Funding Opportunities for Organics Management

DEC Funding for Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment -- Application Period Closed 

The goal of this funding program is to assist 501(c)(3) not-for-profits that provide emergency food relief in New York State. Approximately $500,000 is available for Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment Grants. 

2023 Amendment: Approximately $1,750,000 has been additionally allocated to this grant program to fund additional applicants. 

Eligible Applicants 
501(c)(3) not-for-profit (NFP) corporations that provide emergency food relief in New York State, excluding New York State Food Banks, are considered eligible applicants. Note: New York State Food Banks are not eligible. 

Eligible Equipment 
The following types of equipment that assist local emergency food relief organizations in providing food to those in need are eligible for funding under this grant program: 

Applications were accepted on an ongoing basis from October 5, 2022 3:00PM EST to Wednesday October 4th, 2023 3:00 PM EST. All projects will be evaluated by DEC for eligibility in the order in which they are received (first-in, first-out). The application period for this grant program has closed. 

DEC Municipal Funding for Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives -- Application Period Closed 

The goal of this funding program is to assist municipalities in starting or expanding municipal food scraps recycling programs. To ensure equitable access and development of food scraps recycling opportunities for all New Yorkers, this year's opportunity will prioritize the first half of available funds for eligible projects serving Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged communities. 

Approximately $2 million is available for funding of Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives. The first $1,000,000 will prioritize eligible projects that dedicate at least 50% of the total requested funding to serving environmental justice communities. 

2023 Amendment: Approximately $750,000 has been additionally allocated to this grant program to fund additional projects. 

The following types of projects are included in this opportunity: 

Applications were accepted on an ongoing basis from May 2, 2022 3:00PM EST to October 4, 2023 3:00PM EST. All projects will be evaluated by DEC for eligibility in the order in which they are received (first-in, first-out). The application period for this grant program has closed. 

DEC Climate Smart Communities Grant Program 

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant program provides 50/50 matching grants to cities, towns, villages and counties of New York State for eligible climate adaption and mitigation projects. 

The Climate Smart Communities Grant program is now accepting applications. The deadline for the 2024 round is July 31, 2024. 

DEC Community Impacts Grant Program 

The Community Impacts Grant program provides funding for 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations. Organizations with other types of tax-exempt status, such as 501(c)(4), are not eligible to apply for an EJ grant without a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Eligible projects must address a community's exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks and include a research component that will be used to expand the knowledge of the affected community. One primary project type under the Community Impact Grants Program is addressing organic waste impacts. 

The Community Impact Grant program is now accepting applications. The deadline is 3:00 PM August 7, 2024. 

USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreements 

Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) cooperative agreements assist local and municipal governments with projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. Implementation activities will increase access to compost for agricultural producers, improve soil quality and encourages innovative, scalable waste management plans that reduce and divert food waste from landfills. 

Note: The USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreement is now accepting applications. The deadline is September 4, 2024.

NYS P2I Community Grants Program 

Funding available for community organizations, municipal departments, and other public sector and not-for-profit entities for projects that raise awareness and understanding of pollution prevention practices and lead to implementation at the local level. Learn more. 

Note: This funding opportunity is currently closed. This is an annual funding program.

NYSAR3 Green School Grant Program 

Funding available for all public and private, K-12 schools in New York State to increase awareness or minimize waste through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and/or composting and outreach. Learn more about NYSAR3 Green School Grant Program.  

Note: This funding opportunity is currently closed. This is an annual funding program.  

NYSAR3 College Council Grant+ Program 
 

Each year, NYSAR³'s College Council grants, supported by the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I), are offered to New York State universities, colleges and trade schools who are members of the College Council. Learn more about NYSAR3 College Council Grant+ Program.  

Note: This funding opportunity is currently closed. This is an annual funding program.  

DEC Municipal Funding for Food Scraps Reduction, Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling - Awardees Announced 

The goal of this funding program was to assist municipalities in creating and expanding programs to reduce wasted food, donate wholesome food and recycle food scraps (composting, anaerobic digestion, etc.) 

Municipal Food Scraps Reduction, Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Awards (PDF) 

Note: This funding opportunity has ended.