The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program is a groundbreaking initiative by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at providing federal funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) addressing environmental justice and public health challenges. The program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda and represents a significant investment in climate action, with $600 million allocated over three years through the Inflation Reduction Act. It seeks to reduce barriers to accessing federal funds, making it easier for historically underinvested communities to secure resources and drive meaningful change.

Philanthropy Northwest has been designated as the regional grantmaker for EPA Region 10, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and tribal communities. Over the next three years, the organization will distribute $40 million within the region by leveraging partnerships, adopting participatory grantmaking practices, and designing a simplified application process. This initiative also fulfills the Administration's Justice40 Initiative, which mandates that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to historically marginalized communities. The program’s emphasis on equity ensures that underinvested populations receive the support necessary to address pressing environmental and public health issues.

The grant program offers three types of awards to accommodate the varying readiness levels of community projects. Type 1 (Assessment Projects) provides up to $150,000 for one year to support efforts focused on gathering information and assessing problems before planning. Type 2 (Planning Projects) awards up to $250,000 for one to two years for communities ready to formulate a comprehensive plan to address identified issues. Type 3 (Project Development) grants up to $350,000 for two years to support the technical and implementation phases of a project based on an established plan. Additionally, a limited number of $75,000 non-competitive subawards are available for capacity-constrained organizations to build their foundational capabilities.

This program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network, which aims to improve the efficiency of federal funding distribution to communities that need it most. By aligning with Executive Order 14008, the program ensures that federal investments prioritize equity and address long-standing environmental injustices. The grantmaking process emphasizes reducing barriers to access, encouraging participation from communities that have historically faced challenges in obtaining federal funding.

Organizations interested in applying must submit their proposals through the Fluxx online portal, a platform designed to simplify the application process. The request for applications (RFA) is available in multiple languages, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity. Applicants can choose the grant type that best matches their project’s readiness and are encouraged to carefully review program guidelines and resources, including translated RFAs and application questions.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program represents an unparalleled opportunity for organizations in EPA Region 10 to address critical environmental challenges while building resilience in underinvested communities. By fostering equity and supporting locally driven solutions, the program seeks to empower communities to achieve long-lasting environmental and public health improvements.