NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants
The NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants is a community-focused grant initiative supporting climate action and sustainability projects within the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments. This program offers grant funding and technical assistance for climate action projects led by residents.
Hosted by the Public Housing Community Fund and The New York Climate Exchange—and made possible by HSBC—the initial screening application for this year’s program is now open and closes February 6, 2026.
Info sessions will be held on January 27 and February 4.
Past grantee community members have proposed creative projects focused on:
Gardens and outdoor spaces: Composting, native flora gardens, improving public garden space to support intergenerational connection, installation of solar-based lighting, or urban farming, for example.
Advocacy and education through campaigns and events: Campaigns, workshops, events, and public actions to raise awareness, share knowledge, and mobilize community members around climate and environmental issues that matter locally.
Climate arts: Using the arts to promote conversations about climate change adaptation and mitigation mobilizing community members.
Adaptation: Helping communities prepare for and respond to climate impacts like extreme heat, flooding, or other extreme weather by building local knowledge, resilience, and practical solutions.
Energy: Reducing energy use, improving efficiency, or increasing access to clean energy through education, community action, or hands-on projects.
These examples are meant to inspire, not limit. We know the best ideas often grow through conversation, and we’re excited to work with residents and partners to shape new project ideas together. If you have an idea that looks different, blends multiple approaches, or is still taking shape, please reach out and explore it with us.
Following the screening application, selected applicants will be invited to apply to one of three tiers of the action grants: seed grants, growth grants, and sustain grants. Award amounts are at the discretion of the Grants Committee.
Seed Grants ($1,500 or less): Small grants for early-stage ideas or one-time projects meant for grantees who want to test ideas, take first steps or try something new.
Growth Grants ($5,000 or less): Medium-sized grants support more robust or fully formed project ideas—whether new or already underway—that need additional resources, coordination, or capacity to reach their full potential.
Sustain Grants ($15,000 or less): Larger grants for existing projects or organizations that have shown impact focused on long-term sustainability and community benefit.