Restore America’s Estuaries Announces 2nd Round of Funding for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund – Request for Applications 

Up to $1.5 million is available to fund projects and build capacity in historically underserved areas in Connecticut and New York communities to help protect and restore Long Island Sound 

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2024
Contact: Shahela Begum, LISCIF Program Director
Email: sbegum@estuaries.org

“This fund works to uplift communities in the Sound that have been historically underserved and left behind in decision-making,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “EPA’s support of this program, bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will increase public engagement and improve access to the Sound, while safeguarding the Sound against pollution and the impacts of climate change. This effort is a win-win for people and the environment.”

“The Long Island Community Impact Fund is making lasting contributions by engaging underserved watershed communities in protecting and improving the Sound,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The Long Island Sound is a national jewel. With support from EPA and funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this effort is reaching and investing in all of our communities. Together, we are committed to the health of the Sound, its waters and ecosystems.”

In its first round of funding, LISCIF awarded 18 organizations in Connecticut and New York. Projects focus on diverse proposals focused on environmental stewardship, youth engagement and leadership, green infrastructure, water quality, environmental education, and oyster recycling and restoration. LISCIF’s competitive grant program in the second round of funding will continue to focus on activities that address challenges and opportunities facing overburdened and underserved communities in Connecticut and New York that affect Long Island Sound. Eligible projects will be community driven, help implement the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, and address challenges and risks faced by communities experiencing disproportionate environmental injustices.

Attendees at the June 2024 Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund Annual Learning Exchange, CUNY Graduate Center, NY. Photo Credit: Argenis Apolinario 

LISCIF’s grantmaking process utilizes a two-step application process: a Letter of Intent (LOI), followed by a limited number of invited, full proposals. LOIs are due by November 22, 2024. Upon selection and invitation, full proposals are due by March 14, 2025. For more information and access to the RFA, please go to LISCIF25 RFA Page. Informational webinars and technical assistance opportunities for LISCIF will be available in September and in the upcoming months.

Funding is available for projects that:

• Result in quantifiable pollutant prevention or reduction;
• Restore habitat within the “Important Coastal Habitat Types” targeted by LISS;
• Foster diverse, abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.
• Increase public engagement, knowledge, and stewardship;
• Enhance community resilience and sustainability;
• Plan and design water quality, habitat restoration, and resilience implementation;
• Increase community-based science;
• Improve data management and accessibility for community action; and
• Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with section 119 of the Clean Water Act.

2024 subawardee, Collective Oyster Recycling & Restoration’s project: Connecticut Shell Recovery and Shellfish Restoration Collaborative. CORR drops off a batch of recovered oyster and clam shells

Funding for LISCIF is provided by EPA through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will help meet the goals of the Justice40 Initiative which calls for, “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, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys: (1) The same degree or 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”.

For more information, please visit www.estuaries.org/liscif or contact Shahela Begum, LISCIF Program Director, at sbegum@estuaries.org.

For more information on the Long Island Sound Study, please visit: https://longislandsoundstudy.net/

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