National-Central Expanding Opportunities for Community Change

The Cultivating Healthy Environments grant, part of the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (EJ TCGM), is a funding initiative established under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program is designed to provide financial assistance to community-based organizations (CBOs) and eligible entities that support underserved and disadvantaged communities facing disproportionate environmental and health challenges. The initiative aligns with federal objectives outlined in Executive Orders 13985 and 14008, emphasizing equitable resource distribution and environmental justice. This grantmaking program operates as a pass-through entity that facilitates funding for smaller organizations that may struggle with the complexities of federal grant applications. By reducing administrative barriers, the program ensures that federal resources reach communities most impacted by environmental injustices, supporting local projects that address issues such as air and water quality, public health, and disaster resiliency. The Cultivating Healthy Environments grant offers financial support through multiple tiers: Tier I (Foundational and Assessment, up to $75,000), Tier II (Planning, up to $150,000), and Tier III (Development, up to $350,000). These grants support various activities, including community assessments, technical assistance, planning, and the execution of environmental and public health initiatives. Projects must benefit designated disadvantaged communities, as identified using EPA’s mapping tools. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribal governments, intertribal consortia, philanthropic organizations, and institutions of higher education. State governments, individuals, and for-profit organizations are not eligible for funding. The application process includes administrative review, external evaluation, and final funding decisions made by a Community Advisory Board (CAB) composed of regional representatives with lived experience and technical expertise in environmental justice. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2027, with target submission dates for quarterly funding decisions. The first round of review begins on January 31, 2025. Interested applicants can submit applications online, via mail, or through a scheduled phone interview. Additional technical assistance is available through the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTACs). For questions and application support, applicants can contact the program team via email at info@thrivingenvironments.org or by phone at (424) 855-0862.