DEC Extends Deadline for Open Space Conservation Grant Applications

 

Applications Now Being Accepted Until April 15, 2026

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the application deadline for the first of what will be multiple rounds of the Open Space Conservation Grant Program (OSCGP) has been extended to Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The new open space funding opportunity is designed to support conservation by making $25 million available to land conservation partners to purchase land in New York State for permanent protection. Multiple rounds of the OSCGP are anticipated.   

Open space conservation projects protect water and air quality, promote access to green space, provide habitat connectivity and diverse ecosystems, and promote resilient communities for all New Yorkers. Funding for this grant program is provided by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, and Indian Nations or Tribes.  

Projects must align with the goals of the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and possess at least one of the seven resources identified as priorities in the Environmental Bond Act, including projects that: possess ecological, habitat, recreational, or scenic values; protect the quality of a drinking water supply; provide flood control or flood mitigation values; constitute a floodplain; provide or have the potential to provide important habitat connectivity; provide open space for the use and enjoyment of the public; or provide community gardens in urban areas. All funded projects are encouraged to allow, create, or enhance public access.  

Grant applications/bids are due by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Applicants must register in the Statewide Financial System before applying, and nonprofits must also prequalify before the deadline, or their application will not be reviewed. Visit grantsmanagement.ny.gov for more information.

For full details about the grant opportunity, including project eligibility requirements and scoring criteria, please visit DEC’s website. To view a recording of the webinar about the grant, visit on.ny.gov/OSCgrantwebinar.  

For general information on submitting an application/bid or for clarification of bid requirements, contractual terms, and procedures, email dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov and include “Open Space Conservation Grant Program” in the subject line.