Grants to community-based organizations in historically disadvantaged communities to promote environmental and climate justice.
What does this funding get me?
The Community Change Grants Program is part of the EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program. It will award approximately $2 billion to environmental and climate justice activities that benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, advance clean energy, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. This program is focused on community-driven initiatives designed to serve the communities that have been most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestment.
Am I eligible?
A partnership between two community-based nonprofit organizations (CBOs) or a partnership between a CBO and one of the following:
- a local government
- an institution of higher education.
How can I access the money?
Visit the Community Change Grant home page to find full instructions for applying and learn about opportunities for technical assistance.
What is the timeline?
The deadline for applications is November 21, 2024, but organizations are encouraged to apply early because awards will be made on a rolling basis and funds may run out. Also, some unsuccessful applications can be resubmitted after consultation with EPA, so allow yourself time for that process. A first step is registering with SAM.gov and grants.gov and EPA recommends doing that asap.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
You may be able to access more funding from the Environmental Justice Grants, Funding and Technical Assistance Page
Where can I get more information?
- Community Change Grants Program homepage with instructions for applying, links to more resources, and announcements of upcoming webinars
- Notice of Funding Opportunity with complete instructions
- Article on launch of program: “EPA Announces $2B for Local Environmental Justice Projects”
- Request Technical Assistance for Community Change grants
- Email ccgp@epa.gov
- The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD) Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH), and Environmental Finance Center (EFC), alongside multiple community-based partners will lead the Region 3 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center for the Mid-Atlantic region. The NWF is also extending its Region 3 community presence through community hubs such as the Overbrook Education Center in Pennsylvania. To inquire about Technical Assistance regarding the EJ Communities Grantmaking Program, contact the NWF at (202) 792-5350 or 1-800-757-1405, or email region3tctac@gmail.com. For more information, visit NWF’s website here.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Matt Salton at cleanenergy@conservationpa.org.