Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program

(CGS Section 7-131d to 7-131k, inclusive)
Community Garden in New London
McDonald Park Community Garden, McDonald Street 
Sponsored By City of New London & New London FRESH

 

The Department's Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program provides funding assistance to develop or enhance urban open 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.

 

NOTICE!

Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the effects of social distancing measures on all types of business, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is extending the deadline for all OSWA and UGCG applications.

The deadline for applications will be extended by 30 days to July 1, 2020.

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.  Awards may not be announced until adequate funding is available.
 
Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Application (including Answers to Frequently Asked Questions)

Grant Program Eligibility Requirements:
  • Applicants must be a municipality, or a municipality partnering with a non-profit organization;
  • Projects must take place within the territorial limits of a “Distressed Municipality” or a “Targeted Investment Community” (CGS section 32-9p);
  • Projects must take place on publicly-owned land.  If a non-profit organization is a co-applicant, it must have control of the project area for at least 10 years or another term as approved by the Commissioner of DEEP;
  • Applicants must have funds available or funding sources available for 50% of the anticipated total project cost;
  • Projects must create, enhance or restore a community garden or urban 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;
  • Projects cannot be for commercial activities (i.e., use of property for sale of goods or productions of goods for sale that generate a profit, turf athletic fields, indoor recreational facilities, or swimming pools); and
  • Projects cannot take place on land that was acquired by eminent domain.

Working at the FRESH Community Garden
Mercer and Williams Street Community Garden
Sponsored By City of New London & New London FRESH

Additional Assistance

Please first reference the Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have additional questions, please contact Allyson Clarke or Holly Lalime:

Allyson Clarke, Property Agent
Phone:  (860) 424-3774
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Land Acquisition and Management Unit
Office of Constituent Affairs/Land Management
79 Elm Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06106-5127

Holly Lalime, Property Agent
Phone:  (860) 424-4078
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Land Acquisition and Management Unit
Office of Constituent Affairs/Land Management
79 Elm Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06106-5127

Content updated on March 25, 2020