The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $1.5 million for Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) on November 15. These funds will be distributed to approximately 50 community-based organizations nationwide that will work to address environmental justice issues in local communities.

Each recipient will receive up to $30,000 for one-year, community-driven projects that engage, educate, and empower communities to better understand local environmental and public health issues, and to identify ways to address these issues at the local level.

As part of their projects, grant recipients will also collaborate with other stakeholders from across business, industry, local government, academia, and/or other grassroots organizations in an effort to realize project goals and build project sustainability. Given projected increases in extreme weather events and the vulnerability of underserved populations, this opportunity will emphasize projects that address emergency preparedness and increased resiliency, as well as projects that meet the needs of US military veterans and homeless populations.

The application period for the 2018 EJSG will remain open until February 15, 2019. All eligible organizations are encouraged to apply.

Visit the EPA Website for more information about, and a full description of:

• The EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
• The 2017 Environmental Justice Small Grant projects

NACWA has been working extensively on environmental justice issues, and released an Environmental Compendium report on July 13, which outlines the environmental justice and community service efforts being made by many municipal clean water utility Association members.