Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2025 RFA

ABOUT LISCIF

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities with environmental justice concerns to address environmental issues and improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a funding proposal.  

EPA provides funding for LISCIF through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Projects funded by LISCIF will help meet the Justice40 Initiative goal that “40% of the overall benefits of these Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.” The EPA defines environmental justice as, “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, concerning the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys: (1) The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and (2) Equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.” 

This is the second round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,500,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate  Implementation Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  

For LISCIF, the LISS geographic region refers to the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut.  

Funding Priorities 

LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Implementation Actions. For 2025, LISCIF’s main funding themes are:    

• Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds   
• Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife  
• Sustainable and Resilient Communities    
• Sound Science and Inclusive Management    

Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven and address challenges/risks faced by communities experiencing environmental justice issues.    

Funding is available for:    

• Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.    
• Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by LISS.   
• 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 the 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.