Please share this information widely! And please sign up to receive these updates in your inbox every 2 weeks or so.
Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants (CPRG)
1) EPN Workshop on CPRG Community Engagement
This workshop will focus on shaping communities’ involvement in CPRG. It is designed to emphasize the critical role of community leaders in ensuring effective engagement in the State and with an identified Metropolitan Area in developing its respective Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) and the associated implementation grant applications. The workshop will take place on January 30th, 2 p.m. ET, and you can register here. Key themes to cover include: Understanding the Grant Requirements, Incorporating Community Voices, and Commitment and Reporting.
2) EPA Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) Office Hours
EPA is hosting PCAP Office Hours to cover technical questions under CPRG. EPA is collecting technical questions from States and MSAs until tomorrow (January 26th) and from Tribes and Territories until March 1st using this form.
States, MSAs, Tribes and Territories Office Hours
– Wednesday, January 31, 2:00-3:30 PM ET: Register here!
– Wednesday, February 7, 2:00-3:30 PM ET: Register here!
– Wednesday, February 14, 2:00-3:30 PM ET: Register here!
Tribes and Territories Only Office Hours
Wednesday, February 28, 3:30-4:30 PM ET: Register here!
Wednesday, March 13, 3:30-4:30 PM ET: Register here!
3) EPN Step-by-Step Guides to the CPRG Implementation Application Process
EPN has created application guides for the General Competition (due April 1, 2024) and the Tribal/Territories Only Competition (due May 1, 2024) and for Applicants Interested in Applying to both the General Competition and the Tribal and Territories Only Competition. Please reach out to info@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org if you would like additional help.
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (Change Grants)
4) EPN 6-Step Application Guides for the Change Grants
EPN has updated our 6-step application guides for Track I and Track II with a sample proposal narrative for Track 1 and additional templates/samples for Track I attachments. Although the final deadline for the Change Grants is November 21, 2024, there will be initial award announcements as soon as March 2024. As such, EPN suggests that applicants (who are ready) submit by February 20. Please reach out to info@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org if you would like additional help.
5) Community Change Technical Assistance Program (CCTA)
EPA is offering pro bono technical assistance to Community Change Grants applicants through CCTA. In addition, CCTA will hold a series of informational webinars beginning January 30thc and continuing weekly on Tuesdays, 3-4 pm ET, through at least March 2024. Register here for the January 30th webinar.
EnDyna, EPA’s Technical Assistance contractor, together with expert partners and members of EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, will lead webinars reviewing NOFO content and requirements, explaining available technical assistance, and answering questions about the grant application process. In addition, a comprehensive website will be established as the primary source for inquiries and information, serving as a centralized hub for various resources. More information to come. Please note that you can email EJ_TechAssist@epa.gov or call 1-(800) 540-8123 with questions about the CCTA Program.
6) GreenLatinos Community Change Grants Match-Making Webinar
On January 31st at 2 p.m. ET, GreenLatinos will host a webinar to assist organizations find application partners for the Change Grants opportunity via breakout rooms. Register here.
7) The Anthropocene Alliance (A2) and EPN Will Be Co-hosting Monthly Virtual Discussions, 1p.m. ET, Second Wednesdays
EPN will present information on February 14, 1pm ET, about EPA Community Change Grants and the EPA Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. We’ll also talk about how A2 and EPN can support you and your applications. Here is the zoom link. To be added to the monthly calendar invites and to suggest topics you would be interested in learning more about, please email Harriet@AnthropoceneAlliance.org.
More Office Hours and Workshops
8) EPN SAM.gov Registration Office Hours Every Other Week
Please join us Thursday, January 1st, at 2p.m. ET. EPN staff will help you begin, continue, or finish up your registration process. As a reminder, federal funding applicants must have an active SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration in order to apply. To sign up and get the Zoom link, go to tinyurl.com/EPNSAM. Please email davina.resto@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org with any questions.
9) IRS Office Hours – Elective Pay/Direct Pay
The IRS will be holding office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment/direct pay or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act. Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer pre-filing registration questions. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the links below.
| January 23, 2024 | 1-2 PM EST | Register Here |
| January 26, 2024 | 1-2 PM EST | Register Here |
| January 30, 2024 | 1-2 PM EST | Register Here |
| February 2, 2024 | 1-2 PM EST | Register Here |
| February 6, 2024 | 1-2 PM EST | Register Here |
| February 9, 2024 | 1-2 PM EST | Register Here |
10) Forth Workshops in DC and Chicago on Winning Federal Funding for Equitable Electric Transportation
Forth and their partners will share opportunities to bring electric mobility to your community in ways that center equity, and to access funding and assistance to implement these programs. Workshop attendees have the opportunity to receive additional technical assistance or grant-writing support from Forth’s staff. Each workshop is a full-day event, with a reception following the program.
– Register for the Washington, DC, workshop on March 14, 2024, here.
– Register for the Chicago, IL, workshop on April 17, 2024, here.
More Funding Opportunities
11) EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program
EPA will award at least $500 million to subsidize the purchase of zero-emission or clean school busses, eligible infrastructure, and other costs, including workforce training. Applications are due via the EPA online application portal before 4 PM ET on February 14.
12) NDN Collective Action Fund (CAF)
This $1 million fund (with grants up to $40,000) is available to support Indigenous Peoples’ mobilization strategies as it relates to the defense, development, and decolonization of peoples and the planet. The CAF is meant for those most impacted by issues such as climate change, resource extraction, and systemic racism, to ensure resources and decision-making lies with those most equipped to address immediate challenges. CAF supports community organizing and movement building work designed to shift the political and financial systems that negatively impact Indigenous communities across Turtle Island (North America: US, Canada and Mexico) and related Island Nations, including Borikén/Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Funding is available on an ongoing basis from January 11, 2024, to October 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. CST, or until funds are expended.
13) EPA’s Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program
EPA will award $32 million to approximately 6 applicants to help K-12 schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities develop and adopt comprehensive indoor air quality management plans to reduce indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in schools. The deadline to apply for the competitive grants is March 19, 2024. Register here for the upcoming informational webinar on Monday, February 12th, 1-2:30 p.m. ET.
14) Washington State Department of Commerce Grants
In the first half of 2024, Commerce will offer clean energy funding opportunities to enhance grid resilience, promote the equitable adoption of clean energy technologies, and drive market innovation. Funding will be allocated in alignment with Washington State’s clean energy, climate, and environmental justice goals. And through a combination of fund sources, Commerce expects to make a minimum of $167 million available for grants. Three application opportunities will be tailored to specific applicants and project types, including:
– Tribal clean energy development: Approximately $16 million will be available exclusively for tribes to support the planning, designing, and constructing of clean energy projects that promote sovereignty, advance resiliency, and contribute to Washington’s decarbonization goals. This opportunity is expected to launch in early Feb. 2024. Upcoming engagement opportunities include a Zoom Gathering, Jan.18th from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Winter Convention in Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 28 – Feb. 1.
– Projects advancing environmental justice and equity: Approximately $67 million will be available to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects that will advance environmental justice and energy equity to benefit historically marginalized communities (like low-income and communities of color). This funding opportunity is expected to open in early February 2024. Upcoming engagement opportunities include a Zoom Gathering, Jan. 23rd from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
– General solicitation for clean energy projects: Approximately $84 million will be available to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects through a general round, open to eligible project types and applicants for all funding areas. This funding opportunity is expected to open in late spring 2024. Commerce intends to offer additional informational sessions in early 2024. To receive notification of these opportunities, please subscribe to their list at the bottom of the energy homepage.