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New York State Conservation Partnership Program

The New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Alliance’s New York Program. This program offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to advance land conservation, economic development, farmland protection, community conservation and recreation and tourism.

Program History

Over the past 17 years, the Conservation Partnership Program has awarded 997 grants totaling $21.7 million to 91 land trusts working across New York. This funding, provided by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, has leveraged more than $23 million in local matching funds, helping land trusts conserve tens of thousands of acres of farmland, wildlife habitat, recreational areas and urban open spaces.

Funding Opportunities

Now Accepting Applications for the 18th Round of New York State Conservation Partnership Program Grants

The Land Trust Alliance, with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Legislature is pleased to announce an 18th round of competitive land trust grants through the New York State Conservation Partnership Program. This successful public-private partnership is funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Alliance, in coordination with the DEC.

Up to $3.375 million is available through the 2021-2022 grants round which will be awarded in the spring of 2022. Grant awards are contingent upon the receipt of state funds.

All applications must be completed through our online application and reporting system (including Professional Development Letters of Interest). The deadline for all final applications is December 15 by 5 p.m. Eastern.

How to Apply

  1. Create or login to your account using the link above
  2. Download and review the following documents:
  3. Attend a virtual roundtable

In addition to the information above, potential applicants are also encouraged to review the eligibility requirements, program description and other materials below and to reach out to the Alliance’s New York Program staff to discuss project ideas.

  • Meme Hanley, New York senior program manager | mhanley@lta.org | 518-587-6436
  • Katrina Howey, grants management specialist | khowey@lta.org | 518-587-0932

Current grantees can always access their account through our online Application and Reporting Portal. Having trouble logging in or need to update organizational information? Please contact the Alliance’s New York Program Office, 518-587-0774.

Eligibility Requirements

Grant funding through the Conservation Partnership Program is available to qualified land conservation organizations working in New York State that meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Applicant’s mission is dedicated to land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands, and has formally adopted the 2017 Land Trust Standards and Practices.
  • Applicant's service area and/or project site is located within the State of New York. These funds are only to be used for projects, programs and activities within the State of New York.

Note: Applicants do not need to be members of the Land Trust Alliance to apply for or receive grant funding. However, non-member land trusts are encouraged to learn more about the benefits of land trust membership. While accreditation is also not a prerequisite, accreditation status (including applicant’s demonstrated intention to prepare for accreditation) is an important factor in the grant evaluation process.

Program Description

Conservation Partnership Program Grants are available in five categories:

  • Capacity & Excellence: grants to develop land trust programs and build organizational capacity to increase impact and sustainability of non-profit conservation organizations.
  • Conservation Catalyst: grants to support collaborative projects that “catalyze” new partnerships and community-supported conservation, stewardship, and outreach initiatives.
  • Professional Development: grants for land trusts looking to professionalize and strengthen programs and services by adding permanent staff.
  • Stewardship & Resource Management: grants for land trusts seeking to make a substantial capital investment in public access improvements and on the ground stewardship of conserved properties.
  • Transaction: grants that help cover the indirect costs associated with new conservation easements and fee-acquisition projects that result in strategic, permanent protection of environmentally significant lands in New York.

Resource Library

For reference while working on your application.