Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants support projects that benefit disadvantaged communities by building climate resilience and the capacity to address environmental and climate justice issues.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will award grants in two tracks – Community-Driven Investments for Change and Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance. There is no cost share requirement for either track. Applications are due by November 21, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility
This grant is open to partnership between two community-based non-profit organizations (CBOs) or between a CBO and a:
- Federally-Recognized Tribe
- Local government
- Institution of higher education
Program Objectives
- Providing resources for community-driven projects to address environmental and climate challenges in disadvantaged communities
- Investing in strong cross-sectoral collaborations working with and for communities with environmental and climate justice concerns.
- Unlocking access to additional federal and non-federal resources to advance environmental and climate justice goals
- Empowering communities and strengthening their capacity to drive meaningful positive change
- Strengthening community participation in government decision-making processes
Grant Tracks
Track I: Community-Driven Investments for Change
The EPA expects to award approximately 150 Track I grants of $10-20 million each to address specific, community-driven environmental justice issues.
Objectives
- Increasing community resilience through climate action activities
- Reducing local pollution to improve public health
- Centering meaningful community engagement
- Building community strength
- Reaching priority populations
- Maximizing integration across projects
Requirements
Climate Action Strategy
At least one project must focus on at least one of these strategies:
- Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
- Mobility and Transportation Options for Preventing Air Pollution and Improving Public Health and Climate Resilience
- Energy-Efficient, Healthy, and Resilient Housing and Buildings
- Microgrid Installation for Community Energy Resilience
- Community Resilience Hubs
- Brownfield Redevelopment for Emissions Reduction and Climate Resilience
- Waste Reduction and Management to Support a Circular Economy
- Workforce Development Programs for Occupations that Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Pollutants
Pollution Reduction Strategies
At least one project must focus on at least one of these strategies:
- Indoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
- Outdoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
- Clean Water Infrastructure to Reduce Pollution Exposure and Increase Overall System Resilience
- Safe Management and Disposal of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan
This plan should address:
- Past Community Outreach and Engagement Conducted
- Community Engagement Plan Implementation
- Collaborative Governance Structure
Community Strength Plan
This plan should address:
- Maximizing Economic Benefits of Projects
- Displacement Avoidance
Track II: Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance
The EPA expects to award approximately 100 Track II grants of $1-3 million each. Projects should facilitate the participation of disadvantaged communities in the development and implementation of environmental justice policies and programs.
Project Examples
- Educational and Training Programs
- Environmental Advisory Boards (EABs)
- Collaborative Governance Activities
- Participation in Governmental Funding and Budgeting Processes
