Grant Program Supports NYCHA Residents' Climate Action Projects

New York, NY – The New York Climate Exchange (“The Exchange”) today announced that it will join the Public Housing Community Fund in facilitating the NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants program. Through this community-based climate resilience initiative, NYCHA residents are invited to apply for up to $5,000 to implement a community project addressing collaborative climate action and/or sustainability. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, March 23.

The Resident Climate Action Grants program, now in its third year, aligns with The Exchange’s mission to rapidly develop urban climate solutions in New York City and beyond. Past grantees implemented programming related to recycling, community gardening, tree planting, and beautification.

“The New York Climate Exchange is excited to partner with The Public Housing Community Fund and NYCHA to bring resident-led climate solutions to life in communities across New York City,” said Vicki Cerullo, Director of Urban Engagement at The New York Climate Exchange. “Residents know their communities best, and their ideas are critical to building a healthier, more sustainable New York City. We look forward to surfacing bold ideas through this challenge and leveraging the power of our Exchange partner network to support impactful climate action, with the potential to scale.”

Information sessions for NYCHA residents interested in applying will be held by Zoom on February 25 and March 13 to provide a comprehensive overview of the Climate Action Grants, including requirements of the application process. Each session will cover strategies to craft a strong application and tips on what makes a project stand out as impactful and aligned with the program’s goals. Each session will conclude with a Q&A segment.

For more information on the Climate Action Grants and information sessions, visit nyclimateexchange.org/nycha-resident-climate-action-grants/

“The NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants Program, now in its third year, empowers residents to take action on sustainability and climate resilience, ensuring that voices and solutions shape a more equitable and sustainable future for public housing communities” said Public House Community Fund Executive Director Alex Zablocki. “We are proud to continue this initiative alongside The New York Climate Exchange and NYCHA, and we look forward to seeing the innovative projects that will emerge from this year’s grantees.”

In 2023, four winners were announced at a ceremony at NYCHA. Last year, nine grant winners were announced on Earth Day 2024, thanks to support from Con Edison. This year’s program, sponsored by Rise Light & Power and supported by The Exchange’s extensive and diverse partner network, will celebrate the winners on Saturday, April 19, on Governors Island.

“We are thrilled to support NYCHA residents wishing to lead the way on climate action in their communities,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “By empowering them to spearhead climate and sustainability projects, we’re addressing environmental challenges while investing in stronger, healthier neighborhoods.”

“We’re delighted to partner with the New York Climate Exchange and Public Housing Community Fund to support resident-led sustainability initiatives in public housing,” said Wil Fisher, External Affairs Director at Rise Light & Power. “Providing community members with grants to fight climate change in their backyard spurs innovation and plays a meaningful role in charting a green future.”

The New York Climate Exchange is a new not-for-profit designed to accelerate climate solutions. Our diverse coalition of partners—committed and prepared to collectively disrupt the status quo—incorporates local and global perspectives on climate change from academia, the private sector, and community-level organizations; this multidisciplinary coalition speaks to the collaboration necessary to unlock integrated and scalable approaches to climate change. While The Exchange will be headquartered at a dedicated campus on Governors Island, its spirit and influence extend beyond the Island into New York City and across the country and world.

Public Housing Community Fund is a nonprofit that forges partnerships to power transformative programs that enhance the lives of over 500,000 residents across NYCHA communities. The organization's goal is to engage people and partners to build a stronger, more equitable New York City by investing in public housing communities. Public Housing Community Fund invests in programs focused on leadership development, financial empowerment, community health, and workforce training for residents of the NYCHA community.