**The 2008-2009 EPF LWRP grant cycle is NOW OPEN.**

A variety of financial assistance is available to help you achieve your community's revitalization goals. This website provides information and links to many federal and State agencies, as well as foundations and non-profit organizations, that provide a wide array of grant programs to help local governments and communities. The Division of Coastal Resources directly participates in several of these programs.

The New York State Environmental Protection Fund is the State’s first permanent fund dedicated to addressing a broad range of environmental and community development needs. Under this program, the Division of Coastal Resources provides grants to eligible municipalities for planning, design, feasibility studies, and construction projects that advance preparation or implementation of a Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs. 

The Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program provides municipalities and community based organizations with assistance to complete area-wide approaches to brownfields redevelopment planning. Through the Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program communities will have opportunities to return dormant areas back to productive use and simultaneously restore environmental quality. 

The 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act provided funding for a variety of environmental improvements. The Division of Coastal Resources cooperates with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to fund many types of environmental projects under the Bond Act.

There are also a variety of grant programs available from other New York State and federal agencies to assist local governments, community groups, and other organizations achieve important environmental protection and community revitalization goals. These programs encompass a wide range of priority issues including natural resource preservation and restoration, water quality protection and pollution prevention, historic preservation and interpretation, community revitalization, land acquisition and open space protection, and greenway and trail development.

Another excellent source of information on all aspects of grantsmanship is the Foundation Center. Its mission is to promote public understanding of philanthropy and to help grant-makers and grant-seekers succeed. The center is a valuable resource for a wide range of information on grantsmanship and provides training on the grant-seeking process.