New York Pollinator Conservation Fund - Type 1: One-Year Project Grants

Overview

New York Pollinator Conservation Fund

U.S. pollinator populations have declined significantly over the past 50 years. For example, the eastern monarch butterfly population has fallen by more than 90 percent since the 1990s. In 2022, the Empire State Native Pollinator Survey found that at least 40 percent of pollinator species native to New York are at risk of disappearing from the State, threatening the future growth of crops and wildflowers. In 2023, the Office of the New York State Attorney General obtained $6.9 million in a settlement with Bayer CropScience LP and Monsanto over alleged false and misleading claims about the safety of certain Roundup® brand consumer herbicides.

The Office of the New York State Attorney General selected The New York Community Trust (The Trust) to administer the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund (the Fund), a $2.5 million program to support projects that benefit pollinator species negatively affected by pesticides across the state through activities including habitat management, restoration, and enhancement, as well as pollinator research, monitoring, education, and outreach. The Fund will make grants that:

* benefit pollinator species affected by pesticides in New York
* reflect a spectrum of organizational sizes and capacities
* ensure an appropriate geographic distribution of the available funding
* conform to the terms of the settlement agreement

Over the next two years, the Fund will make grants to nonprofits, localities, and Indigenous Nations for projects that will protect pollinators consistent with the recommendations of the 2016 New York State Pollinator Protection Plan and subsequent updates, which is a framework for the state to conserve and grow its pollinator population. Projects must focus on one or more of the following:

* Preventing, abating, mitigating, or controlling prior or ongoing water, land, or air pollution affecting pollinators and their habitat
* Creating, managing, restoring, or enhancing pollinator habitat, including working with property owners or managers
* Undertaking pollinator-related research, monitoring, education, and outreach
* Working with tribal authorities and local governments to support the development and implementation of pollinator-friendly policies, programs, and activities

Type 1: One-Year Project Grants:

Nonprofits with annual operating budgets of up to $150,000 may apply for one-year grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for smaller-scale projects. Projects could include:

* habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement on a combined 3 acres or less;
* site assessment, planning, and securing relevant professional services such as a landscape architect or horticulturalists;
* procurement of native plants, seeds, and other materials to support pollinator conservation efforts;
* community-based research such as place-based pollinator surveys;
* adoption of sustainable horticultural practices, including obtaining relevant certifications such as Pollinator Partnership’s Pollinator Steward Certification or the National Garden Clubs’ Pollinator Garden Certification; and
* activities to raise public awareness and promote community stewardship of pollinators.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Nonprofits seeking grants or organizations that wish to act as the fiscal sponsor for an applicant must be incorporated under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have a 501(c)(3) funds administrator, with an active New York State Charities registration number and be in good standing.
* Grants will be contingent on a review to confirm independent board governance (at least four independent board members) and good financial practices. Localities must be incorporated in and Indigenous Nations must be recognized by New York State. 
* Nonprofits, localities, and Indigenous Nations interested in receiving a grant must electronically submit a Letter of Interest (LOI).

Ineligibility

* Grants will not be made for general operating support, contributions to capital campaigns, or funding for political advocacy, lobbying, legal actions, or electioneering.