This week in Grants
FY2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) has just opened a new round of funding for its annual Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) program! This program awards projects that improve and repair public recreational facilities such as local parks, town stadiums, and municipal recreation centers. Eligible costs for the LRIG program include:
Updating community centers, playgrounds, pools, fields, walking or bicycle trails, rail trails, multi-sport courts, and recreational facilities.
Professional services, such as engineering and architectural costs.
Equipment costs, such as the cost of playgrounds or bleachers.
Remediation costs associated with preparing the site for use.
If you have a project in mind or want to discuss potential ideas for a project, feel free to reach out to your project manager to start an application!
Funding Amount: Up to $100,000
Application Deadline: 2/13/2026
Match: Not Required
You can find more information on this program here.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Cleanup Grants
The EPA has made funding available to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites owned by the applicant. The applicant must be the sole owner of the site and own the site before the application deadline to be eligible. Eligible costs include:
Direct costs associated with the cleanup of a brownfield site.
Direct costs associated with the programmatic management of the grant, such as required performance reporting, cleanup oversight, and environmental monitoring of cleanup work.
Purchasing environmental insurance
Note: The EPA strongly recommends contacting the Regional Brownfields Contact to ensure that your proposed site is eligible for application.
Funding Amount: Up to $4,000,000
Application Deadline: 1/28/2026
Match: Not Required
You can find more information on this program here.
Community Heart & Soul Grant Program
The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides start-up funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns looking to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. This model is a multi-phase process that brings residents together to collaborate on town planning in a way that honors the unique character of each town. Grantees will work with a "Heart & Soul Coach," who will provide mentorship and training to the municipality to help carry out this project.
Note: This program is designed for small cities and towns with populations under 30,000 people.
Funding Amount: $10,000
Application Deadline: Rolling
Match: 1:1
You can find more information on this program here.