Grants and Financial Assistance
Below is a list of active funding opportunities administered by DEEP. For more information on a specific program, please click the grant title link.
Current Funding Opportunities:
Air | Energy | Forestry | Sustainable Materials Management | Water
2021 State Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program
This year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is allocating to Connecticut a minimum of $344,000, authorized under the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), for projects to reduce diesel pollution in the state. In addition, DEEP has reserved the opportunity to more than double its DERA allocation using funds available through the “DERA Option” under Connecticut’s Volkswagen Mitigation Program (VW Program); this could increase the total to as much as $767,000. DEEP is seeking grant proposals from municipalities, organizations, and businesses for diesel emissions reduction projects that are environmentally and economically beneficial, can be initiated promptly, and will be completed by August 31, 2022.
Application Deadline: December 17, 2021
Contact: DEEP.MobileSources@ct.gov
Statewide Weatherization Barrier Remediation Program Operator
The Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy is seeking a qualified Program Operator(s) for a new Weatherization Barrier Remediation Program. The purpose of this program is to address health and safety issues, such as mold and asbestos, that prevent the completion of residential weatherization and energy efficiency measures. The Program Operator(s) will be selected through a competitive RFP. Based on Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Assurances, applicant preference is given to a non-profit, community action agency, or unit of local government.
Application Deadline: January 4, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Holly Suchecki | Holly.Suchecki@ct.gov | (860) 827-2844
State Energy Program
Federal grant from US DOE which can be used to fund projects which promote energy efficiency, energy security, or environmentally friendly economic growth. Typical annual funding around $700k. No maximum individual award limit. Projects are selected by DEEP in alignment with goals of the Comprehensive Energy Strategy.
Application Deadline: Annually, in April
Contact: Kyle Ellsworth | Kyle.Ellsworth@ct.gov | (860) 827-2856
Weatherization Assistance Program
Federal grant from US DOE to address weatherization and health and safety issues in homes for low-income residents. Annual funding of about $3.7 million. Roughly 80% of funds are passed through to local community action agencies who administer the program at the ground level. Eligibility for customers is 60% SMI.
Application Deadline: Annually, in May
Contact: Kyle Ellsworth | Kyle.Ellsworth@ct.gov | (860) 827-2856
Urban Forestry Climate Change Grant Program
These are large grants ($10,000-$37,000) that can be used to initiate, grow, support, and expand activities by municipalities and non-profits that use urban forestry to address issues of environmental justice and combat the impacts of climate change. Examples of the types of projects that may be funded include, but are not limited to, the planting of trees, improving the management and maintenance of existing trees and/or wooded areas, and educational, outreach or planning efforts that will lead to improvements in local tree canopy cover. There is $370,000 available for two rounds of projects that are one year in length.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2022
Contact: Heather Dionne | Heather.Dionne@hartford.gov
Urban Forestry Equity Through Capacity Building Grant Program
These are smaller grants ($5,000-$10,000) to assist up-and-coming organizations and municipalities interested in pursuing urban forestry projects while also building capacity within their organization. Projects should be designed to address issues of environmental justice and combat the impacts of climate change. Examples of the types of projects that may be funded include, planning projects such as workshops and studies to identify programmatic goals or on the ground projects such as tree planting and/or maintenance projects. There is $290,000 available for two rounds of projects that are one year in length.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline starting in January 2022
Contact: Danica Doroski | danica.doroski@ct.gov
America The Beautiful
America the Beautiful Grant Program offers funding for municipalities and 501(c)3 organizations to pursue planning projects in urban forestry. These projects may include, but are not limited to, conducting inventories of street or park trees, creating urban forest management plans, developing monitoring programs to document tree condition, or surveys of urban woodlands and natural areas. Awards range from $1,000-$20,000 and are administered through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Application Deadline: December 3, 2021
Contact: Danica Doroski | danica.doroski@ct.gov | 860-500-0152
Community Forestry Small Grants Program
The Community Forestry Small Grants Program supports small urban and community forestry projects throughout the state. Municipalities and small volunteer and non-profits groups may apply; 501(c)3 status is not a requirement for these grants. Projects funded by this grant program might include tree planting, efforts to protect existing trees, development and distribution of plant stewardship material, implementation of an event that engages students with the outdoors, or training of community stewards. Grants are administered through the Connecticut Urban Forest Council and are for amounts up to $2,000.
Application Deadline: Spring 2022
Contact: Richard Cowles |Richard.Cowles@ct.gov
Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program
The grant program will support the establishment of beverage container redemption centers in urban centers and environmental justice communities. Preference will be given to locally-owned, minority-owned, and/or women-owned business applicants, and first-time redemption center owners and new redemption centers. Business owners, municipalities, and regional councils of government are eligible to apply. Awards may not exceed $150,000 per redemption center, and must be used for purposes including infrastructure, technology, and costs associated with the establishment of a beverage container redemption center and for initial operational expenses of the redemption center.
Application Deadline: Applications for fiscal year 2021-2022 will be accepted on a rolling basis from January 1, 2022 to May 30, 2022
Contact: DEEP.RecyclingProgram@ct.gov
Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program
Grant funds available to help municipalities and regional waste authorities initiate and scale up Unit-Based Pricing and/ or food scraps collection programs, pursuant to Public Acts, Spec. Sess., June 2021, No. 21-2, § 308. Grant amounts vary based on scope and expected outcome of the project. Projects are selected by DEEP in alignment with goals of the Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy and the CT Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management
Application Deadline: Phase 2 application accepted from eligible applicants that were invited to move to Phase 2. Open January 25, 2022 – March 31, 2022. Applications reviewed and awarded on a first-come first-served basis for as long as funds are available. DEEP reserves the right to extend the deadline and/or consider late applications.
Contact: DEEP.RecyclingProgram@ct.gov
Grants for the Control of Aquatic Invasive Species
Grant funding opportunity for municipalities, stage agencies, and not-for-profit organizations to conduct control/management projects, research projects, and education and outreach projects related to aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2022
Contact: Email questions to DEEP.AISGrants@ct.gov before January 4, 2022
DEEP Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants
Grants are awarded for projects that address Nonpoint Source impacts in surface waters including creation and implementation of approved Watershed Based Plans. Typical maximum awards are under $500,000 from a total available of approximately $1million. Proposals may be submitted by any interested public or private organization.
Application Deadline: December 22, 2021
Contact: DEEP.watershed@ct.gov
Content last updated December, 2021.