Due to the recent confusion and uncertainty sown by the funding freeze, we are extending our first grantmaking deadline to March 7 at 5pm ET (previously February 14, 2025).
Definitions
Environmental justice, as defined by the EPA, is the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:
- Are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects (including risks) and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers; and
- Have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.
There are 18 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTAC) funded by the EPA across the United States to assist underserved and overburdened communities. Through training, technical assistance, community assessments, collaboration, and education, the EJ TCTACs will help communities build their capacity to access funding and resources to help achieve environmental and energy goals.
Region 1 New England’s EJ TCTAC is led by the University of Connecticut in partnership with local nonprofits throughout New England to help municipalities, regional agencies, nonprofits, community-based organizations with a range of technical assistance needs.
The New England EJ TCAC can support with proposal submission assistance, grant writing support, grant management, community needs assessments, and more through 1-1 consultations, webinars, and resources posted on their website.
Support and Technical Assistance
You can email us at [email protected] with your questions or submit an Applicant Support Request through this online form and we will contact you. We do not have a phone number.
EJforNE will be hosting office hour sessions biweekly for open Q&A about organizational eligibility, project eligibility, application components and other topics. Please subscribe to the EJforNE mailing list for updates.
Unique Entity Identifier
All applicant entities, including fiscally sponsored organizations/groups, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Please visit SAM.gov to request an UEI. If you have any questions about how to obtain a UEI, consider attending the Environmental Protection Network’s (EPN) office hours for SAM.gov. Click here to learn register for biweekly offerings.
Eligibility
Yes, fiscally sponsored organizations are eligible for all EJforNE grants for up to four (4) applications per grant round period. Please note, the organization does need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). If awarded, the fiscal sponsor will receive the grant and be responsible for all financial and programmatic reporting.
Fiscally sponsored entities are allowed to apply.
- If the entity is not incorporated or does not otherwise have a legal status, then the organization’s fiscal sponsor must apply as the primary applicant, with the sponsored entity as a contractor or partner. The fiscal sponsor will be evaluated on the strength of their connection to the target community, as well as on its ability to carry out the project directly.
- If the entity is incorporated and has a legal status, then it can apply as the primary applicant.
- Sponsored entities should agree on their approach with their fiscal sponsor prior to applying.
- Note that sponsorship fees cannot be included as a budget line item, but they may charge indirect.
Nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status types from the IRS may be eligible, as long as they satisfy other requirements listed in the RFP. However, non-profit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the IRS code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible.
Yes, as long as the lead applicant is an eligible entity, they are allowed to collaborate with other types of organizations. Depending on the role that the for-profit organization would play or the services that they would provide, the agreement between the nonprofit and for-profit entity would be subject to all EPA regulations on subrecipient agreements and procurement contracts. For-profit entities are not eligible as lead applicants.
Per 2 CFR 200.1, local government means any unit of government within a state, including a:
- County
- Borough
- Municipality
- City
- Town
- Township
- Parish
- Local public authority, including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act of 1937
- Special district
- School district
- Intrastate district
- Council of governments, whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under state law
- Any other agency or instrumentality of a multi-, regional, or intra-State or local government
Individual schools, unless non-profit, cannot serve as lead applicants for the funding, but can partner with an eligible applicant. However, school districts are eligible for Tiers 1-3 grants as they are considered units of local government per 2 CFR 200.1.
Non-profit cooperatives are eligible to apply for the EJforNE grants. The non-profit cooperative needs a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which is issued by the federal government to identify entities for federal awards. A for-profit cooperative may be included in an application, led by another eligible partner.
Yes, tribal organizations, non-federally or non-state recognized Tribes are eligible for funding and encouraged to apply.
Yes, churches are eligible to apply for the EJforNE grants. However, the church does need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which is issued by the federal government to identify entities for federal awards.
Yes, but the applicant would need to demonstrate how the project will respond to community needs and engage with the community. For applications that cross multiple EPA Regions, i.e. Regions 1 and 2, we will refer applicants to our National EJTCM Grantmaker for Regions One, Two and Three the Institute for Sustainable Communities.
Yes.
Eligible Entities for Seed Funds
Yes, an organization that has four or fewer staff would be eligible to apply for a Seed Fund grant, even if the organization was fiscally sponsored by an organization with four or more full-time staff or the equivalent.
Yes, eligible organizations for seed funds must have four or fewer full-time staff or the equivalent. Volunteers are not viewed as paid staff, and therefore do not count towards the staff count.
Yes, Seed Funds can be used for implementation activities and we recommend listing the proposed activities under the Workplan Template.
Eligible Entities for Tiers 1-3
Yes.
No, there is no limit.
Project Eligibility
A proposed project can take place outside of a community identified by CEJST as disadvantaged, however a justification would need to be included as part of your application for consideration that includes a description of the project need. Applicants in this scenario can also consider using another tool such as EJScreen to demonstrate need. If this is the case, we highly encourage you to reach out to [email protected] prior to applying.
Yes.
Applying for More Than One Grant
While an organization can technically apply to more than one tier in the same round, we note that:
- There are specific eligibility requirements for Seed Fund grants (see RFP).
- You cannot apply for the same project across multiple tiers in the same round.
For Tiers 1-3, the maximum number of applications that a lead applicant can submit, provided projects are different, is four per round.
For Seed Grants, a fiscal sponsor can submit up to four applications per round, provided fiscally sponsored entities are different. An individual organization (with no fiscal sponsor) can only submit one Seed Grant application per round.
Application
A QAPP is not required for applications unless the project includes collecting or using environmental data; this may be nuanced. Writing a QAPP can be a complex process and we recommend emailing [email protected] if your organization is considering a project that may require a QAPP to discuss your project proposal.
Consider thinking about what activities would best suit the desired project goals and what amount of funding and time is needed. Each of the grant types have different organizational and project eligibility criteria, different maximum funding amounts, and are different lengths of time. The Funding Announcement Webinar recording and slide deck provide further context. Please contact the Region 1 EJ TCTAC for additional support to determine which grant type would work best for your project goals.
(1) English, (2) Spanish, (3) Portuguese, (4) Simplified Chinese, (5) Traditional Chinese, (6) Vietnamese, and (7) Haitian Creole.
At this time, applications will be accepted in English only. While the grant application process is intended to be as equitable as possible, there are capacity/logistics/time limitations in terms of reviewing applications and supporting applicants through the full life cycle of the grant with technical assistance and reporting.
Consider connecting with the Institute for Sustainable Communities Grantmaking program and the Region 1 EJ TCTAC as they are able to support language needs.
Application Submission Format
The Workplan does not count towards the application’s page count. Note the word counts are intended to be guidelines.
If an applicant wishes to include an audio component, we recommend submitting a video where the applicant can “present the slides.”
Unfortunately, applications will only be accepted in English at this time.
The EJforNE program will not make public any applications, no matter the format. If submitting a video, we encourage you to ensure you set the appropriate privacy settings if you do not want it public, whether you are using Youtube, Vimeo, or other platforms. Please be sure those with the link can play and access the video.
The process does not differ if submitting slides or written applications. Our intention in providing the ability to submit your application in formats outside of written narratives is to provide flexibility. Of note if you choose to submit slides instead of a written narrative, please export the file type to PDF and upload the file in the grant application portal under the “Attachments” tab.
Evaluation
The application review criteria for each grant type are included in the Requests for Proposals under the section “Review Criteria.”
There is no predetermined number of grants to be awarded in each cycle. The number of grants awarded will be determined based on the applications and the review based on the criteria outlined in the RFP.
Partnerships can certainly strengthen your application, but are not required. When considering partners, the intention is for applicants to think about the work they intend to carry out if awarded, and to determine if they have all of the resources and capacities. Partners may enhance those capabilities where appropriate.
Community involvement and engagement is recommended as a key pillar for your work, both in how the community is engaged in the design, implementation, and/or evaluation of your work, as well as how community is reflected in the lead applicant organization, including at the leadership level.
No, an application will not score higher if multiple environmental/climate justice issues are addressed. We encourage you to think about what the most important environmental or climate justice issues affecting your community are, whether it’s one or more, and the most effective and strategic ways to allocate resources to address those community needs, if you were awarded funding.
All applications, regardless of format, will be evaluated using the same review criteria. Each application will be evaluated independently. There are no advantages provided to any format; our intention in providing a wide range of formats is to provide flexibility in submission formats.
No, funding is not prioritized for certain types of eligible entities.
No, applications do not roll over to the next application round if not funded. The applicant organization would need to reapply. If your organization was not selected, there may be an opportunity to revisit the Review Criteria in the RFP to more closely align the project proposal.
Review criteria at a high level have been included in the RFP. The review process will be conducted by Readers and a Grantmaking Committee that score and make determinations of for awarded applications relative to a scoring rubric.
We encourage applicants to think about their overall needs and also capacities relative to the various quarterly application deadlines, to determine which round of funding is the best for them to apply for. It is important to note, however, that we will make these awards up to six quarters or until all funding is allocated, whichever is first.
Grant Application Portal
We recommend using Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, and avoiding Safari and Firefox.
Please email [email protected] with the old email address associated with the account and what new email address should be linked to the account.
No, only one email address can be associated with each application. We recommend drafting the application utilizing Google Documents, SharePoint, or another shared file system before uploading into the online grants portal.
After an application is started, an application link should be sent to an email associated with the application. You should also be able to access your application by clicking “Continue Your Application” on the Grants Tab of the EJforNE Webpage.
If you receive a notification saying, “Invalid email or password,” this means the email you used might link to an existing account. Click “Return to Login” and click “Forget Password” to receive a new password from the system.
Consider the taking the following steps:
- Clear your browser cache before logging. Please follow the instructions linked here.
- Use this link to log in for your saved proposal.
- Make sure you are using the right email to login.
- Please try a different browser. We recommend using Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, and avoiding Safari and Firefox.
- Contact [email protected] if you continue to have any problems.
If you need to transfer your account, please email [email protected] with the previous and new account information.
Budget
No, there are no organizational budget restrictions by tier.
The Subgrant Budget Form will be required to submit an application for your organization. Please use the available subaward template to itemize anticipated expenses.
The Subgrant Budget Form includes categories to enter line items for Personnel Direct Expenses (salary/wages including tax and fringe), Non-Personnel Direct Expenses (services, products, and goods), and Indirect Expenses (facilities and administrative overhead).
Grantees will need to complete the following forms: Subaward Disclosure form, Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Disclosure form, Financial Controls questionnaire, Form W-9, and (if applicable) provide a copy of their federally negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. Our Fiscal Team will provide additional guidance for these requirements, if awarded.
Grantees hire for-profit organizations so long as they are deemed Consultants, not sub-recipients. Grantees will need to ensure for-profit organizations have a subrecipient determination process in place (per Uniform Guidance) in order to properly manage their award. As with all budget items, reasonable justification will be needed to include this expense.
For-profit organizations can be listed as partners and therefore included in the budget. They cannot, however, serve as a lead applicant.
No, contingency costs cannot be included in applicant budgets. Once funded, there will be opportunities to amend budgets throughout the project.
Yes, the federal regulations flow down to grantees and their partners. HRiA will work with grantees to ensure they understand and comply with all regulations
Yes but the EJforNE portion of the funds must be tracked down to the dollar, and it is important to note, that federal funding may not be used as a match for federally funded programs that require a match. EJforNE does not require a match.
Allowable Expenses
Yes, stipends are an allowable line item, provided reasonable justification is made within the Workplan and Budget.
Yes, equipment is an allowable line item, provided reasonable justification is made within the Workplan and Budget.
Yes, capital expenses are an allowable line item, provided reasonable justification is made within the Workplan and Budget.
Yes, engineering costs are an allowable line item, provided reasonable justification is made within the Workplan and Budget.
Yes, food is an allowable line item, provided reasonable justification is made within the Workplan and Budget.
Yes, land acquisition is allowable and must comply with the Uniform Relocation Act and Federal Highway Administration’s implementing regulations at 49 CFR Part 24 which requires grantees to follow certain procedures for acquiring property for grant purposes, such as notice, negotiation, and appraisal requirements.
The maximum amount of funding that can be spent on the purchase of real property is 50% of the total award amount. This includes the cost of associated fees such as closing costs, legal fees or other. In this grant program that means a maximum of $175,000 for Tier 3 development projects is allowable and up to $125,000 for Tier 2 planning. The 50% cap on real property acquisition includes all associated costs, not just the value of the real property.
Yes, construction and building costs are an allowable line item, provided reasonable justification is made within the Workplan and Budget. However, the EPA portion of the funds must be tracked down to the dollar.
Funds can be used to enhance or expand an existing program, or used to support something new and innovative. However, the EPA portion of the funds must be tracked down to the dollar.
Advocacy is an allowable activity using EJforNE funds, whereas lobbying is not allowable. Advocacy is a general term for activities that aim to change public opinion or support a cause. Advocacy can include raising awareness, offering support, and organizing communities. Lobbying, which is not an eligible activity, is generally defined as any attempt to influence a politician or public official on a specific piece of legislation or regulation.
Examples of advocacy:
- Educating community and/or elected officials about topic
- Telling a government official how a policy affects constituents
- Using social media to get the word out about a cause/issue
- Meeting with a government official to explain how a particular problem/issue is affecting a particular group or organization, the environment, etc.
Examples of lobbying (ineligible):
- Contacting members of a legislative body (local, state, federal, even international) for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation
- Urging the public to contact members of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation
- Advocating for the adoption or rejection of legislation
Communicating with the general public and reflects a view on a ballot initiative
Certain activities cannot be funded with EJforNE award funds. Disallowed expenses for this grant include lobbying, advertising, alcoholic beverages, and entertainment costs. Please note this list may not be exhaustive.
Seed fund applications for this grant award must be used towards specified program expenses.
Staffing
No, a maximum percentage is not required for Personnel Direct Costs and/or Fringe Benefits.
Individuals on payroll receiving Form W-2 must be included under Personnel Direct Services. Alternatively, individuals receiving Form 1099 (for example: consultants, contractors, interns, or fellowship positions) need to be included under Non-Personnel Direct Services.
Yes.
Indirect Cost
Indirect costs must correspond with the organizations federally negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. Organizations without a federal indirect rate agreement will be able to charge the applicable de minimis rate (15%) towards all Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC, excludes equipment, rent, stipends, etc.).
If grantees do not have a federally negotiated Indirect Cost Rate and instead elect to utilize the de minimis rate, up to 15%) could be charged to Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC).
Yes, Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) must exclude equipment (tangible personal property including IT systems), capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition reimbursement, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $50,000
A single organization must be identified as the primary grant recipient. Grantees may propose projects with partner organizations but would need to manage all subrecipients following the rules/regulations outlined in the Uniform Guidance.
HRiA will disburse 25% of the approved funds upfront to all grantees. The initial payment will be scheduled upon execution of the Subrecipient Agreement. The remainder of the funds will be disbursed based on the grantees negotiated payment schedule. HRiA may award funds on a Fixed Fee or Cost Reimbursement basis. For Fixed Fee awards, subsequent payments will be made upon completion of deliverables, as negotiated in the contracting process. For Cost Reimbursement awards, subsequent payments will be made on a monthly basis, for costs incurred in the month prior. HRiA aims to eliminate the financial and administrative burden to grantees and will work to prioritize Fixed Fee contracts however, Cost Reimbursement awards may be deemed necessary based on the pre award and risk assessment findings. Note: Organizations are required to submit a progress report at the end of each financial quarter to be eligible for subsequent payments.
No, EJforNE grants do not require a match.
For federal funding you need to use non-federal funding as a match.
Applicants do not need to use procurement standards for non-profit partners. If a partner is a for-profit, then procurement guidelines apply. For a contract between $10,0000 to $250,000, it will be necessary to get three bids for the work.
This will depend on how you have structured your partnership. Generally, we would recommend that you agree on a sum and the services a partner will provide, and have them develop their own budget. This detailed budget for the partner(s) does not need to be submitted with the application.
Yes, applicants that are not chosen for funding may amend their applications and resubmit to subsequent rounds of funding.
Reporting
No. Grantees will send reports and updates to HRiA as the Regional Grantmaker. HRiA is required to and will report to the EPA quarterly on the activities of all grantees and the grantmaking process, including post-award technical assistance services.
Grantees will be required to submit both programmatic and financial quarterly reports utilizing a template provided by HRiA. The quarterly reports will allow grantees to update on progress toward their identified goals, important learnings to share, and feedback on where additional technical assistance or support is needed.