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

Up to $1.5 million available to fund projects and build capacity in under-resourced 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: [email protected] 

People walk the road in an urban park.
LISCIF Grant Announcement Press Conference, Concrete Plant Park, Bronx, NY   

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 9, 2024)—In partnership with the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) is announcing a request for applications (RFA) for the second round of funding for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF). LISCIF provides technical and financial assistance to communities with environmental justice concerns and improves the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Up to $1.5 million in competitive grants will be distributed in the second round of funding. RAE will also facilitate annual peer-to-peer learning and information sharing meetings among awardees and key stakeholders in the region. 

“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 by: 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. 
Title image of press release.
2024 subawardee, Connecticut Shell Recovery and Shellfish Restoration Collaborative, drops off a batch of oysters to cure before adding back to the Sound. 

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 [email protected]

About RAE: Restore America’s Estuaries is a national alliance of 10 of the leading coastal conservation groups in the United States dedicated to the protection and restoration of bays and estuaries as essential resources.

This news release originally appeared on the Restore America Estuaries website on September 9, 2024.

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