New Jersey Offers $30 Million to Help Communities Improve Nature and Fight Climate Change
Official: Murphy Administration Accepting Nominations for 26th Annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards (25/P038)
Reading: The $30 million in Natural Climate Solutions grants funds creation, restoration, and enhancement of climate-mitigation infrastructure (wetlands, forests, urban tree canopies), expanding climate policy implementation.
Organizations can apply for funding to create new green spaces or restore existing ones.
In clear language
New Jersey is giving away $30 million in grants to local governments and nonprofits to protect and restore natural areas like wetlands, forests, and trees in cities. These projects help fight climate change by protecting communities from flooding and improving air quality. Organizations can apply for funding to create new green spaces or restore existing ones.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Local government agencies and municipalities looking to invest in environmental projects
- Nonprofit organizations focused on conservation and environmental protection
- Communities that want to add more trees and green spaces to their neighborhoods
- Residents in coastal areas who could benefit from wetland protection against storms and flooding
What can you do?
- Contact your local government or city hall to ask if they plan to apply for these grants for a project in your area
- Support or volunteer with local nonprofits that restore forests, wetlands, or plant trees in your community
- Advocate for your city to prioritize funding for urban tree planting and green space projects
Timeline
- 2025-07-30 (announcement date)
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- DEPOct 23, 2026State approves $88 million for open space, parks, and flood-prone home buyouts
New Jersey's Garden State Preservation Trust has approved more than $88 million for projects that protect open land, improve state parks and forests, and buy homes in flood-prone areas through the voluntary Blue Acres program. The money will help preserve water supplies, connect wildlife habitats, and make outdoor spaces easier to reach. The funding also supports flood protection by moving people out of areas that flood repeatedly.
- DEPOct 19, 2026New Jersey Adds All-Terrain Wheelchairs to State Parks
New Jersey is placing five new all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks and historic sites to make outdoor spaces more accessible to people with disabilities. This effort builds on the state's commitment to ensure all residents can enjoy public natural areas. The wheelchairs will be available for use at participating state parks.
- DEPSep 22, 2026New Jersey Plants 1,000th Tree and Awards $9.4 Million for Climate Projects
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating Climate Week by planting its 1,000th tree in Trenton as part of a community tree-planting program. The state is also awarding $9.4 million in grants to support various climate solutions across the state. These funds come from the Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program, which helps communities reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
- DEPSep 21, 2026New Jersey expands program helping regions prepare for flooding and climate change
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is expanding its Resilient NJ program to three new regions, helping communities work together to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding and climate impacts. The program brings together municipalities, community groups, and consultants to plan and invest in climate resilience. This expansion was announced during Climate Week 2026.