On December 17, 2024, EPA announced $2.5 million in available funding and opened applications for community action grants through the UPLIFT Climate and Environmental Community Action Grant program. Funding will be used to “support communities and their partners in higher education work together to advance community-driven projects, strengthen climate resilience and build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate challenges.” Applications are due by February 25, 2025. More information on the application process can be found here.
These grants are funded by IRA section 60201, which appropriates funds to EPA to award grants to community-based nonprofit organizations for climate resiliency, adaptation, and mitigation activities; reducing indoor toxics and air pollution; community-led pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation; investments in technologies and infrastructure to improve resilience or reduce emissions; related workforce development; and improved engagement of disadvantaged communities in public processes.