The EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program funds environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input.
Grant applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, closing on November 21, 2024. As of this time, the Community Change Grants Program is a one-time funding opportunity using Inflation Reduction Act funds. Future funding cycles depend on Congressional appropriations.
Applications can be submitted under two separate tracks depending on the project scope and funding requested.
- Track I, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each.
- Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each.
The entities eligible to apply under this grant program are:
- A partnership between two community-based non-profit organizations (CBOs).
- A partnership between a CBO and one of the following: a Federally Recognized Tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education.
Other organizations and entities may be able to participate and be involved in the Community Change Grants projects as collaborating subrecipients and/or procurement contractors selected in compliance with competition requirements.