Food Recovery Initiatives Grant Program - 2026

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pleased to announce funding for projects that will help increase the amount of food that can be provided to those in need across New York through the Food Recovery Initiatives Grant Program - 2026 FundingApproximately $2 million is available for the Food Recovery Initiatives Grant Program. Fundingfor this grant opportunity is provided from Environmental Protection Fund. DEC reserves the right to reallocate funds from this grant opportunity to the Wasted Food Reduction and Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives Grant Program (2026), which is open concurrently. Proposed Project TimeframesAll projects must have defined objectives, tasks, and deliverables accounted for in performance measures that can be completed and invoiced within a three-year contract term. Given the rolling application period, DEC is allowing the vendors to request variable contract start dates. Bidders should anticipate a contract start date within 3 months of receiving notification of tentative award. The earliest contract start date is April 1, 2027, the latest contract start date is November 2, 2028. Contracts will be given an end date that occurs 3 years after the start date assigned during the contract negotiation and execution process. Costs outside of the contract period/term are ineligible. The State of New York Contract for Grants must be fully approved by DEC, and if applicable approved by the Attorney General and the State Comptroller. Time extensions beyond the contract term end date will be determined by the DEC based upon written justification from the Vendor. Vendors should not submit a bid if they do not anticipate that their project can be completed within the specified contract term. Minimum and Maximum Award AmountsMinimum grant amount is $1,000. Maximum grant amount is $100,000. Bid LimitBidders may submit one bid. Bidders who submit more than one bid will only be eligible to receive one award in this grant round. If multiple bids are submitted, the applicant will be asked which project they would like to have potentially funded. Eligible Project LocationsEligible projects for grant funding must be located in New York State. Eligible Bidders For the purposes of this grant program, the following entities are considered eligible bidders: • A New York State municipality, which includes one or more of the following: a county, city, town, village, local public authority or public benefit corporation, Native American tribe or nation residing in New York State or a school district or supervisory district.• 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations (NFP) whose projects are located within New York State. New For 2026 In an effort to expand capacity across the state, eligible bidders have been expanded to include New York State municipalities. For this grant opportunity, a NFP is subject to New York State’s Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, is qualified for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, has an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter to be incorporated in New York State and is current in their charities reporting requirements with the Office of the Attorney General. Private entities, individuals, and unincorporated groups may not apply, but an eligible nonprofit organization, known as a fiscal sponsor, may apply on behalf of an unincorporated group or individual. Bidders must possess the knowledge, skills, and/or track record to successfully implement the project. A fiscal sponsor is a New York State nonprofit organization that applies to DEC on behalf of individuals or unincorporated organizations or groups. The fiscal sponsor accepts responsibility to serve as a fiscal conduit for a DEC-funded project, receiving and disbursing funds related to the grant, and administering the requirements throughout the DEC grant process, including final reporting of grant activity. If a proposed project involves a cooperative agreement or partners, only one eligible, designated lead bidder can submit the bid for grant funding. The lead bidder must assume the responsibility for the project bid, performance of work consistent with this RFA, and the State of New York Contract for Grants. Organizations are also required to be in good standing for current open grants awarded by the Organics Reduction and Recycling Section. Inquiries & Designated Contact Information For general information on completing this bid and for clarification of bid requirements, contractual terms and procedures, contact:Organics Reduction and Recycling Section – Grants Program, Miranda Wolf at contact@example.gov or (518)-402-8706 For technical information concerning the SFS Grants Management System, contact: NYS SFS Grants Management - contact@example.gov, +1 (555) 000-0000 or +1 (555) 000-0000. Include “Food Recovery Initiatives Grant Program - 2026” in the subject line of the email. Questions regarding this grant opportunity will be accepted by DEC until C.O.B. October 27, 2028 at 5pm. All questions and answers will be uploaded in the SFS Grants Management System for all bidders to view and uploaded to the DEC website that lists the grant program. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: none - new grant opportunity Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 0.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) Total MWBE Goals: 0.00%