Grants and Financial Assistance

For more information on BIL & IRA-specific federal funding, please visit DEEP's BIL & IRA Updates page.

Below is a list of active funding opportunities administered by DEEP. For more information on a specific program, please click the grant title link. 

View Closed Funding Opportunities

Current Funding Opportunities:

Climate ResilienceEnergy | Open Space | Outdoor Recreation | Pollution PreventionSustainable Materials MGMTWater

 

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DEEP Climate Resilience Fund – Matching Funds for FEMA BRIC

 

The Matching Funds for FEMA BRIC program will provide non-federal matching funds to support communities applying for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program (FEMA BRIC). DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA BRIC is open to municipal governments, local public utilities, federally recognized Tribal nations, and other entities that are submitting FEMA BRIC applications. DEEP will award non-federal funds to cover between 25% and 75% of FEMA BRIC’s required match, dependent on project scope, location, and the applicant pool.

Application Deadline: March 3, 2025

Contact: DEEP.climateresilience@ct.gov

 

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Solar for All

Federal grant from US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to increase access to distributed solar and energy storage technologies for low-income and disadvantaged communities. DEEP has five years to spend the $62.45 million grant and will focus on multi-family affordable housing in implementing the Solar for All funding through Project SunBridge. DEEP encourages participation in stakeholder and community engagement opportunities as the details of Project SunBridge implementation are determined. Funding is expected to be available to customers in 2025.

Application Deadline:To be determined
Grant Closed Date: August 31, 2029
Point of Contact:  DEEP.EnergyBureau@ct.gov

Grid Resilience State/Tribal Grant Program

Federal grant from the US DOE which will support the efficient and reliable integration of variable and distributed energy resources needed to meet the state's 100% zero-carbon electric sector goal and avoid fossil peaking generation. DEEP will receive a total of $16 million over a period of five years. Grant funds will be used to improve system reliability and resilience in various weather and storm conditions as well as to attract, train, and retain a skilled and local workforce, especially from disadvantaged communities. There is not an active request for proposals to select projects. DEEP has not yet selected projects for the funding.

Application Deadline: To be determined
Contact: DEEP - BETP | Deep.EnergyBureau@ct.gov

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.  DEEP is currently using this funding to assist with the implementation of other state and federal funding by supporting staffing and consultant costs. DEEP is not currently accepting applications for this funding at this time.

Application Deadline: Annually, in April
Contact: DEEP - BETP | DEEP.EnergyBureau@ct.gov

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 $3.5 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: DEEP Weatherization Assistance Program | DEEP.Weatherization@ct.gov

ConneCTed Communities Grant Program

Round two of the ConneCTed Communities will have approximately $10 million in funding available via a competitive grant program that will fund the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure designed to support the goal of universal access to affordable, resilient, and reliable broadband. DEEP is seeking applications for grant funding to facilitate low-income and multi-family curb-to-home and business broadband infrastructure buildout in underserved areas that will result in service at speeds of at least 100 Mbps/100 Mbps. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, private for-profit entities, non-profit entities, and certain other organizations and partnerships.

Application Deadline: Rolling
Application Close Date: December 2026
Contact: DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov

 

BEAD Program

The BEAD Program is a federal initiative aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring every American has access to reliable, high-speed internet. Connecticut was allocated approximately $144 million to connect all unserved and underserved locations in the state. If the state is able to ensure service to all unserved and underserved locations, it may connect Eligible Community Anchor Institutions, such as schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities, to enhance community-wide access to essential services. Eligible entities must have already prequalified with DEEP to apply.

Application Deadline: February 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Grant Close Date: February 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Contact: DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov

 

 

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The Land and Water Conservation Fund: Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program

The NPS has announced Round 8 for the Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program.  The ORLP Program is a nationally competitive grant program wherein Municipalities over 30,000 population and containing underserved communities (census tracts) per the Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool, or Regional Planning Groups applying on their behalf, may submit proposals for land acquisitions or improvements that will provide or improve recreational opportunities in those communities. 

Application Deadline: Annually
Contact: Cameron Clegg | Cameron.clegg@ct.gov

 

Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program

The Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG) is available to Distressed Municipalities, Targeted Investment Communities and Environmental Justice Communities. It provides funding assistance to enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education.  This can include green infrastructure (rain gardens/bioswales), community gardens, native plantings and passive walking paths. Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate the highest ability to benefit urban communities in close proximity to population centers.

Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
Contact: Jamie Sydoriak | Jamie.Sydoriak@ct.gov

 

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Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program

The Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program is a competitive federal funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Department of the Interior (DOI). The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program was created by Congress to address the need for better shoreline access for traveling boaters to enhance access to recreational, cultural, historic, scenic, and natural resources across the United States. For Fiscal Year 2024, USFWS is making an estimated total of $14 million available for transient amenities. The grant is intended to provide federal funds to public and private agencies, marinas, and other facilities for creating or renovating tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or larger.

 

Application Deadline: July 29, 2024, 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Contact: Kate Hughes Brown | 860-447-4340 | Kate.Brown@ct.gov

Federal Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program

The CVA program provides annual matching federal grants to fund the purchase, installation, repair/upgrade, operation and maintenance of recreational vessel marine sanitation facilities (pumpout facilities) and pumpout vessels. Eligible applicants include public and private marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards, municipal and state-owned facilities and pumpout vessel programs. Approximately $1 million in grants is available each year in Connecticut for CVA grants. Grants provide up to 75% of the cost of each project, with 25% matching funds being required from the individual grantees. 

Application Deadline: Annually
Contact: Kate Hughes Brown | 860-447-4340 | Kate.Brown@ct.gov

  

Funding for Craft Beverage Manufacturers in CT for Projects that Prevent Pollution

Funding to help craft beverage manufacturers implement source reduction practices that reduce CO2, GHG emissions, avoid air and wastewater pollutants, eliminate or reduce toxic chemical use, and /or decrease solid waste. Funding for new projects only, previously purchased equipment is not eligible. Up to $5,000 available per award.

Application Deadline:January 31, 2025
Grant Closed Date: Grantees must complete all deliverables by June 1, 2025
Point of Contact: DEEP.Pollutionprevention@ct.gov and Connie.Mendolia@ct.gov

 

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Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce the availability of solid waste infrastructure grant funding for Connecticut municipalities and regions through the Materials Management Infrastructure (MMI) Grant program, pursuant to Public Act No. 23-205, § 13(c)(7). The Public Act authorized $15 million in total. DEEP expects to award this grant funding over two (2) grant rounds, the size and scope of which are yet to be determined but will be influenced by the number, type, and amount of funding requests received in the first grant round.

Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
Grant Closed Date: December 9, 2024
Point of Contact: DEEP.MMCAPlanning@ct.gov

 

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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 $1.2 million. Proposals may be submitted by any interested public or private organization.

Application Deadline: February 13, 2025
Contact: DEEP.Watershed@ct.gov

  

 

Content last updated February 2025.