Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program

(CGS Section 7-131d to 7-131k, inclusive)

Community Garden in New London
McDonald Street Community Garden, co-sponsored by New London FRESH
City of New London - UGCG Grant Recipient
 
*NEW* Through December 2, 2024, the Department is currently accepting applications to the Urban Green & Community Grant Program (UGCG).

UGCG Application Form:  PDF
UGCG Guidelines & FAQ:  PDF

The Department's Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG) is available to distressed municipalities, targeted investment communities, registered non-profit organizations, and municipalities that are an environmental justice community.  The program provides funding assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education.  Promotion of open space in an urban setting may include, but may not be limited to, the development of a community garden or reclaiming and enhancing existing open space for the public's use.  Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate the highest ability to benefit urban communities in close proximity to population centers.

The UGCG is administered through the Department's Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program.

Grants under both UGCG and OSWA are based on the merits of the projects and the level of funding available.  Funding for these programs is derived from State bond funds and/or the Community Investment Act.

Grant Program Eligibility Requirements:
  • Applicants must be a municipality or a non-profit organization registered with the Connecticut Secretary of the State;
  • Projects must take place within the territorial limits of a “Distressed Municipality” (CGS Sec. 32-9p), a “Targeted Investment Community” (CGS Sec. 32-70), or an Environmental Justice Community; 
  • This is a match share reimbursement program.  Applicants must have funds available or funding sources available for 50% of the anticipated total project cost;
  • Projects must create, enhance, or restore a public urban community garden or green space;
  • Applicants must clearly show how the public will access and enjoy the project.  If public access is not clearly shown, the project will not be evaluated or awarded a grant;
  • Grant funding cannot be applied to or be used as reimbursement for commercial activities (i.e., use of property for sale of goods or productions of goods for sale that generate a profit) or for active recreation development (i.e., dog parks, turf athletic fields, washing facilities, bathrooms, indoor recreational facilities, swimming pools); and
  • Projects cannot take place on land that was acquired by eminent domain. 

Additional Assistance  

Please first reference the Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions document.  If you have additional questions, please contact:

Jamie Sydoriak, Environmental Analyst
Email: Jamie.Sydoriak@ct.gov
Phone:  (860) 424-3143
Land Acquisition and Management Unit
Office of the Commissioner

  

 Content updated August 2024