CalEPA accepting applications for Environmental Justice Grants

January 24, 2020 /

The California Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, which seeks to build community resilience to climate change impacts.

Nearly $1 million will be available to eligible community-based nonprofit groups and federally recognized tribal governments to support environmental justice-related projects across California, according to a news release. The maximum grant amount is $50,000, and the grant term is 12 months.

“Communities that face persistent environmental stress are especially vulnerable to climate-related changes and impacts,” said Secretary for Environmental Protection Jared Blumenfeld. “Our EJ Small Grants Program is focused this year on building resilience to climate change and other pollution-related impacts through community-led solutions.”

CalEPA will prioritize projects that increase participation in environmental decision making at the state and local level; promote community resilience; and contribute to the following objectives:

  • Improving access to safe and clean water
  • Mitigating, responding, and adapting to climate change impacts through developing and implementing community led solutions
  • Promoting pollution preventing and resource conservation
  • Reducing exposure to toxic pesticides and other chemicals
  • Building community capacity and strengthening collaborations with schools and local government to address cumulative pollution burdens and to uplift community knowledge

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020.  The winner will be announced in June.

Those interested in applying can find an application package here.

Applications can also be requested by writing to: California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Secretary, Attn: Malinda Dumisani, EJ Small Grants Program, P.O. Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812 – 2815; by emailing Malinda.Dumisani@calepa.ca.gov; or by calling (916) 445-9480.