LaBella Associates continually identifies funding opportunities from state, federal, and not-for-profit sources to support specific projects or initiatives. Below you will find the latest rounds of funding opportunities available for your project.
We will continue to share updates with our clients as more details on 2026 funding opportunities become available, along with any additional project funding news. Please let us know how we can assist in finding and securing funding tailored to your community.
Click below to see more information on each grant funding opportunity:
- NYSDEC – Open Space Conservation Grant
- NY PLAYS – Place for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization
- Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) – 2026 Catalyst Grant Program
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) – Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
Grant applications were prepared by LaBella.
In grant applications submitted.
Total project costs were supported by grant applications.
Current Open Space Conservation Grant Program
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Open Space Conservation Grant Program
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 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
- Promote resilient communities
Eligible Applicants
Municipalities, non-profits, authorities, improvement districts in the State of New York.
Funding Details
- Maximum Funding: $50,000-$3.5 million
- Match Requirements: No match
- Funding Priorities: Acquired properties must align with the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and possess at least one of the seven resources that are defined in the Bond Act as protecting lands or waters and/or providing recreational opportunities for the public. Only projects that involve the purchase of land are eligible.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Current State Economic & Infrastructure Development (SEID) Program Opportunity
Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) – 2026 Catalyst Grant Program
Purpose
NBRC’s Catalyst Program funds projects that stimulate economic growth and improve rural economic vitality across eligible counties in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Eligible uses include transportation and basic public infrastructure, broadband/telecommunications, business and workforce development, basic healthcare facilities, and resource conservation/tourism/outdoor recreation projects.
Eligible Applicants
State governments (ME, NH, NY, VT); local governments; secondary and career technical education centers; regional planning commissions and other political subdivisions; eligible 501(c) nonprofits; and federally recognized Tribes, for projects located in the NBRC service area.
Funding Details
- Maximum Funding (per project): Up to $100,000 – $3,000,000, depending on project type.
- Match Requirements: Up to 20% (distressed communities) or up to 50% (transitional communities).
Application Deadline: Pre-applications and waivers due by 5:00 p.m. on February 27, 2026. Full applications (by invitation only) due by 5:00 p.m. on April 17, 2026.
Learn More Here
Current Parks & Recreation (Playgrounds) Opportunity
NY PLAYS: Place for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization
Purpose
Design, construction, and renovation of public playgrounds across New York State. NY PLAYS helps communities expand access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces that promote physical activity, emotional well-being, and in-person social connection for children and families.
Eligible Applicants
Municipalities and not-for-profits in the State of New York.
Funding Details
- Maximum Funding: $100,000 to $2.5 million.
- Match Requirements: 20% match.
- Funding Priorities: Serving underserved communities.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted from May 4, 2026, through June 15, 2026. Grant awards will be announced no earlier than August 3, 2026.
Learn More Here
Current Brownfield Funding Opportunity
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
Purpose
Provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
Eligible Applicants
State and local governments, non-profit corporations and Indian Tribes. Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less and Tribal lands in rural areas.
Funding Details
- Maximum Funding: Long-term (up to 40 years), low-interest loans based on median household income of the area being served. (Poverty 3.125%, intermediate 4.25%, market 5.2.5%).
- Funding Priorities: Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution, sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal, solid waste collection, disposal and closure, storm water collection, transmission and disposal.
Application Deadline: Application window is open. Deadline is not stated at this time. Please confirm you have the most current information by contacting a program specialist in your local RD office: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/state-offices
Learn More Here
Let’s discuss your community’s needs and plans.
Please let us know how we can assist in finding and securing funding tailored to your community by filling out the form to the right.
To learn more about LaBella’s grants and financing capabilities, please visit our Grants & Financing service page.
Prior Grant Funding Opportunties
2026
National
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Grant Program – Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grants – Learn More
New York
- NYS Homeland Security & Emergency Services – SFY 2025-2026 Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program – Learn More
2025
National
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Grant Program – Job Training Grants – Learn More
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Midsize & Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience & Sustainability Program – Learn More
- Water Resources Research ACT Program National Competitive Grants RY2025 Program Announcement for Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – Learn More
New York
- Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Grant Program for Parks, Preservation, and Heritage – Learn More
- Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program (MPR) – Learn More
- New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) Initiative – Learn More
- Recreation Trails Program (RFP) – Learn More