Natural Climate Solutions Grants

The Natural Climate Solutions Grants, offered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aim to fund projects that enhance and restore the state's carbon sinks such as forests, salt marshes, and urban parks. By supporting initiatives like blue carbon and green carbon projects, the grant seeks to promote climate resilience, improve air and water quality, and advance environmental justice, aligning with New Jersey's commitment to sustainable practices and clean energy goals.

DEP Mission
Dedicated to improving and protecting public health and the environment we share, NJDEP uses the best available science to guide the conservation of natural and historic resources, ensure a stable climate and resilient communities, and secure clean and healthy air, water and lands throughout New Jersey. Committed to sustainable economic growth, NJDEP invests in communities and infrastructure, provides quality open and recreational spaces for residents and visitors, enforces environmental laws, and furthers the promise of environmental justice for all.
Purpose of Funding
The Natural Climate Solutions Grant program will fund on-the-ground implementation of projects that create, restore, and enhance New Jersey’s natural carbon sinks, such as salt marshes, seagrass beds, forests, urban parks and woodlands, and street trees in order to meet New Jersey’s climate, clean energy, and equity goals.
Qualifications Required for Consideration
There are two initiatives for the investment of DEP’s carbon sequestration funding: Promoting Blue Carbon in Coastal Areas and Enhancing Forests and Urban Forests (Green Carbon). Eligible types of blue carbon projects include Living Shorelines, Restoring Tidal Flows in Tidal Wetlands, Tidal Salt Marsh Vegetation Restoration. Eligible green carbon projects include Forest Restoration and Urban Forest Canopy and Water Quality Enhancement.