New York Construction Report staff writer
Con Edison is awarding $15 million in philanthropic grants to support community-based nonprofit organizations across New York City and Westchester County, aiming to ensure all New Yorkers benefit from a more sustainable energy grid.
The grants, funded by Con Edison investors, range from $25,000 to $150,000 and are expected to:
- train 1,800 individuals for careers in clean energy
- preserve 1,900 acres of green space
- advance community-led climate adaptation and cooling strategies for thousands of residents
In addition, the Consolidated Edison Foundation is awarding 10 grants totaling $1.1 million to promote energy affordability in the region. The largest grant, $750,000, goes to Habitat for Humanity to expand access to affordable, energy-efficient housing through its Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which supports greening and preserving existing co-ops as well as developing new sustainable housing.
“Con Edison is committed to supporting and partnering with these community organizations working every day to improve the quality of life for people in the neighborhoods we serve,” said Jen Hensley, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at Con Edison. “These grants, funded by our investors, highlight the impact of local action in driving climate solutions and creating equitable opportunities for all New Yorkers.”
Con Edison’s philanthropic grants have previously funded programs providing clean energy and technology career training to more than 1,500 New Yorkers, with over 4,000 youth participating in green economy career exploration. The company supports initiatives focused on extreme weather education, resiliency, clean energy workforce development, and environmental justice. More than 300 grant applications were received for the 2025 cycle.
Sabrina Lippman, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County, said the investment will “fuel our work over the next three years to build and preserve sustainable homes, expand our capacity through the Habitat NYC Community Fund, and unlock critical public funding for greening upgrades in affordable co-ops. Together, we are not just building homes—we are building greener, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
Grant recipients:
- Clean Energy and Technology Careers: The Doe Fund – Ready, Willing & Able HVAC Career Track – The program offers transitional work, housing, and career training for adults experiencing homelessness, providing EPA 608 and OSHA 30 certifications. Irene Branche, senior vice president of external affairs at The Doe Fund, said the grant will allow 40 participants to train for careers in sustainable building operations and maintenance.
- Social Justice and Community Resilience: Groundwork Hudson Valley – Climate Safe Neighborhoods Initiative – In Southwest Yonkers, 38 residents are helping co-design and install shade structures to advance climate resilience and equity. Oded Holzinger, Executive Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley, said the project demonstrates “what’s possible when residents lead the way in tackling climate challenges.”
- GOLES – Baruch Bathhouse Redevelopment – Good Old Lower East Side is transforming the historic Baruch Baths into a safe, climate-resilient green space. Executive Director Damaris Reyes said the project ensures “any future redevelopment plans reflect the needs and priorities of the neighborhood.”
- Adaptation and Mitigation to Extreme Weather: Prospect Park Alliance – The Alliance is revitalizing 130 acres of natural areas, including erosion control and invasive species management, to protect Brooklyn’s largest park. Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, emphasized the importance of green spaces as a first defense against climate change.
