TL;DR — The Biden-Harris Administration has made a historic investment of $600 million to advance environmental justice nationwide through the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (EJ TCGM). Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative marks the largest climate-focused investment in U.S. history. With a focus on breaking down barriers to federal funding, the program ensures that underserved and marginalized communities can access resources to address pressing environmental and climate injustices, including air quality monitoring. Learn more about the program here, and contact Clarity today to learn more about this funding opportunity and get a quote for your air quality measurement equipment!
Who is Eligible for EJ TCGM Grants?
EJ TCGM grants are open to a variety of organizations committed to addressing environmental injustices in disadvantaged communities. Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofit organizations, including community-based and grassroots organizations.
- Philanthropic and civic organizations with nonprofit status.
- Tribal governments, both federally and state-recognized, and intertribal consortia.
- Native American organizations, including legally recognized cooperatives and associations.
- Local governments, such as counties, municipalities, and boroughs.
- Institutions of higher education, including colleges and universities.
These entities are encouraged to apply directly through their designated regional Grantmaker, which simplifies the application process and provides targeted support.
What Activities Are Eligible for EJ TCGM Grants?
The program funds a wide range of projects designed to reduce environmental injustices and improve community health. Air quality monitoring, a critical focus area, stands out as a key opportunity for communities to leverage this funding. Eligible activities include:
- Air Quality and Asthma Initiatives
Projects addressing asthma and other respiratory conditions linked to poor air quality. - Fence Line Air Quality Monitoring
Monitoring pollution near industrial facilities and high-traffic areas to assess environmental impacts. - Effluent Monitoring
Tracking discharges from industrial sites to mitigate harmful effects on surrounding communities. - Healthy Homes Programs
Initiatives ensuring homes are energy-efficient, free from indoor air pollution, and lead-safe. - Environmental Job Training
Programs that train community members for roles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. - Illegal Dumping Mitigation
Education and outreach programs to address illegal dumping and small-scale cleanup projects.
Other eligible activities include stormwater management, water quality monitoring, and youth-focused environmental justice training.
Grant Types and Funding Tiers
The EJ TCGM program provides funding through three main tiers, allowing applicants to tailor their projects to their specific needs:
- Phase I: Assessment Grants
- Funding: Up to $150,000
- Duration: One year
- Focus: Assess environmental and air quality issues to establish a baseline understanding.
- Phase II: Planning Grants
- Funding: Up to $250,000
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Focus: Develop detailed plans for addressing identified issues, including air quality strategies.
- Phase III: Project Development Grants
- Funding: Up to $350,000
- Duration: Two years
- Focus: Implement large-scale projects, such as deploying air quality monitoring systems or training local residents.
- Non-Competitive Grants
- Funding: $75,000
- Focus: Support severely resource-constrained community-based organizations.
- These tiers ensure that organizations of all sizes and capacities can access funding and make a meaningful impact.
These tiers ensure that organizations of all sizes and capacities can access funding and make a meaningful impact.
Using EJ TCGM Grants for Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring is one of the most impactful ways communities can use EJ TCGM funding. By deploying advanced technology like Clarity Node-S air quality sensors, organizations can:
- Collect real-time data on pollution levels.
- Identify pollution hotspots near highways, industrial facilities, or other high-impact areas.
- Develop targeted interventions to reduce pollution and improve public health.
For instance, a community-based organization could use Phase II planning grants to design a monitoring network and later apply for Phase III development grants to implement the system fully. These projects directly contribute to reducing health disparities and empowering communities with actionable data.
How to Apply for EJ TCGM Funding
Applications are region-specific, with 11 Grantmakers designated to manage subgrants for communities. While some regions, such as Region 2 (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico), are already accepting applications, others will open portals throughout 2024 and early 2025.
Key Deadlines by Region
- Region 3 (e.g., Maryland, Virginia): Applications for Phase III grants close November 30, 2023.
- Region 8 (e.g., Colorado, Utah): Applications close December 12, 2023.
- Region 10 (e.g., Washington, Oregon): Applications close December 15, 2023.
Check your region’s application website (links included below) for specific details and timelines. Even if applications aren’t open yet, preparing early is key to a successful submission.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 1
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Health Resources in Action
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Application portal will open December 2024.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 2
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Flourishing in Community
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 8 federally recognized Indian Nations that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are now open and accepted on a rolling basis.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 3
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Thriving Communities
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV, 7 federally recognized tribes that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are now open for Phase III Project Development Grants. Applications for this cycle close on November 30.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 4
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Thriving Environments
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are expected to open in November.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 5
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are expected to open in Fall 2024.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 6
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in AR, LA, NM, OK, and TX that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are expected to open in Fall 2024.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 7
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Cultivating Healthy Environments
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in IA, KS, MO, and NE that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are expected to open in November 2024.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 8
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Mountains and Plains Environmental Justice Grants Hub
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications for current cycle are open until December 12.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 9
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in AZ, CA, HI, NV, Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are not currently open, and an expected date is not yet listed.
EJ TCGM Grantmaker for EPA Region 10
- Grantmaker website (apply here): Philanthropy Northwest
- This is the EPA region for organizations based in AK, ID, OR, WA and 271 native tribes that want to apply for air quality monitoring funding.
- Grant funding timeline: Applications are now open for Phase III Project — applications close on December 15, 2024.
A Historic Step Toward Environmental Justice
The EJ TCGM program exemplifies the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental equity through the Justice40 Initiative, which directs 40% of federal climate investments to disadvantaged communities. By funding projects like air quality monitoring and workforce development, this program not only addresses historic injustices but also lays the foundation for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future.
For communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, the EJ TCGM represents an unprecedented opportunity to access resources and drive change. Whether you’re tackling asthma hotspots, monitoring fenceline pollution, or training local residents for green jobs, this funding can make a lasting impact.
Learn more about the program here, and contact Clarity today to learn more about this funding opportunity and get a quote for your air quality measurement equipment! Let’s build a future where every community has access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment.