Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) and Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG)

Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OSWA) and Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG) is sponsored by Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). These state grants support the purchase and protection of open space and the improvement of urban green and community garden spaces.

Urban Green and Community Garden Grant Program Urban Green and Community Garden Grant Program If you are viewing this version of CT. gov, you are using an unsupported browser or you are in Internet Explorer 9 using compatibility mode. This means that the design and layout of the site is not fully supported, however the content of the site is still fully accessible and functional.

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High Contrast Mode On or Off switch Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Urban Green and Community Garden Grant Program (CGS Section 7-131d to 7-131k, inclusive) McDonald Street Community Garden, co-sponsored by New London FRESH City of New London - UGCG Grant Recipient *NEW* Through December 4, 2026, the Department is currently accepting applications from municipalities and non-profit organizations for the Urban Green and Community Garden Program.

UGCG Application Form : PDF UGCG Guidelines & FAQ : PDF The Department's Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program (UGCG) is available to distressed municipalities, targeted investment communities, registered non-profit organizations, and municipalities that are an environmental justice community. The program provides funding assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education.

Promotion of open space in an urban setting may include, but may not be limited to, the development of a community garden or reclaiming and enhancing existing open space for the public's use. Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate the highest ability to benefit urban communities in close proximity to population centers.

The UGCG is administered through the Department's Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program . Grants under both UGCG and OSWA are based on the merits of the projects and the level of funding available. Funding for these programs is derived from State bond funds and/or the Community Investment Act.

Grant Program Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be a municipality or a non-profit organization registered with the Connecticut Secretary of the State Projects must take place within the territorial limits of a “Distressed Municipality” (CGS Sec. 32-9p), a “Targeted Investment Community” (CGS Sec. 32-70), or an Environmental Justice Community This is a match share reimbursement program.

Applicants must have funds available or funding sources available for 50% of the anticipated total project cost Projects must create, enhance, or restore a public urban community garden or green space Applicants must clearly show how the public will access and enjoy the project.

If public access is not clearly shown, the project will not be evaluated or awarded a grant Grant funding cannot be applied to or be used as reimbursement for commercial activities (i.e., use of property for sale of goods or productions of goods for sale that generate a profit) or for active recreation development (i.e., dog parks, turf athletic fields, washing facilities, bathrooms, indoor recreational facilities, swimming pools) Projects cannot take place on land that was acquired by eminent domain.

Please first reference the Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions document. If you have additional questions, please contact: Cameron Clegg, Environmental Analyst 2 Email: Cameron. Clegg@ct.

gov Land Acquisition and Management Unit Office of the Commissioner Content updated June 2026