Deadline: 12-March-2026
Designed to empower local action, CSCI funds projects that help vulnerable communities plan for and adapt to climate impacts, building both immediate and long-term capacity for resilience. With grant awards ranging from $60,000 to $115,000, the program supports innovative, community-driven efforts that address real environmental challenges through practical and inclusive solutions.
At the heart of CSCI is a commitment to equity. The program prioritizes projects that center fairness and inclusion in climate resilience planning and implementation. By ensuring that historically underserved and disproportionately affected communities are engaged and represented, CSCI recognizes that equitable climate strategies are not only more just but also more effective and sustainable.
Another key pillar of the initiative is the integration of nature and nature-based solutions (NbS) into climate resilience work. CSCI encourages applicants to consider the role of ecosystems and natural systems in reducing climate risks. NbS — such as wetland restoration, coastal buffer zones, and urban greening — often offer more adaptive, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives to traditional infrastructure while delivering co-benefits for both people and the environment. Although not mandatory, thoughtful inclusion of nature-based approaches can significantly enhance the long-term impact of resilience projects.
Applicants must demonstrate readiness and alignment with local or regional conditions. Proposed activities should build on existing work and follow the general framework of the Steps to Resilience (StR) model. The focus must remain on climate adaptation and resilience rather than mitigation efforts like emissions reduction or carbon sequestration. This ensures that resources directly address the immediate and evolving challenges of extreme weather, flooding, sea-level rise, and other climate hazards.
Capacity building is a defining feature of the program. While CSCI awards are limited to 12-month grant periods, applicants are encouraged to design projects that strengthen their ability to pursue resilience goals beyond the funding cycle. This may include training, institutional strengthening, or the development of partnerships that extend the project’s impact long after the grant ends.
Eligibility spans all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and Tribal nations within these regions. To ensure targeted support, applicant communities should have populations under 300,000, though regional projects serving up to 500,000 residents may be considered.
Successful proposals must include partnerships among three key types of collaborators: an adaptation practitioner, a community-based organization, and a local or regional government entity. These partnerships can be new or ongoing but are essential to ensure a blend of technical expertise, local engagement, and institutional support.
By prioritizing equity, readiness, and collaboration, CSCI represents a forward-looking approach to climate adaptation. It empowers communities not only to confront current risks but also to shape a more resilient and inclusive future, where local action and partnership drive enduring change in the face of a changing climate.
For more information, visit CSCI.
