Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program is sponsored by The Minneapolis Foundation (for the Great Lakes region). This program supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region, focusing on underserved communities. Grants aim to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience.

Great Lakes Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network , the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

These grants are made possible by funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program . Starting in 2024, we will distribute $48 million over three years. Grants will be awarded with guidance from a committee of environmental justice leaders representing communities throughout the region.

Learn more about the committee Grants will support work in EPA Region 5, which includes Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and 37 federally recognized tribal nations. Learn more about region 5 Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from December 2024 until November 2026.

Read guidelines and apply Guidelines and Application Portal G rants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers: Assessment and Engagement We will award up to one-year grants of up to $150,000 to understand local challenges, needs, and opportunities. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: Monitoring, research, and community mapping.

Through a noncompetitive process, we will also award grants of up to $75,000 to capacity-constrained communities and community-based organizations under Tier One. Community Education and Planning We will award one- to two-year grants of up to $250,000 to design, inform, and highlight local solutions.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: Developing communications and outreach plans; conducting workshops and trainings; or other community planning and visioning efforts. Project Development and Implementation We will award one- to two-year grants of up to $350,000 to pilot or implement project plans.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: Strengthening cumulative impact, public health, or environmental justice protections; developing community gardens; or creating community resilience hubs.

Guidelines and Application Portal Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to: – Air, soil, and water quality – Stormwater and green infrastructure – Environmental job training Guidelines and Application Portal Federal Judge Orders $180M in Environmental Dollars Restored Communities seeking to protect their air and water, make homes healthy and safe, and address other environmental hazards won a major victory when a federal court ruled in favor of three organizations administering grants that the EPA terminated earlier this year.

Update on the Great Lakes TCGM Program We are deeply committed to the vital work they are leading to protect our air and water, grow fresh food, make homes healthy and safe, and help ensure the future prosperity of our nation.

$40 Million Available for Environmental Justice Grants This program will distribute $40 million in grants to support priorities identified by local communities, from clean air and water to ensuring all residents have access to healthy food. Are there any webinars I can attend to learn more? We currently do not have any upcoming webinars scheduled.

You can watch recordings of our past webinars and office hours by visiting our video playlist . What are your office hours? Our January office hour options are below.

Register here . – January 16. 12-1 p.

m. EJScreen Mapping Tool Support. Our February office hour options are below.

Register here . Our March office hour options are below. Register here .

Our April office hour options are below. Register here . – April 22.

12-12:30 p. m. All office hours listed above are for Central Standard Time.

You can watch recordings of our past office hours and webinars by visiting our video playlist . Frequently Asked Questions Have a question? Download this document and dig into the details of this grantmaking program.

Explore this slide presentation to get a deeper look at this grantmaking program. Watch recordings of past webinars, instructional videos, and events. Check out the Environmental Protection Network’s guide to TCGM grants.

Review this slide deck about quality assurance requirements created by our EPA partners. The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership is separate from the Minneapolis Foundation's other grantmaking programs. The Partnership will not solicit funding for the EPA.