EPA's groundbreaking Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) is now accepting applications for a transformative $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funds. This funding opportunity aims to empower disadvantaged communities by supporting projects that actively reduce pollution, enhance community climate resilience, and build capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.
The Community Change Grants prioritize community-driven initiatives, ensuring responsiveness to local input and stakeholder perspectives. These place-based investments are strategically designed to harness the Inflation Reduction Act's potential for positive change in communities that have borne the brunt of climate change, historical disinvestments, and legacy pollution.
Key Highlights:
- Focus Areas: Community-driven projects that build capacity, strengthen climate resilience, and advance clean energy initiatives are particularly encouraged.
- NOFO Details: The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is open for submissions, with a deadline of November 21, 2024.
- Executive Order Alignment: This funding initiative aligns with the goals and objectives of Executive Orders 14008 and 13985, underscoring the EPA's and the Administration's commitment to achieving environmental justice and embedding it into agency programs.
- Legislative Foundation: Enacted through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the Environmental and Climate Justice grant program in section 138 of the Clean Air Act allocated $2.8 billion for projects benefiting communities with environmental justice concerns and an additional $200 million for technical assistance. This reflects a direct response to community feedback, emphasizing the need for capacity-building support to access critical federal resources.
For detailed information on eligibility, project criteria, and application instructions, interested parties can review the Notice of Funding Opportunity [pdf link]. Applications must be submitted on or before November 21, 2024, by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) through Grants.gov.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards advancing environmental and climate justice, offering a unique opportunity for communities to drive positive change, enhance resilience, and create a sustainable, equitable future.
Sign Up 
