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The Climate Smart Communities Initiative is now accepting grant applications!

March 12, 2026

We are excited to share that the Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) is now accepting grant applications to help communities accelerate their climate resilience plans and projects!

The grants can help small and midsize communities at any step in the planning process. Awards include funding, as well as training and technical support. Ranging from $75,000 to $115,000 per award, funds can be used over a twelve-month period to advance activities such as risk assessments and community engagement, as well as project prioritization and implementation.

To be eligible for consideration, the community must be located in the United States and face significant climate-related challenges, based on environmental and socioeconomic factors. Three partners are required to apply together: 1) a community-based organization, 2) a local, regional, or Tribal government partner, and 3) a qualified climate adaptation practitioner listed in the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners.

Communities can connect with qualified climate service professionals through the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners. Communities interested in applying for a grant but not yet connected with a practitioner can search the Registry for practitioners to partner with. Practitioners who are not listed in the Registry and want to connect with communities interested in their services may apply to join.

The initiative will be accepting grant applications through March 12, 2026*, and expects to announce awards in summer 2026. For more details, including benefits, program requirements, and to complete an application, visit climatesmartcommunity.org/funding.

Interested applicants can register for an informational webinar about the CSCI grants program on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET.

*Looking for an adaptation practitioner? The Registry of Adaptation Practitioners can connect you with experts suited to your project. Allow your team a few weeks to interview and find the right practitioner for you. Begin early and plan to finalize your team by February 5, 2026, to leave sufficient time to complete the grant application together.

DEADLINE: March 12, 2026

EcoAdapt is a proud partner of the CSCI with the Climate Resilience Fund, NOAA, Fernleaf, Geos Institute, ICF, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Learn more about the Climate Smart Communities Initiative on its EcoAdapt project page.