Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund

Grant Program to Assist Communities in the Sound

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a grant program formed by a partnership with Restore America’s Estuaries, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to environmentally distressed communities, to address environmental health impacts and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF regardless of submitting a proposal.

2027 LONG ISLAND SOUND COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The next round of Request for Applications (RFA) opened on September 1, 2026. Up to $1,200,000 is available to support projects in Connecticut and New York for 2027.

Letters of Intent are due November 20, 2026 by 4 PM EST

To aid in the application process, there are two informational webinars on September 8 and September 17.  The webinars will cover eligibility guidelines, program priorities, and review the application process.

Additionally, several trainings are scheduled in October for prospective applicants.

To learn more and register for the webinars or trainings, visit: https://estuaries.org/liscif/trainings

For more information about the program and to apply, visit Restore America’s Estuaries 2027 LISCIF page.

Alignment with Long Island Sound CCMP

The third round of LISCIF will award competitive funding up to $1,200,000 to projects in the Long Island Sound watershed within the New York and Connecticut portions of the watershed.

The outcomes of project proposals must meet Implementation Actions of the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP). The CCMP consists of the following themes:

  • Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds  
  • Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife 
  • Sustainable and Resilient Communities   
  • Informed and Engaged Pubic  

Eligible projects and activities will be community driven and address challenges/risks faced by communities.

What Projects are Eligible for Funding   

  • Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.   
  • Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by lisp.  
  • Projects that foster a diverse balance and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.    
  • Public engagement, knowledge and stewardship.  
  • Projects that enhance community resilience and sustainability.   
  • Planning and design that sets–the-stage for implementation of water quality projects, eligible habitat restoration projects and resilience projects.   
  • Community-based science projects.  
  • Data management and integration projects.   
  • Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves consistent with section 119 of the Clean Water Act.  

Stay up to date on LISCIF announcements, including when the first round of requests for proposals will be announced. Join the LISCIF email list (or click the button below)  Check the LISCIF web page for updates on the Restore America’s Estuaries website. Watch LISCIF webinars, trainings, and workshops here. 

E-mail Sign Up

If you have specific questions about the Fund, please contact the Program Director, Shahela Begum.

 

2025 Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund Grant Slate

A fact sheet is also available with descriptions of the projects that were awarded grants in 2025 for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund.

2025 LISCIF Grant Slate

Grantmaking Through the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund

LIS Partnership conducted a year-long assessment published in 2024, indicating the needs, priorities, and challenges communities face within the Long Island Sound region. Findings from this assessment helped to shape the Community Impact Fund. Hear from program director Shahela Begum about grantmaking for local groups and the future of the LISCIF program.

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