The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program aims to make it easier for community-based organizations to access federal environmental justice funding.
The program was created to respond to feedback from communities about the need to reduce barriers to federal funds and improve the efficiency of the awards process to ensure underinvested communities can access the grants.
Call for Applications
We are currently accepting applications for two-year development grants up to $350,000.
Examples of what can be funded include projects that improve air or water quality, increase access to quality nutrition, provide green job training, offer youth environmental justice programming, support healthy homes and more.
Who Is Eligible
Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, local governments and higher educational institutions that are serving communities who are affected by environmental inequities and who have experienced chronic underinvestment are eligible to apply.
Development grant applicants must have a strong understanding of local environmental and health justice issues and a plan for addressing them. To be considered in the first round of funding, applications must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2024.
Learn More Through Our Webinars
To explain parts of the application process, we’re hosting a series of webinars. View recordings.
Want to Connect?
If you have questions or would like to discuss your project plans, please schedule an appointment or reach out directly to your program officer:
For Alaska or Oregon, contact Jacquie Braden.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Time Zone: Alaska
Phone: 907-318-2923
For Idaho or Washington, contact Jason Pretty Boy.
Location: Boise, Idaho
Time Zone: Mountain
Phone: 206-558-5136
For tribes in any area, contact Melissa Koepp.
Location: Rainier, Washington
Time Zone: Pacific
Phone: 206-558-5367
More About Thriving Communities
Philanthropy Northwest was selected by the EPA to administer its Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, which was created by the Biden-Harris administration through the Inflation Reduction Act. We are one of 10 organizations across the country working with communities, technical assistance providers, and partners to steer these funds to where they can make the greatest difference.
Award Types
With these Thriving Communities grants, we aim to fund community-led projects that support the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in shaping the places where they live, work, and play.
Development (Type 3)
Award: Up to $350,000
Time: 2 years
Example projects:
- Partnership building and coordination with community members
- Public outreach and education about a community environmental justice issue
- Trainings for community organizations and community members
- Projects that spur community involvement, like cleanup of a vacant lot
- Smaller land purchase and acquisition (that require less than half of total grant)
Planning (Type 2)
Award: Up to $250,000
Time: 1-2 years
Example projects:
- Environmental sampling, testing, or monitoring
- Qualitative or quantitative research
- Surveys or studies
- Public outreach and education about a community environmental justice issue
Assessment (Type 1)
Award: Up to $150,000
Time: 1 year
Example projects:
- Blueprints, schematics, technical development, and/or permitting
- Public outreach and education about a community environmental justice issue
- Smaller land purchase and acquisition (that require less than half of total grant)
- Implementation of project plans, e.g., improving access to healthy food or reducing air or water pollution
Note: A limited number of $75,000 grants will be available for community-based organizations that are severely capacity-constrained.
Philanthropy Northwest is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in any of our programs or activities.
In accordance with federal and state laws, and to ensure that we continue to uphold these values, Philanthropy Northwest has designated a civil rights coordinator. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our non-discrimination policies, or if you need to file a complaint, please contact: Lyn Hunter at CivilRightsCoordinator@philanthropynw.org or mail Lyn Hunter, Thriving Communities Program, Philanthropy Northwest, 600 University St., Suite 1725, Seattle, WA 98101.