BQLT Awarded a 2024 NYS Conservation Partnership Program Grant

Grant funding supports BQLT to hire a Part-time Executive Director

On May 7th 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $3 million for 64 projects that will protect water quality, prevent farmland conversion, boost public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve open space. The New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance’s New York Program. This funding awarded through the NYSCPP and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund will support 44 not-for-profit land trusts across the state, including the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust (BQLT).

Through this NYSCPP grant funding of $100,000 over two years, the BQLT will be hiring a Part-time Executive Director to increase organizational capacity. The ED position will assume oversight of the day-to-day operations of the land trust and lead the implementation of our mission and strategic vision for our 37 community gardens in Brooklyn and Queens, NYC.

The BQLT is one of three NYC-based not-for-profits to be awarded NYSCPP funding this round. Congratulations to the Green Guerillas, who will be supporting the Bronx and Manhattan Land Trusts, and to the Open Space Institute, who will work with land trusts across New York to better understand their critical role in implementing NY’s Climate Action Plan.

“The Conservation Partnership Program grants are a critical component to preserving our State’s natural beauty and enhancing local communities,” Governor Hochul said. “With this increased funding, we are extending the reach and effectiveness of these projects to improve public health, increase tourism, foster sustainable economic development, and empower communities.”

The NYSCPP offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to advance land conservation, economic development, farmland protection, community conservation and recreation and tourism. Since the Conservation Partnership Program’s creation in 2002, 1,208 grants totaling more than $31 million have been awarded to 94 land trusts. Cumulatively, the State’s investment has leveraged an additional $32 million in private and local funding.

For the full press release visit: https://a.storyblok.com/f/120093/x/b9fd498be9/2024-cpp-grant-press-release-final.pdf