Neighborhood Preservation: Grants for Green Technology and Environmental Programs

NPC Newsletter February 26, 2025

Financing Green Energy Upgrades in NYC

Through the New York City Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, the NYC Accelerator program manages a long-term, fixed-rate financing opportunity for 100% green building project loans: PACE (Property Accessed Clean Energy).

This financing supports the installation of greener technologies, including the transition of existing commercial and multi-family buildings into more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly structures. Unlike conventional financing, loans provided through the PACE Financing Program are repaid in installments through a charge on the subject property's tax bill.

Although nonprofits are typically exempt from property taxes, PACE funding may be available for these organizations including universities, hospitals, or museums.

Want to learn more about the NYC PACE program? Here's a link to connect.

PACE Funding in Your Neighborhood

State enabling laws allow local governments to offer PACE financing to building owners. PACE is a voluntary program and can include projects such as: lighting upgrades, HVAC systems, building envelopes, insulation, water conservation, roof replacements, renewable energy solutions, and resiliency projects.

PACE-enabling legislation is active in 40 states, plus D.C., with 32 states and D.C. running active programs.

Find out more about PACE funding in your community.

Environmental Justice, Sustainability and Green Grants

Opportunities exist for non-profits working to create more sustainable practices in New York City through grantmakers like The Brooklyn Org. The organization funds programs and projects that support environmental justice, climate change mitigation, and the integration of environmental stewardship into our communities.

A few other resources:

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation supports small grassroots nonprofits that foster just and sustainable communities in Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia and New York City.

The City Gardens Club of New York City provides small grants for worthy

environmental and garden projects by nonprofit groups throughout NYC.

New York Restoration Project supports renovation of outdoor spaces.

The New York Community Trust funds NYC projects that support healthier environments, more livable communities and the protection of urban waterways and wetlands.

Have a question or idea about your neighborhood preservation project?

Share your thoughts, suggestions, or resources by emailing us at:

info@nycnpc.org

NPC Newsletter Contributors

L. Danielle Cylich: NPC Board Member, Danielle chairs the Program Committee and is always ready to share enthusiasm about the rich history and beauty found in the built environment and in protecting our natural resources.

Shannen Smiley: An early-career professional, Shannen's work has been motivated by the intersections of social justice and heritage, with a particular interest in broadening the accessibility of preservation tools. 

The Neighborhood Preservation Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and enabling conversations about the need for community space - both physical and virtual - in order to improve the urban environment and quality of life.

We work to facilitate mutually beneficial connections between like-minded groups in the livable cities sector, share resources and champion neighborhoods.