EPA soliciting Environmental Justice Grant Program applications
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting grant applications for its Environmental Justice Grant Funding Program (EJGFP), which will disburse a total of $1 million in funding for projects aimed at addressing environmental and public health issues in communities. Local governments and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for approximately 40 grants of up to $25,000 each, and the deadline to apply is Jan. 8, 2010.
EJGFP goals include helping communities understand and address environmental challenges and create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships focused on improving human health and the environment, according to EPA. Past projects have focused on exposure to toxins, farm worker pesticide protection, mercury in fish, indoor air quality, drinking water contamination and pollution from shipping ports.
In addition to the traditional criteria, EPA is encouraging applications that address the disproportionate effects of climate change in communities by emphasizing climate equity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, local green economy and green jobs capacity building.
Read information on eligibility and download application materials.