What does this funding get me?
The Community Change Grants Program is part of the EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program. 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. It has two tracks.
Track I will award grants of $10-20 million to environmental and climate justice projects that benefit disadvantaged communities through one of the following 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
Track II will award grants of $1-3 million to projects designed to create opportunities for meaningful engagement of community-based organizations in government decision-making on issues of environmental and climate justice.
Am I eligible?
A partnership between two community-based nonprofit organizations (CBOs) or a partnership between a CBO and one of the following:
- a Federally recognized Tribe
- a local government
- an institution of higher education
Funds must benefit disadvantaged communities, as defined on the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map.
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. Additional technical assistance resources are listed here.
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.
If you are awarded a grant, you must begin work on your project within 120 days and the project must be completed within 3 years.
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.
By late 2024 or early 2025, loans for climate and clean energy projects may be available through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, another part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
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
- Webinar video explaining Community Change grants (and webinar slides)
- Request Technical Assistance for Community Change grants
- Email ccgp@epa.gov
- Environmental Protection Network resources including webinar, 6-step process for applying, interest survey, database of possible partners, application samples and templates, and office hours for help registering with SAM.gov/grants.gov
- Sign up for office hours with the Southern Economic Advancement Project
- Community Change Grant readiness assessment tool (click, then click “File” and “Make a copy”)
- Community Change Grant decision tree tool (click, then click “File” and “Make a copy”)
- Article on launch of program: “EPA Announces $2B for Local Environmental Justice Projects”
- In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Sally Robertson at info@energyfundsforall.org.