Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) Grants 2026: Funding for Climate Resilience Projects in the United States

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) has opened applications for its 2026 grants program, offering significant financial support and technical assistance for early-stage or ongoing climate resilience projects across the United States. With a total program budget of $1.5–$2 million, CSCI expects to award 16–20 grants, each ranging from $75,000 to $115,000, depending on the project’s scope and needs.

These grants aim to strengthen community-driven climate adaptation efforts, especially in regions facing disproportionate climate impacts and among historically disinvested populations. CSCI supports projects led by cross-sector collaborations, bringing together:

• A climate adaptation practitioner

• A local or regional government entity

• A community-based organization

This tri-partnership model ensures that funded projects are locally relevant, scientifically grounded, and community-centered.

Timeline & Key Dates for Climate Smart Communities Initiative

• November 13, 2025 – Informational Applicant Webinar recording available

• Early February 2026 – Recommended deadline to assemble all required partners

• March 12, 2026 – Grant Application Deadline (8:00 PM ET)

Applicants are encouraged to begin assembling their teams early to ensure adequate time to complete all submission requirements.

Grant Benefits

CSCI grants are intentionally flexible, allowing communities to design climate resilience activities that align with their local needs. Grant funds may be used to:

• Launch new climate adaptation initiatives

• Expand or refine existing resilience projects

• Conduct vulnerability or sensitivity analyses

• Facilitate planning processes and community engagement

• Support project prioritization and financing pathways

In addition to funding, grantees receive access to CSCI’s robust cohort support system, which includes:

• Training and workshops

• Technical assistance from sector experts

• Peer-learning opportunities

• Supplemental funding for specialized consulting

• Inclusion in CSCI’s learning and evaluation program

This multi-layered support helps project teams strengthen their long-term resilience strategies and build institutional capacity beyond the grant period.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 CSCI grant cycle, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Location

Projects must be based in the U.S., including:

• All 50 states

• District of Columbia

• Puerto Rico

• U.S. Virgin Islands

• Guam

• Northern Mariana Islands

• American Samoa

• Tribal nations located in these geographies

Climate Impacts

Communities must face significant climate-related risks driven by both environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Focus on Climate Resilience

Proposed activities must address climate adaptation and resilience, not mitigation. Projects centered on emissions reduction, energy efficiency, electrification, or carbon sequestration will not be considered.

Community Size

• Under 300,000 residents for most projects

• Up to 500,000 residents for regional initiatives

Required Partnerships

Applications must include all of the following:

1. Adaptation Practitioner

2. Community-Based Organization

3. Local or Regional Government

Applicants lacking partners may consult the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners for support.

Funding Priorities

CSCI places strong emphasis on:

1. Climate Vulnerability

Supporting communities facing urgent, severe climate hazards.

2. Equity

Projects must center equity, particularly for historically underserved and disinvested populations.

3. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

While not mandatory, projects are encouraged to integrate NbS due to their cost-effectiveness and co-benefits.

4. Community Readiness

Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the Steps to Resilience (StR) framework or show evidence of previous planning work.

5. Capacity Building

Projects should meaningfully strengthen long-term local capacity beyond the 12-month grant period.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Community climate vulnerability

• Inclusion of historically marginalized populations

• Integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles

• Consideration of nature-based solutions

• Readiness for measurable progress

• Potential for long-term capacity-building

• Expected ecological and community impact

A diverse panel of climate resilience experts will review and score applications using a standardized rubric.

Requirements & Deliverables

For Community-Based Organizations & Government Partners

• Co-develop project budgets

• Attend orientation sessions

• Collaborate with adaptation practitioners across the grant period

• Complete post-grant evaluation surveys

For Adaptation Practitioners

• Lead the grant application

• Attend mandatory orientation sessions

• Complete kickoff and end-of-grant surveys

• Participate in progress check-ins

• Contribute to project case studies

Use of Funds

Eligible expenses include:

• Climate vulnerability assessments

• Community engagement planning

• Facilitation and technical support

• Project prioritization and pre-implementation planning

• Securing financing for resilience initiatives

Funds may be distributed across all project partners. Subgrants, stipends, and contractor payments are allowed, provided they align with project goals.

Restrictions

CSCI funds cannot be used for:

• Climate mitigation projects (e.g., renewable energy, emissions reduction)

• Lobbying or political advocacy

• Competitive subgrants

• Projects extending beyond 12 months

• Government-led direct grant receipts

• High-overhead costs (capped at 10%)

• Standalone disaster preparedness projects

Any proposed relocation efforts require clear justification regarding climate resilience at the new site.

How to Apply

Step 1: Assemble Partners

Each application must include one representative from:

• A Local/Regional Government

• A Community-Based Organization

• An Adaptation Practitioner

Step 2: Submit the Application

Apply HERE

Once the adaptation practitioner is registered and all partners are assembled, the application may be submitted.

Deadline: March 12, 2026 — 8:00 PM ET
Lead applicants are typically adaptation practitioners, but exceptions may be considered.

For more opportunities, click here.