Eleven eco-friendly projects in Brooklyn public housing complexes were awarded climate action grants that advance sustainability and environmental resilience in New York City Housing Authority communities.
The Public Housing Community Fund, The New York Climate Exchange, in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority on Saturday hosted an Earth Week celebration for the 2026 NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants, celebrating 35 resident-led projects, a borough-by-borough recognition of awardees, and a hands-on project workshop.
The Resident Climate Action Grant Program supports resident-led climate action and sustainability projects within New York City’s public housing and PACT developments, offering grant funding and technical assistance directly to residents. The program will conclude with the NYCHA Resident Climate Action Grants Showcase during Climate Week in September 2026, where the 35 residents will present their work to combat climate change and promote sustainability.
“Climate Action Grants empower residents to make a real impact in their communities, not only advancing climate justice but equipping them with problem-solving skills and the tools for long-term success,” said Alex Zablocki, executive director of the Public Housing Community Fund. “This year’s winning projects span everything from community gardening and composting to improving air quality, showing the many ways we can make a positive impact on our environment."
Awardees in Brooklyn include the Breukelen Houses in Canarsie for a community-led project called Justice Blooms, which is transforming an underused green space into a garden for growing food, supporting native plants and pollinators, and providing environmental education, and the Lafayette Gardens, on the border of Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant, for a pilot project creating a circular bio-waste system for a community of approximately 2,100 residents.
Three tiers of grants were awarded this year, corresponding to project stage and scope: 1) Seed Grants, microgrants up to $1,500, for early-stage ideas or one-time projects meant for grantees who want to test ideas, take first steps or try something new; 2) Growth Grants, medium-sized grants of up to $5,000, which support more robust or fully formed project ideas, whether new or already underway, that need additional resources, coordination, or capacity to reach their full potential; and 3) Sustain Grants, larger grants of up to $15,000, for existing projects or organizations that have shown impact focused on long-term sustainability and community benefit.
Click here to see all the Brooklyn projects.
