Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2026 RFA
Watch the Informational Webinar Here
| Download Informational Slides | Download Application Training |
Letters of Intent due: November 21, 2025, by 4:00 pm EST.
About the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (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 Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to 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 proposal for funding.
This is the third round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).
For LISCIF, the 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 Actions. For 2026, LISCIF’s main funding themes are:
- Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds
- Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife
- Sustainable and Resilient Communities
- Informed and Engaged Public
The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund aims to build capacity for organizations located in communities affected by environmental and human health risks. The Fund seeks to provide technical assistance for communities and support proposals which ultimately improve access to the Long Island Sound, while reducing overall environmental health risks. Eligible projects and activities will be community-driven and address one of the funding priorities below:
Funding is available for:
- Projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction.
- Restoring habitat within the Important Coastal Habitat Types targeted by LIS Partnership.
- 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 set-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, that are consistent with Section 119 of the Clean Water Act.
Upcoming Trainings
LISCIF 2026: Project Design & Building Partnerships Description: Prospective applicants will learn about the program priorities for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. Case studies of each program priority will be reviewed to gain insight into future proposal ideas. Applicants will have the opportunity to receive feedback for project eligibility prior to the official release of the RFA. Learn about building partnerships and collaborating with regional partners.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: October 2, 2025, 1 – 2 pm
Facilitators: Shahela Begum + Alex Rodriguez
Managing Projects
Description: The Management Center (TMC) will host an online “Managing Projects” training for the region. This training will focus on approaches, practices, and tools to manage complex projects equitably and toward excellent results. The concepts are grounded in the challenges of managing projects on a team in a non-profit context. The course will cover a range of topics, including:
-
The qualities and role of an effective Project Manager
-
How to integrate equity and inclusion practices into working with stakeholders and your team
-
How to estimate risk and plan for mitigations
-
Practical tips for building relationships and improving communication on a project
-
How to get started with a basic outline for an effective project plan
The online training will include a PowerPoint presentation, individual exercises, large and small group discussions, group activities, and role-plays. There will be frequent breaks.
Additionally, in this course, the goal is for everyone to learn and practice project management skills through direct application, with support and connection. This means you should come with a project you are currently managing and plan to workshop it solo and in small groups. While it is ideal to engage with the course through a current project, if you aren’t currently managing a project, please bring one from the recent past to reflect on or one on the horizon to think through.
Dates/Time: October 6 & 7 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM ET
Facilitator: Mattie Weiss
Creating a Budget: How to Create a Federal Budget
Description: The budget template needed for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund application will be reviewed. Learn ways to budget a solid project proposal. Analyze costs and learn to fill out necessary budget templates accurately. Applicants will have the opportunity to seek clarification for any confusion during the application process and ask questions about budgeting.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: October 9, 2025, 1 – 2 pm
Facilitator: Undria Polley
Grant Writing: Building a Strong Narrative
Description: Applicants will learn strategies in writing a strong narrative for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. In conjunction with the RFA webinars, get a clear understanding of what is required in a narrative statement. Learn to effectively communicate your organization’s mission and project proposal.
Platform: Zoom
Date/Time: TBD
Facilitators: Connor Yakaitis
Registration Link: TBD
