FAQs

 

  • What is the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program?
    • The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (EJ TCGM) is a new initiative by the EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to provide funding and support to communities disproportionately experiencing negative community and environmental health conditions.  

 

  • What is an EPA region?
    • EPA regions are administrative divisions used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to organize and manage environmental protection efforts across different geographic areas across the United States and territories. 

 

  • Which EPA regions does UNITE-EJ provide grants to?
    • UNITE-EJ is the National Grantmaker-West for EJ TCGM, the program provides grants to projects taking place in regions 8, 9, and 10. 
      • Region 8: Mountains and Plains
        • Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 28 Tribal Nations
      • Region 9: Pacific Southwest
        • Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,   and 148 tribal nations.
      • Region 10: Pacific Northwest
        • Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 271 Tribal Nations

 

 

  • What is the difference between the National and Regional Grantmakers?
    • Regional grantmakers only provide grants to projects in their specific EPA region and are the primary source for most applicants. 
    • National grantmakers provide grants to projects that take place in multiple EPA regions 
      • Example: a project taking place in California and Oregon would apply to the National Grantmaker-West: UNITE-EJ

 

  • How do I know if I should apply to UNITE-EJ or a regional grantmaker to fund my project?
    • For the west you should apply to your regional grantmaker if:
      • Your project is only in one region 
      • You’re referred by UNITE-EJ or a different grantmaker to apply
    • For the west, you should apply to UNITE-EJ if:
      • Your project takes place in multiple EPA regions: 8, 9, or 10
      • You have a conflict of interest with the regional grantmaker. For example,  if you are fiscally sponsored by your regional grantmaker. 
      • You're referred by a regional grantmaker

 

  • If I’m not located in regions 8, 9, or 10, can I still apply to the UNITE-EJ program for funding?
    • No, you can apply to the grantmakers for your region. Visit the EPA’s The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program page to learn which region you’re in and which grantmaker to apply to. Link to page 

 

  • How can organizations stay informed on UNITE-EJ’s updates and opportunities?
    • To receive program updates you can sign up for our email list on our website.