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    The New York State Conservation Partnership Program is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alliance’s New York Program.

    Throughout its history, the Conservation Partnership Program has awarded 1,269 grants totaling more than $34 million to 99 land trusts working across New York. This funding, provided by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, has leveraged at least $34.6 million in local matching funds, helping land trusts conserve tens of thousands of acres of farmland, wildlife habitat, recreational areas and urban open spaces.

    Learn more about the impact of the program

    Current funding opportunities

    The Land Trust Alliance, with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is pleased to announce the 22nd 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 $2.7 million in funding is available through the 2026 grant round. Grant funding is contingent upon the availability and receipt of state funds by the Alliance. If awarded, any expenses incurred prior to the execution of a grant agreement will be made at the risk of the grantee. Grant awards will be announced in the spring of 2026. The deadline for all applications is Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 by 5 p.m. Eastern.

    Please note, Professional Development Grants do NOT require a letter of interest/pre-proposal this round.

    Prospective applicants and current awardees can create a new account or access their existing account through our online Application and Reporting Portal. Having trouble logging in or need to update organizational information? Please contact Katrina Howey, New York project manager.

    Grant types available

    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.

    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.

    • Applicants’ primary mission is the conservation and/or stewardship of private lands. Organizations that are exclusively focused on advocacy, education or the conservation and stewardship of public lands, e.g. state-owned lands, are not eligible.

    • Applicant has formally adopted the Alliance’s Land Trust Standards and Practices (revised 2017) by submitting a board resolution to the Land Trust Alliance. This must be completed before submitting a grant application.

    • The applicant’s service area and/or project site are located within the State of New York. Grant funds may only be used for projects, programs and activities within the State of New York.

    • Applicants are not required 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 becoming an Alliance member.

    • Applicants are not required to be accredited to apply for or receive grant funding, however, accreditation status (including an applicant’s demonstrated intention to prepare for accreditation) is an important factor in the grant evaluation process.

    Grant award archives

    Resource library

    For reference while working on your application.

    Questions? Reach out.

    Jamie Brown

    New York Senior Program Manager

    jbrown@lta.org

    Katrina Howey

    New York Project Manager

    khowey@lta.org