Resident Climate Action Grants

A grant program to fund NYCHA resident-led projects in community climate action and sustainability.

Congratulations to our 2024 winners!
Read the announcement
here.

Resident Climate Action Grants

Resident Climate Action Grants is a newly launched grant program to fund NYCHA resident-led projects in community climate action and sustainability. Eligible NYCHA residents 18 or older can apply for up to $5,000 to implement a community project addressing community climate action and/or sustainability.

On January 20, 2023, the first four winners were announced at a ceremony at NYCHA. In 2023, the application reopened thanks to continued support by Con Edison. On Earth Day 2024, nine grant winners were announced.

  • A grant program to fund NYCHA resident-led projects in community climate action and sustainability

    Are you the type of NYCHA resident who doesn’t just see problems, but dreams of solutions? Are you interested in community-building through resident-led programming that brings much-needed change to the space that surrounds you?

    NYCHA Sustainability in partnership with the Public Housing Community Fund, is looking for residents who are ready to bring their problem-solving skills to the next level by leading the way in addressing climate and sustainability issues that matter most to NYCHA residents.

  • Shifting your community towards a greener, healthier tomorrow can be accomplished in many ways, and should always reflect the unique needs and priorities of local residents.

    COMMUNITY GARDEN

    Bring green spaces back to life by creating pollinator or herb gardens, or places to admire flowers through the seasons. Grants can cover plantings, tools and equipment, composting and any other supplies or services needed.

    EVENTS/ COMPETITIONS

    Community-centered gatherings or contests that get neighbors outside working and laughing together help solve problems while building a stronger neighborhood network in the process. Think of Beautification Days, Community Green Days, or Cleanest Lobby Competitions that are tailored to the interests and needs of those around you.

    RECREATIONAL/ EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

    Engaging residents in climate action is essential to NYCHA's evolution. Senior programs, family playdates, friendly competitions, afterschool programs, or any artistic event that inspires the community is welcome.

    TRAINING

    Help your neighbors connect with climate action initiatives by teaching them about job opportunities in the emerging field of green infrastructure. Internship programs, workshops, or pathways towards hands-on jobs are just some of the ways to motivate and inspire.

  • Before you fill out your application, read through our guidelines to make sure you're ready to put your best ideas on the page.

    A virtual application webinar was hosted during the inaugural round of submissions which may be requested for viewing. For any application support or questions, please reach out to climate@communityfund.nyc.

    This is your opportunity to learn more about the grant program, eligibility requirements, project timeline, ask questions, and be inspired to realize your impact-driven idea.

  • Where do you see opportunities to improve NYCHA developments and foster communities around sustainability? If you could improve waste management, public green spaces, or the way your neighbors approach the development, what would it be?

    Projects may address climate action such as improvements to outdoor areas, opportunities for trainings on sustainability or green jobs, and launching community-based programs or events which build capacity for a community to take sustainability into its own hands. What successful projects have you seen that are capable of being brought to your development?

    Write-out your big-picture goals of how this project will address a problem of system or space yet have a productive impact to change the development for the better. In your application, draw those connections between this issue and how your resident-led solution will improve the community and have resident needs prioritized for a positive change.

  • If you dream it, then you can achieve it! These grants are the financial support to help make these dreams come true! Please think about creating a roadmap that will guide you to implement this change.

    To address your target issue and achieve your vision, put some thought to what materials you'll need, who you plan to work with, and how you will organize this project. These questions relate to the funding, the methodology, and the timeline you'll set for this project to be successful.

    As you outline this project, let us know the steps you'll be taking to make it happen! Some questions to ask may be:

    • What are the steps to complete this project?

    • How long will each step take?

    • What will you be able to achieve within six months of receiving this grant?

    • How many people will you need to work with?

    • What expertise should you have on your team? (Budget, event planning, etc.)

    • Are there non-profits or grassroots organizations to be involved in this project?

    • How much will materials and supplies cost in your itemized budget?

    • Will you pay for any special services?

  • As you fill out the 'Introduce Yourself' section of the application, don't sell yourself short! You are an important member of the NYCHA community with visions to improve the development with this project and your story matters.

    Make your proposal standout by explaining how the issue you're addressing has impacted your own life and why you're the person to help fix it. Be sure to include the life experiences you have and the community relationships you've fostered which highlight your passion to improve your development and lead a successful project.

  • Welcome and thank you for your interest in leading the way in climate action on your NYCHA development. Your visions are at the heart of NYCHA's future.

    Before you begin your grant application, please review the information below as well as our Application Guidelines and Inspiration Projects on this page.

    All applications must be submitted online through the link to the application form (https://form.jotform.com/residentclimateactiongrants/resident-climate-grants). Please direct any questions or problems to climate@communityfund.nyc. Good luck on your application!

  • NYCHA residents 18 years of age or older.

    The Climate Action Grant is open to all current NYCHA residents. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, but applicants (teams) are encouraged to partner with youth living in NYCHA. Awardees may be subject to an address check.

  • Grant Cycle

    Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. Awards are expected to be announced around Earth Day 2024. (April 2024)

  • The Public Housing Community Fund will award projects up to $5,000. Applications can be for less than $5,000.

  • Creativity and Innovation

    How creative is this proposal and is it a new and bold project for the development or NYCHA?

    Impacts

    How well does the proposal address sustainability and how will it affect climate action at the development moving forward? Are the costs reasonable for the impact expected?

    Longevity

    How long are the impacts of the program expected to last and to what degree? Will this program leave its mark on the community once passed?

    Readiness and Feasibility

    In terms of schedule, budget, and available resources- how likely is this project feasible and capable of being completed during the grants window?

    Community Building

    How will this project strengthen lasting social infrastructure and build networks that support further climate action? How will this project be intergenerational - engaging youth, working adults, and seniors for sustainability?

    Mission Alignment

    How does this project meet the priorities of the NYCHA Sustainability Agenda or wider priorities of the NYCHA Sustainability Department?

Would you like to support the Resident Climate Action Grants program? Donate by clicking the link below and help support these resident-led initiatives.

A NOTE FROM NYCHA

In September 2021, NYCHA released its updated Sustainability Agenda. This document outlines NYCHA's commitment to healthy and comfortable homes that showcase environmental stewardship and sustainable design. In 2021 NYCHA launched the Climate Action Network workshop series to elevate awareness about energy and sustainability projects and initiatives and build a community around sustainability-related activism. The feedback from the workshop series helped showcase the need for Climate Action Grant funding for residents. This grant program will build meaningful partnerships, fund residents' ideas and will help make their developments more sustainable. 

The Resident Climate Action Grants Program is generously supported by: