ALBANY COUNTY — Not-for-profit organizations in Albany County may apply to the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District for funding to complete conservation-related projects that protect the natural resources of the county and beyond.
Examples include the creation of greenspace (tree plantings, removal of unwanted impervious services, pollinator gardens), replacement of undersized culverts, street or park tree inventories or planting, erosion control,and bank stabilization.

Funding for these awards is limited to $100,000 total. Registered not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding up to $40,000. Individual nonprofits are eligible to receive one mini-grant, but applications may contain multiple projects.

Preference points will be given to projects under $20,000 and towards projects with higher in-kind contributions. Funding is issued as a reimbursement for project expenses once completed.

Projects may vary but must have tangible outcomes such as feet of streambank restored or number of trees planted. Project proposals must be related to conservation.

Purchase of equipment to install the project will not be reimbursable under this funding source; however, if special equipment must be rented, that may be included in the application for consideration.

The deadline to apply is June 24. Projects will be ranked, and award letters and contracts will go out by July 22. If selected, funds are required to be spent by June 30, 2025, and full documentation of all expenditures, along with a written description of work completed and photos of the project, are due at that time.

To obtain an application or for more information about this, call 518-765-7923 or email ACSWCD@gmail.com.