The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) is now accepting applications for grants to help communities accelerate their climate resilience plans and projects. The grants can help small and midsize communities at any step in the planning process. Awards include funding, as well as 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) 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 to partner with. Practitioners who are not already listed in the Registry and want to connect with communities that are interested in their services may 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.  

*If you are seeking an adaptation practitioner for your applicant team, use the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners to connect with a potential partner. This is a simple process and the Registry will match your project’s needs with a few experts who might be able to support you. Allow your team a few weeks to interview and find the right practitioner for you. Start as soon as possible and plan to assemble your partners by February 5th, 2026 to leave sufficient time to complete the grant application together.

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