Community Change Grants

Dept/Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Contact

Alexandra Gallo - Gallo.alexandra@epa.gov

Grant Amount

-

Grant Terms

Track I- Approximately 150 awards of $10-20 million each

Track II- Approximately 20 awards of $1-3 million

Projects are limited to 3 years.

Eligible Entities

Non-Profit/Community Based Organization, Collaborative/Coalition, Local Public Agency, Tribe, Higher education or Research Institution

Eligible Costs

Community Engagement & Outreach eligible, Capital Construction eligible, No match required

More Info

The Community Change Grants (formally known as the “Climate and Environmental Justice Block Grants”) provides almost $2 billion in funds for environmental and climate justice activities in disadvantaged communities. EPA opened the application process for this program on November 21, 2023 and will accept applications on a rolling basis until November 21, 2024.

The Program is divided into two tracks.

• Track I will provide approximately 150 awards between $10-20 million per grant.
• Track II consists of 20 awards between $1-3 million per grant for projects facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in State and Federal advisory groups, workshops, rulemaking, and other public processes.

Track I Requirements. Eligible activities for Track I applications include:

• Climate resiliency and adaptation
• Mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emission, and wildfire events
• Community-led air, water, and waste pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation
• Investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure
• Workforce development that supports the reduction of GHGs and other air pollutants
• Reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution

Track I applicants must be able to show how their proposed project will increase community resilience through at least one Climate Action Strategy and improve public health through at least one Pollution Reduction Strategy. Applications must also show how the project centers meaningful community engagement through a Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan and reduces displacement pressures and enhances economic opportunities in the project area through a Community Strength Plan.

Track II Requirements. Track II is specifically for projects that facilitate the engagement of disadvantaged communities in State and Federal advisory groups, workshops, rulemaking, and other public processes including local, Tribal and other governmental processes. Track II is intended to build the capacity of communities and support the meaningful involvement of disadvantaged communities in governmental decision-making. Potential projects can include: creating and implementing a leadership development or training program, establishing advisory councils, taskforces, or other similar bodies for residents to engage with government, creating collaborative governance bodies, and participating in governmental funding and budgeting processes.

Information last updated: November 25, 2024

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Informational video about the Community Change Grants

Important Dates

FY 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released: November 21, 2023.
FY 2023 Rolling* Application Deadline: November 21, 2024

*Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until November 21, 2024 and until funding is expended.