The Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program, as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts under the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, aims to support community-driven initiatives that address environmental and climate challenges. The program is a significant component of the broader Environmental and Climate Justice Program (ECJP) funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with approximately $2 billion allocated for various grant opportunities. The overall purpose of this initiative is to empower disadvantaged communities across the U.S. to address pollution and climate risks while building resilience and fostering economic prosperity.

This funding opportunity emphasizes two main tracks: Track I focuses on "Community-Driven Investments for Change," which includes grants between $10-20 million, designed to implement multi-faceted projects such as Climate Action and Pollution Reduction strategies. Track II, "Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance," provides smaller grants of $1-3 million to support disadvantaged communities in effectively participating in governmental processes that impact environmental and climate decisions. Together, these tracks offer a comprehensive approach to enhancing community health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting equitable governance.

Track I applications require alignment with at least one Climate Action Strategy and one Pollution Reduction Strategy. These projects must demonstrate how they address community-specific challenges and foster meaningful local involvement. For example, applicants may propose projects aimed at green infrastructure, energy efficiency, or brownfield redevelopment as part of their Climate Action Strategy, while Pollution Reduction Strategies may involve indoor or outdoor air quality improvements. In addition, applicants are required to submit several detailed plans, including a Community Vision Description, Community Engagement Plan, and Compliance Plan, ensuring that projects are effectively planned, transparent, and adhere to regulatory requirements.

Eligibility for the grants requires a partnership between a community-based nonprofit organization (CBO) and another entity, which could be a federally recognized Tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education. All applicants must be capable of managing the grant effectively, with clear organizational capacity, a defined project timeline, and documented experience managing similar projects. Specific provisions are included to maximize community impact, such as ensuring collaboration with disadvantaged business enterprises and engaging local stakeholders meaningfully.

The EPA has identified five Target Investment Areas (TIAs) under Track I to ensure equitable funding distribution based on unique community needs. These areas include Tribal communities in Alaska, Tribal communities in the continental U.S., U.S. territories, disadvantaged unincorporated communities, and Southern Border communities. Applicants targeting these areas are expected to compete within their respective categories, with special provisions available for cross-border projects benefiting U.S. communities near international borders.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through November 21, 2024, allowing applicants flexibility in submission timing. However, funding availability is contingent upon the quality and quantity of applications received, meaning early submission is advisable. Grant awards are intended to be completed within three years, with no extensions allowed, emphasizing the need for readiness and efficient project execution. Additionally, the program encourages a fast-tracked approach for high-quality submissions, offering the opportunity for selected projects to be awarded funding more quickly.

The Community Change Grants program is designed to support initiatives that align with several of EPA's strategic goals, including tackling the climate crisis, ensuring clean air and water for all communities, and advancing environmental justice. Eligible projects are expected to demonstrate measurable environmental outputs and outcomes that contribute to these broader objectives, emphasizing the program’s commitment to fostering real, community-level change.