Community-based organizations working to build climate resilience, support disadvantaged communities, and develop clean energy job skills now have a key opportunity to apply for Con Edison Strategic Partnerships grants in 2026. Through a competitive process, Con Edison invests in nonprofit projects that align with its vision of a clean, equitable, and resilient energy future for New York City and Westchester County.
In recent years, Con Edison has awarded millions in philanthropic support to local organizations that share this vision — making a measurable impact in communities disproportionately affected by extreme weather and economic inequities. In 2025 alone, the company provided approximately $22 million in grants to nonprofit partners supporting climate adaptation, social justice, and workforce development.
What Con Edison Strategic Partnerships Grants Support
The Strategic Partnerships grant program focuses on funding initiatives that drive sustainable community impact in three priority areas:
- Extreme Weather Adaptation and Mitigation: Grants support initiatives that strengthen ecosystems and community infrastructure, using nature-based solutions like urban forest restoration, rain gardens, and wetland preservation to improve resilience against floods, heat, and storms.
- Social Justice and Community Resilience: Funding is available for projects that expand energy access, cultivate local leadership, and promote advocacy and community-led solutions addressing environmental and economic inequities in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
- Clean Energy and Technology Careers: Con Edison invests in workforce development programs that train and prepare residents — especially those from underserved communities — for careers in clean energy, building efficiency, electrification, cybersecurity, and related technical fields.
These focus areas reflect Con Edison’s strategy to ensure that communities not only adapt to environmental challenges but also benefit from economic opportunities tied to the clean energy transition.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Con Edison’s Strategic Partnerships grants represent more than financial support; they’re a collaborative investment in local solutions that reflect community priorities. Nonprofits can use this funding to advance environmental justice, expand workforce pathways, and develop locally-driven strategies for climate adaptation.
For example, recent grants have supported organizations training youth in climate resilience planning and energy efficiency audits at community institutions, demonstrating how strategic investment can empower residents and drive lasting impact.
By partnering with Con Edison, organizations are positioned not just to deliver services but to build community capacity, strengthen leadership, and help ensure equitable access to clean energy opportunities for all residents.
Who Can Apply
Eligible organizations include:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based organizations and educational institutions located within Con Edison’s service territory — specifically New York City and Westchester County.
- Coalitions or alliances of institutions working with a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit as a fiscal sponsor.
Grant requests must:
- Align with one of Con Edison’s priority focus areas and include measurable outcomes for affected communities.
- Support program-related activities rather than event sponsorships, capital campaigns, or debt reduction.
Requests outside of these areas — such as arts-only or primary medical/health initiatives — are not considered current funding priorities.
How to Apply
Con Edison follows a structured application planning process to ensure that funding supports community priorities effectively.
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Review Focus Areas: Before applying, prospective applicants should confirm that their project aligns with Con Edison’s priority areas for climate resilience, community equity, or workforce development.
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Submit a Concept Paper: First-time applicants or organizations that did not receive funding in the last cycle must submit a concept paper to demonstrate alignment with Con Edison’s funding priorities.
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- Concept papers are reviewed on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026.
- Qualifying submissions receive an invitation to submit a formal grant application.
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Formal Application: After invitation, eligible organizations will be asked to submit a complete application for the fall grant selection process.
It’s important to note that organizations may receive only one grant per calendar year and that funding requests must be for upcoming projects, not retroactive commitments.
Take Action in 2026
Prospective grantees should begin planning their submissions now to ensure timely delivery of concept papers and required documentation. Visit Con Edison’s Strategic Partnerships grant page to download forms, review eligibility criteria, and start your application process.
This is your chance to secure funding for projects that enhance community resilience, expand clean energy careers, and build equitable solutions that benefit residents across the region.
Looking for more Opportunities? Check out the Opportunities for Youth website!
