NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants
A grant program to fund NYCHA resident-led projects in community climate action and sustainability.
NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants
The NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants program aims to invest in 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.
In 2023, the first four winners were announced at a ceremony at NYCHA. In 2024, the application reopened thanks to continued support by Con Edison. On Earth Day 2024, nine grant winners were announced. In 2025, The New York Climate Exchange partnered with the Fund to facilitate the program, providing technical assistance and support throughout the application and implementation process. On Earth Day 2025, 17 winners were announced. Learn more about the 2025 winners here.
The Fund and The New York Climate Exchange are excited to announce 35 grant winners in 2026!
Congratulations to 17 2025 Climate Action Grant winners! Read the release here.
2026 Winners Announced!
The NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants is a community-focused grant initiative supporting resident-led climate action and sustainability projects within NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) developments. This program offers grant funding and technical assistance for climate action projects led by residents.
This year, the NYCHA Climate Action Grants Program awarded funding to 35 resident-led projects across all five boroughs, reflecting the depth and diversity of community-driven climate solutions emerging from NYCHA developments. Together with a new series of citywide climate action murals, co-designed by residents and artists, these efforts elevate public housing communities as leaders in advancing climate awareness, resilience, and local action across New York City.
At NYCHA's Claremont Consolidated Houses in the Bronx, a resident-led project is launching a STEAM-focused event as the foundation for a longer-term environmental justice campaign. By weaving together science, technology, engineering, art, and math, the initiative engages residents, and particularly youth, in hands-on learning that connects directly to the environmental conditions of their community. The goal is to build the skills, knowledge, and collective momentum needed to drive meaningful change from the ground up.
At NYCHA's Morris Houses in the Bronx, a resident-led project in partnership with the nonprofit Repurposed for Life is serving over 4,000 residents across 17 buildings. Youth from the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) will help distribute essential household and wellness items to intergenerational families, many of whom live on fixed incomes. Building on successful programs at nearby NYCHA developments, the initiative promotes sustainability through equitable resource sharing and centers youth leadership.
At NYCHA's Mott Haven Houses in the Bronx, Inner City Green Team (a NYCHA resident led and founded nonprofit) is expanding their work by training residents as Resident Environmental Action Leaders (R.E.A.L.). Using a community-based, door-to-door recycling and zero-waste model, the program empowers youth and adults to lead waste reduction efforts in their own neighborhoods—while opening green job pathways and building lasting environmental stewardship.
At NYCHA's Sotomayor Houses in the Bronx, a resident-led project engages the community around indoor air quality, a topic that directly affects daily life there and at Soundview Houses. Through workshops and hands-on activities, residents explore how plants can help filter indoor air and improve the environments where they live. The project is being implemented in partnership with the residents of Soundview Houses.
At NYCHA's Soundview Houses in the Bronx, a resident-led project engages the community around indoor air quality, a topic that directly affects daily life there and at Sotomayor Houses. Through workshops and hands-on activities, residents explore how plants can help filter indoor air and improve the environments where they live. The project is being implemented in partnership with the residents of Sotomayor Houses.
At NYCHA's Breukelen Houses in Brooklyn, a community-led project called Justice Blooms is transforming an underused green space into a garden for growing food, supporting native plants and pollinators, and providing environmental education. The initiative centers resident, youth, and partner engagement as the foundation for long-term sustainability.
At NYCHA's Bushwick Houses in Brooklyn, a resident-led birding program, launched in partnership with the NYC Bird Alliance, invites neighbors to connect with the natural world, bringing an unexpected and enriching dimension to environmental engagement in an urban setting.
At NYCHA's Carey Gardens in Brooklyn, a resident-led Youth Climate Action Camp is continuing and expanding its work in partnership with the Coney Island Beautification Project and BATS. The camp engages young people in climate justice education, art, and advocacy, with a focus on real, local threats like flooding and infrastructure failure. The program is designed to cultivate youth leadership and drive meaningful environmental and policy change over time.
At NYCHA's Gowanus Houses in Brooklyn, two resident-led initiatives are underway. The first, Scoop the Dog Poop, promotes responsible pet ownership through waste bag stations, signage, and resident education developed in partnership with local organizations. The second, Greening Gowanus, is a hands-on gardening and stewardship initiative restoring and expanding community green spaces through intergenerational workshops, youth workforce partnerships, and native planting.
At NYCHA's Lafayette Gardens in Brooklyn, a resident-led pilot is creating a circular bio-waste system for a community of approximately 2,100 residents. In partnership with ReDyper, compostable diapers and collection services will be distributed to 100 of the community's most vulnerable residents, including infants, the elderly, and the disabled. Compostable dog waste bags round out the collection system, with all processed compost returned to Lafayette Gardens' community gardens.
At NYCHA's Marcus Garvey Houses in Brooklyn, the Fred McLeod Community Garden is being made more accessible to the residents who need it most. With support from this grant, the garden will add elevated planting tables, mobile planter boxes, and adaptive tools so that seniors and youth with disabilities can garden independently—ensuring an existing community resource truly serves everyone.
At NYCHA's Red Hook East Houses in Brooklyn, an initiative is providing education around e-bike safety and innovation to give Red Hook residents affordable, reliable transportation, create local jobs, and promote cleaner and healthier ways of getting around.
At NYCHA's Red Hook West Houses in Brooklyn, two resident-led projects are underway. The first engages volunteers throughout the summer to maintain and tend to trees across the development, protecting green infrastructure and contributing to a cooler, healthier neighborhood. The second focuses on environmental health and wellness with intentional outreach to men—creating dedicated space for a segment of the community that is often underserved by wellness initiatives.
At NYCHA's Warren Street Houses in Brooklyn, a resident-led project uses climate education and collaborative art to connect seniors and youth around the shared threat of flooding. The initiative, Flooding Resiliency in Gowanus and South Brooklyn, addresses environmental vulnerability while also tackling social isolation, using creative programming to build the intergenerational bonds that underpin community resilience.
At NYCHA's Alfred E. Smith Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led project is reopening and refreshing rodent-free gardens, planting trees in a flood-prone area, and bringing neighbors of all ages together through shared gardening and wellness workshops. The initiative weaves together environmental education, health, and climate resilience, offering hands-on ways for residents to respond to the specific conditions of their development.
At NYCHA's Baruch Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led project is transforming an underused outdoor area into an intergenerational community garden. Developed in partnership with tenant leaders, city agencies, and local volunteers, the garden is designed to support mental health, re-engage residents following years of nearby construction, and build lasting collective ownership over shared green space.
At NYCHA's Drew Hamilton Houses in Manhattan, the GLOW campaign is a resident-led initiative that addresses waste management, recycling, composting, and smoke-free living through education, community partnerships, and a commitment to restoring pride in shared spaces. The goal is a cleaner, safer, and more climate-resilient campus.
At NYCHA's Fred Samuel Apartments in Manhattan, a resident-led project delivers sustainability education through two complementary efforts: hands-on recycling and composting workshops at NYCHA Family Day events, and plans for a future Library of Things where residents can share resources rather than purchase new ones. Together, they aim to reduce waste and foster a community culture of mutual aid and responsible consumption.
At NYCHA's Frederick Douglass Houses in Manhattan, the Synergy Shaded Community Garden will take shape on a 210-foot lawn along Columbus Avenue and 100th Street. The garden is built around an intergenerational vision: "each one will teach one," honoring the agricultural traditions many residents bring from communities around the world.
At NYCHA's Jacob A. Riis Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led project is improving indoor air quality for 48 households across two buildings by distributing air purifiers and replacement filters to vulnerable residents. Beyond the physical improvement to air quality, the initiative is designed to strengthen trust and accountability between the Tenant Association and the broader community.
At NYCHA's Jefferson Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led garden initiative focuses on sparking intergenerational connection. The space is designed to bring neighbors together around shared work and conversation, building relationships rooted in a common piece of their neighborhood.
At NYCHA's LaGuardia Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led project is addressing a persistent quality-of-life concern: pet waste. The initiative will install five waste stations throughout the development and pair them with resident education on proper disposal practices, a targeted improvement to the everyday environment.
At NYCHA's Lillian Wald Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led greening initiative is transforming neglected outdoor areas into shared garden spaces. Through intergenerational planting, broad resident involvement, and both in-person and virtual programming, the project aims to build community pride, strengthen connection, and create a healthier outdoor environment for neighbors.
At NYCHA's Manhattanville Rehab Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led tree stewardship and climate resilience initiative is expanding green infrastructure through new planters, tree care, public art, and climate education. The project deepens intergenerational engagement while improving environmental conditions across the development.
At NYCHA's Polo Grounds Towers in Manhattan, a resident-led project is bringing clean energy education to the development, connecting residents with information and resources to help them understand and benefit from the broader transition to renewable energy.
At NYCHA's Robert A. Taft Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led project focuses on climate literacy and community leadership. Through hands-on education and advocacy, residents learn how to reduce household costs, prepare for extreme heat, and take an active role in building long-term resilience for themselves and their neighbors.
At NYCHA's Washington Houses in Manhattan, a resident-led project is growing and maintaining the development's existing community gardens, tending to established green spaces and ensuring they continue to serve and reflect the community.
At NYCHA's Hammel Houses in Queens, a resident-led project is transforming a neglected and unsafe garden area into a modern, community-run urban garden. Once complete, it will offer free fresh produce, youth employment opportunities, volunteer programming, environmental education, and a safe gathering space, improving food access and quality of life for residents of all ages.
At NYCHA's Pomonok Houses in Queens, a resident-led beautification project is filling shared outdoor space with plants, color, and artistic elements. Designed to engage youth and residents of all ages, the initiative turns a neglected area into a visible symbol of community care and demonstrates what neighbors can accomplish together.
At NYCHA's Queensbridge Houses in Queens, a resident-led initiative is addressing dog waste through a combination of visible cleanup infrastructure, community education, and advocacy for responsible pet ownership. The project engages residents of all ages and is built with the ambition of inspiring broader change, starting locally and working toward wider impact.
At NYCHA's South Beach Houses in Staten Island, a resident-led garden project is introducing green space and community stewardship to the development, building the foundation for ongoing environmental engagement among residents in their green spaces.
At NYCHA's Stapleton Houses in Staten Island, HEALTH for Youths and residents are building on existing gardening efforts with improvements to infrastructure and programming, expanding what residents have already created and making the development's green spaces more accessible and productive.
At NYCHA's Todt Hill Houses in Staten Island, the Clean Air, Better Life initiative addresses two of the most common health concerns in public housing: poor indoor air quality and pest infestations. Through workshops, eco-friendly supply distribution, and practical home maintenance guidance, the project equips residents with the knowledge and tools to improve their own living conditions.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Grant Cycle
Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. Awards are expected to be announced around Earth Day 2024. (April 2024)
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The Public Housing Community Fund will award projects up to $5,000. Applications can be for less than $5,000.
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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?