The University of Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center (EHSC) is offering Capacity Building Project (CBP) grants for 2025, designed to support local nonprofit organizations in addressing environmental health disparities within the greater Rochester region. This program provides funding of up to $10,000 per project, with one or two projects anticipated to be funded. The grants aim to build community capacity, foster partnerships with the EHSC, and develop practical solutions to environmental health issues.

Projects must address disparities in environmental health, demonstrate potential for organizational capacity building, and propose feasible plans that can be executed during the funding period. Eligible activities include environmental health education, surveys, capacity development initiatives, dissemination of best practices, and other actions that contribute to resolving environmental health concerns. However, the funding does not cover indirect costs, general operating expenses, political lobbying, or systematic research for generalizable knowledge. Additionally, cash incentives are disallowed, although gift cards with documentation are permissible.

The application process requires the submission of a cover sheet, a detailed project description, and a budget by January 17, 2025. Proposals must be sent as a single PDF document to Dr. Katrina Korfmacher at katrina_korfmacher@urmc.rochester.edu. Projects selected for funding will be notified by approximately February 14, 2025, and the funding period will run from April 1 to December 31, 2025. A two-page final report summarizing activities and outcomes is due by February 1, 2026. Additionally, awardees must present their work at an EHSC faculty meeting and another EHSC event within one year of project completion.

Expenses are reimbursed quarterly after they are incurred, with typical payment processing within three to four weeks. The budget must align with project goals and detail the use of funds for personnel, supplies, travel, and other necessary costs. Applicants are encouraged to ensure expenses are reasonable and justified according to the outlined funding guidelines.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee including University of Rochester faculty and community members, who will evaluate the potential impact on environmental health disparities, capacity-building benefits, feasibility, and sustainability of the project. Applicants may submit appendices, such as letters of support, to strengthen their proposals.

For questions about the application or eligibility, applicants can contact Dr. Becca Lauzon, Community Engagement Core Program Manager, at Rebecca_Lauzon@urmc.rochester.edu or (585) 273-4304. Additional resources and updates are available on the EHSC Community Engagement Core website.