Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) grants can help small and midsize communities at any step in the planning process. Awards include funding, training, and technical support. Ranging from $75,000-$115,000 per award, funds can be used over a twelve-month period to advance activities ranging from risk assessments and community engagement to project prioritization and implementation.
To be eligible for consideration, the community must be located in the United States and facing significant climate-related challenges based on environmental and socioeconomic considerations. Three partners are required to apply together: 1) a community-based organization, 2) a local, regional or Tribal government partner, and 3) a qualified climate adaptation practitioner listed in the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners.
One unique aspect of the CSCI is its ability to connect communities and qualified climate service professionals through its Registry of Adaptation Practitioners.
Communities interested in applying for a grant but not yet connected with a practitioner can search the Registry for practitioners with whom to partner. Practitioners who are not already listed in the Registry and want to connect with communities that are interested in their services must apply to join the Registry.
The initiative will be accepting grant applications through March 12, 2026, and expects to announce awards in summer 2026. For more details, including benefits, program requirements, and to complete an application, visit climatesmartcommunity.org/funding.
Interested applicants can register for an informational webinar about the CSCI grants program on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 2:00 ET.
Questions can be directed to info@climatesmartcommunity.org.