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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.

Announcing the 18th Round of Conservation Partnership Program Grants

April 18, 2022: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced $3.375 million in Conservation Partnership Program grants for 51 not-for-profit land trusts across the State. The announcement, made during New York State’s Earth Week celebration, includes a total of 80 grants funded through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will leverage an additional $2.7 million in private and local funding to support projects that protect water quality and farmland, boost public access for outdoor recreation and conserve open space. The Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation Partnership Program in coordination with the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Program History

Throughout its history, the Conservation Partnership Program has awarded 1,077 grants totaling more than $25 million to 92 land trusts working across New York. This funding, provided by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, has leveraged more than $26.5 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

We are no longer accepting applications, but check back for future announcements of funding opportunities.

Current grantees can always access their account through our online Application and Reporting Portal.

Questions? Please reach out to the Alliance’s New York Program staff:

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

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.