Open Space Conservation Grant Program
Purpose
The purpose of this grant program is to support land conservation in order to:
- protect air and water quality;
- provide habitat connectivity;
- preserve diverse ecosystems;
- mitigate the impacts of climate change;
- provide equitable access to open space and recreational opportunities; and
- promote resilient communities.
Funding
This grant is funded through New York State's Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act) and the Environmental Protection Fund.
Increasing Climate Resiliency and Adaptation
Open Space Conservation projects funded through the Bond Act will focus on increasing climate resiliency and adaptation. These projects will buffer communities and diverse ecosystems to:
- protect against impacts from large storm events;
- protect forests for the benefit of heat mitigation;
- offer large-scale habitat connectivity; and
- protect water quality through waterbody and waterway conservation.
2025 Open Space Conservation Grant Program Documents
Grant projects will align with Open Space Conservation Plan (OSP) priorities and the State’s 30x30 goals, achieving critical environmental and community resource protection needs across New York State. More information for applicants, including further details on each of the sections below, can be found in the Request for Applications (RFA).
- Open Space Conservation Grant RFA (PDF)
- Appendix A - Financial Workbook, including Performance Based Budget Instructions (PDF)
- Appendix B - Bid Submission Checklist (PDF)
- Appendix C - Sample Municipal Resolution (PDF)
- Appendix D - Sample Landowner Agreement Letter (PDF)
- Appendix E - Notice of Grant Language (PDF)
- Appendix F - Grant Appraisal Requirements (PDF)
- Appendix G - Surveys (PDF)
- Grant Programs Standards and Procedures for Appraisal Reporting & Reviewing (July 2025) (PDF)
Webinar for Interested Applicants
View a recording of the December 3, 2025 webinar about project eligibility and the application process.
Program Overview
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit organizations;
- Indian Nations or Tribe; and
- Municipalities.
Eligible Costs
Eligible expenses include:
- the purchase price of the land;
- appraisal, survey and boundary marking;
- title search;
- legal fees;
- environmental assessment; and
- site improvements to improve recreational access.
Note that conservation defense insurance premiums are eligible for land trusts only. All other stewardship and defense fund costs are not eligible.
Eligible Projects
Acquired properties must align with the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and possess at least one of the following seven resources that are defined in the Bond Act as protecting lands or waters and/or providing recreational opportunities for the public.
- Possess ecological, habitat, recreational or scenic values;
- Protect the quality of a drinking water supply;
- Provide flood control or flood mitigation values;
- Constitute a floodplain;
- Provide or have the potential to provide important habitat connectivity;
- Provide open space for the use and enjoyment of the public; or
- Provide community gardens in urban areas.
Additionally, only projects that involve the purchase of land are eligible.
Awards
There is $25 million in grant funding available from the Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund. Applicants may apply for a minimum grant amount of $50,000 and up to a maximum of $3,500,000.
Match Requirements
There is no match requirement for this grant.
How to Apply
Applications for the Open Space Conservation Grant program are now open!
All applications must be filed through NYS SFS Grants Management System. Register at SFS Grants Management to apply.
The NYS SFS Grants Management system offers a Vendor User Manual, training videos and webinars for bidders requiring assistance.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the application deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
If you do not have a login and if you are new to the SFS Vendor portal and would like to establish an account for the purposes of doing business with the State of New York, contact the SFS Help Desk at 518-457-7717, 855-233-8363 or [email protected] for more information.
Deadlines
Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in SFS Grants Management.
Program Questions
Questions about the Open Space Conservation Grant program should be directed to:
Division of Lands and Forests
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12333-4254
[email protected]
