projects, program and activities within the State of New York.

    • Applicants do not need to be members of the Land Trust Alliance to apply for or receive grant funding. However, non-member land trusts are encouraged to learn more about the benefits of Land Trust Alliance membership.

    • Applicants are not required to be accredited to apply for or receive grant funding, however, accreditation status (including an applicants demonstrated intention to prepare for accreditation) is an important factor in the grant evaluation process.

    Resource library

    For reference while working on your application.

    Questions? Reach out.

    Jamie Brown

    New York Senior Program Manager

    Katrina Howey

    New York Project Manager