UPLIFT Climate and Environmental Community Action Grant

EPA has announced the availability of approximately $2.5 million in funding to support the collaborative work of communities and institutions of higher education to advance community-driven projects, strengthen climate resilience and build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate challenges.

The UPLIFT Climate and Environmental Community Action Grant (UPLIFT Grant) will deliver on President Biden’s historic commitment to advance equity and justice, including his Justice40 Initiative. The UPLIFT Grant will deliver significant benefits to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

EPA’s UPLIFT Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is now open and will close on February 25, 2025.

Read the UPLIFT Project NOFO (pdf) (908.39 KB) or view the grant opportunity.

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Background

Funding is awarded on a competitive basis. The grant program is designed to facilitate building the capacity of institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, The UPLIFT Grant program (“UPLIFT”) is designed to facilitate the building of capacity within institutions of higher education (IHEs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) who work with disadvantaged communities and support communities in creating healthy, climate resilient, and thriving communities for generations to come.

The goal of these projects is to support 1) building the capacity of communities and governments to evaluate and redress environmental and climate injustices by giving disadvantaged communities a meaningful voice in government decision-making processes and 2) support community-driven projects in disadvantaged communities that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful and collaborative implementation.

Available Funding

The total estimated amount of federal funding available under this announcement is approximately $2,500,000, depending on agency funding levels, the qualifying of applications received, agency priorities, and other applicable considerations. The EPA anticipates awarding approximately one (1) award for approximately $2.5 Million.

Cost sharing is not a requirement to be eligible to apply to this funding opportunity. We encourage applicants to not include activities that would be covered by voluntary cost shares as part of their applications. Applicants should only include activities that, if awarded, federal funds would be used for. Applicants should note that any voluntary cost-share/match included in their application budget and final award document will be legally binding on the successful applicants.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants under this competition include:

  • a partnership between a Community-Based Organization (CBO) and an Institution of Higher Education (IHEs).

Organization types are consistent with definitions at 2 CFR 200.1. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.

Eligible Projects

All proposed projects must benefit disadvantaged communities, as defined in Appendix A of the NOFO.

Timeline

A general overview of the application process is outlined below. All awarded projects are expected to have a project period of three (3) years. 

Step 1: Grant announcement

Step 2: Application information webinar in early January

Step 3: Application deadline (February 25, 2025)

Step 4: Grant selection announced

Step 5: Project period: Three (3) years

How to Apply

Once announced, application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than 70 days post announcement in order to be considered for funding. 

Technical Assistance

Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) are a helpful resource if you are in need of technical assistance in developing your application. To submit a request for technical assistance, please identify the EJ TCTAC for your region and navigate to their individual website

Resources

Upcoming Webinar

The Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education (OPEEE) will host a webinar to share more information about the grant application and answer questions you may have on Thursday, January 13, 2025 at 3:00 pm Eastern. 

Contact Information

Applicants should raise any questions they may have to the following contact as soon as possible so that any questions about the solicitation language may be resolved prior to submitting a proposal.

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Last updated on January 15, 2025