Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2027 RFA

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 fourth round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Projects must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and be located in the LIS watershed.  

 Funding Priorities  

 LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Actions:   

 For 2027, 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. 

 

Trainings

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 ask questions and get guidance on proposals. Learn about building partnerships and collaborating with regional partners.
Date/Time: Oct 6, 2026, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST
Facilitators: Shahela Begum, RAE & Alex Rodriguez, Save the Sound

Register Here 

 

Creating a Federal Budget + Submitting Your LISCIF Application

Description: Learn how to create a federal budget for your Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) proposal. This virtual training is also an opportunity to bring any budget related questions you have regarding federal restrictions and allowability. In addition, become more confident in submitting your LoI through the application portal as we will be doing a walkthrough in Euna.
Date/Time: October 8, 2026, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
Facilitator: Undria Polley

Register Here

 

Grant Writing: How to Write a Strong Proposal

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.
Date/Time: October 28, 2026, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Facilitator: Connor Yakaitis

Register Here