EPA and Philanthropy Northwest welcome applications for new $40M environmental justice grants program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Philanthropy Northwest announced today that the non-profit is seeking grant applicants to a new Thriving Communities program. The program is investing $40 million over three years in tribal nations and communities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington who are undertaking community-led environmental justice projects.
Thriving Communities grants will fund projects that support the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in shaping the places where they live, work and play. Examples include air or water quality improvements, increased access to quality nutrition, environmental cleanups, green job training, youth programming, healthy homes and more.
“Awarding grants to communities who have been chronically underinvested in aligns with Philanthropy Northwest’s commitment to equity in our region,” said Jill Nishi, CEO of Philanthropy Northwest. “This work is deeply tied to place and responding to the unique needs of communities across this region.”
As the Pacific Northwest experiences climate changes, individuals and families in our region are increasingly facing wildfires, heat waves, drought and flooding that affect food supply, housing and the local economy—exacerbated by institutional or policy decisions that have created disproportionate adverse impacts for some communities. And, in places where there has been chronic underinvestment, people in these communities feel the brunt of it. Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, local governments and higher educational institutions that are serving communities who are most impacted by these inequities are eligible to apply.
“We’re pleased to partner with Philanthropy Northwest to help ensure this funding reaches Indigenous communities,” said Erik Stegman, chief executive officer of Native Americans in Philanthropy, a partner in the grantmaking program. “By applying Indigenous values in philanthropy, we believe we can build more authentic relationships and create a lasting impact in the region.”
In line with its equity commitment, Philanthropy Northwest is committed to equitable and accessible distribution of Thriving Communities resources. Its goal is to ensure that these critical funds reach the communities that need them most, enhancing both environmental conditions and overall quality of life for these communities. Philanthropy Northwest has organized an Advisory Group with seven philanthropy partners to help ensure that its approach to grantmaking adheres to the principles of simplicity, inclusivity, effectiveness and accessibility. There is also a Task Force composed of leaders from the region, community members involved in environmental justice and some Advisory Group members who have helped with technical details around each grantmaking phase. And finally, peer reviewers will be responsible for evaluating the grant applications. Individuals who are interested in applying to be a peer reviewer can visit Philanthropy Northwest’s website to learn more.
Philanthropy Northwest will fund three types of grants throughout this program—up to $150,000 for assessment and gathering of information, up to $250,000 for those who already have a strong understanding of issues and are ready for project planning, and up to $350,000 for project development and implementation.
The current grant opportunity is open for two-year project development grants only. Applicant organizations must have a strong understanding of the local environmental or public health issues, have already formulated a community-wide plan to address those issues, and are now ready to implement the project on the ground. To be considered in this first round of funding, applications must be submitted by December 15, 2024.
Potential project development grants may support:
- Blueprints, schematics, technical development and/or permitting for construction or cleanup projects.
- Smaller land purchases and acquisitions that require less than half of the total grant.
- Implementation of project plans, such as improving access to healthy food or reducing air or water pollution.
- Public outreach and education about a community environmental justice issue.
The program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, which was created by the Biden-Harris administration as part of the Investing in America Agenda. Delivering on its Justice40 Initiative, the administration has committed $600 million nationally over three years to this program through climate-action funding in the Inflation Reduction Act.
In January 2025 all three grant types will open. To learn more about the application review timelines for each grant opportunity, please visit Philanthropy Northwest’s website at: https://bit.ly/3zhxcOo.