Apply Online - Submit Proposal
Applications are due Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. EDT!
We will be holding an Application Workshop (via Zoom) on Thursday, 5/28 at 1 PM.
Summary
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has created the Monroe County Community Climate Action Fund Pilot Program (the Program) to provide grants to municipalities within Monroe County looking to advance initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Individual municipalities can receive up to $10,000 in matching funds for new or expanded initiatives included in the County’s Climate Action Plan Phase II. To encourage collaboration, municipalities that partner to submit a joint application may be considered for an increased maximum award of up to $15,000 in matching funds per participating municipality. A total of $200,000 will be available via the Program with awardees to be announced in July 2026.
Background
The Monroe County Climate Action Plan (CAP) was completed in two phases. In 2022, Phase I was completed to identify and prioritize goals, strategies, and initiatives that will reduce GHG emissions from County-owned sites, facilities, its fleet, and its activities (i.e., County operations). Recognizing that County operations constitute a small portion of the overall GHG emissions in the community, the CAP Phase II was completed in 2024 with a broader focus, aiming to reduce GHG emissions from residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and all other energy-dependent activities that occur within Monroe County. Included in the CAP Phase II are nearly 100 actions that municipalities can take individually or in partnership to reduce GHG emissions. This Program is intended to incentivize and support municipalities in advancing these actions in partnership with key stakeholders and each other.
Eligible Applicants
The City of Rochester, towns, and villages in Monroe County.
Eligible Activities
Initiatives – policies, projects, and programs – that advance actions included in the CAP Phase II which are applicable to municipalities. A summary of the CAP Phase II actions applicable to municipalities is provided as Attachment A and applicants are encouraged to consult the CAP Phase II Full Report for additional information. In many instances, CAP Phase II actions that are applicable to municipalities are also applicable to other stakeholders, including the County, businesses, community organizations, and individuals. Municipalities are encouraged to partner with stakeholders and other municipalities to increase positive outcomes, as well as individuals and groups that may shoulder a disproportionate burden of the impacts of climate change. Program funds may only be used for new or expanded initiatives and may not be used to 1) replace currently committed funds (including those used to match other grants or loans), 2) be applied to applicant staff time for any purpose, or 3) be used for lobbying or advocacy of public officials or government entities.
Attachment A - CAP Phase II Actions (PDF)
Available Funding
Up to $200,000 will be awarded to municipalities through the Program. Municipalities may only submit one (1) application and the maximum award to any single municipality is $10,000. If municipalities choose to partner via a joint application, this counts as the one (1) application for all municipalities included in the joint application and one municipality must serve as the lead for the grant with the maximum award being up to $15,000 multiplied by the number of municipalities participating in the joint application. Program funds are available for up to 50% of the eligible costs, and municipalities must provide the remaining 50% or more in matching funds (i.e., cash only, no in-kind contributions). The 50% or more in matching funds still applies for joint applications. Funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis by the County upon the submittal of a satisfactory progress report and proof of expenditure towards eligible activities by municipalities (County to provide progress report template). Funds must be expended and reimbursement requested within 18 months of the required IMA being executed.
Applications
Applications are due Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. EDT using the online form. Award announcements are anticipated to be made in July 2026.
Following the award announcements, successful municipalities will need to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Monroe County. A webinar will be held to provide an overview of the Program, review the application submission process, and answer questions.
Apply Online - Submit Proposal
Evaluation & Selection
The Monroe County Department of Environmental Services (DES) Sustainability Group will conduct an initial review of all applications received to ensure that, if funded, an initiative consistent with a CAP Phase II action(s) would be advanced and the minimum matching requirement is met. Upon determination that an application meets the eligibility requirements, the DES Sustainability Group will score the application based on the following three criteria, consulting as necessary with other Monroe County Departments to ensure applications are fully considered:
Technical Merit – Consistency with CAP Phase II action(s) and associated diversity and scale relative to other applications received; co-benefits related to public health, biodiversity, job creation, etc.; likely feasibility of any methods/technologies proposed; etc.
Municipal Capacity & Commitment – Experience with similar types of initiatives (e.g., planning/design/construction, education/encouragement programs, etc.); amount of matching funds; consistency with comprehensive and other plans; etc.
Collaboration – Coordination/partnerships with other municipalities, educational institutions, and not-for-profits; benefits to communities of concern; integration of public input as part of initiative; etc.
Contact Information
Monroe County Department of Environmental Services-Sustainability Group
Address: 50 W. Main St., Suite 7100
Phone: (585) 753-5472 Rochester, NY 14614
Email: [email protected]
