The 2024 Community Resilience and Environmental Justice (CREJ) Fund, an initiative of the Office of Sustainability, is dedicated to investing in grassroots activism within communities on the frontlines of environmental harm. This fund aims to resource these communities, enabling them to advance their vision of an equitable and resilient future. The program aligns with the broader mission of fostering environmental justice by directly supporting those most affected by environmental inequities.
The target beneficiaries of the CREJ Fund are organizations located in Philadelphia, serving Philadelphians who experience environmental injustices. Specifically, eligible organizations must be led by individuals most affected by the problems being addressed, working on long-term environmental justice plans, and be either a 501(c)3 or a community-based organization with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor. The impact goal is to empower these frontline communities to create and implement their own solutions for a more just and resilient environment.
The fund prioritizes groups working on several key areas, including coalition and collaboration building, community organizing, and organizational capacity building. It also supports initiatives focused on removing barriers that perpetuate environmental injustices, education and engagement around environmental justice and community resilience, and youth leadership and development. Furthermore, the fund emphasizes community-driven planning for climate adaptation, preparedness, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, as well as the implementation of related projects.
The CREJ Fund expects to award $15,000 grants to 20 organizations and projects, with the funds to be utilized within 12 months of being awarded. The anticipated outcomes include strengthened community leadership, increased engagement in environmental justice issues, and tangible progress towards a more equitable and resilient Philadelphia. The fund's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that recognizes the critical role of grassroots efforts in driving lasting environmental and social change, empowering those most affected to lead the charge.
