The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) and Virginia State University, organized an event in Portsmouth, Virginia, on October 24 to facilitate local community-based organizations' access to federal funding. This initiative is part of the EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.
Approximately 30 attendees from Portsmouth's nonprofits and government sectors participated in the event. They received guidance on applying for federal funding and requesting technical assistance to address environmental justice issues within their community.
“The Biden-Harris Administration empowers community leaders by providing them with the resources they need to drive meaningful change,” stated EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By working with partners and local leaders here in Portsmouth, we make sure these grants benefit the communities that need them most and support projects that protect human health and the environment.”
Alexander Mandell, EPA Mid-Atlantic Region Environmental Justice Coordinator, addressed community and nonprofit leaders during the meeting. The program aims to assist underserved communities by facilitating easier access for nonprofits to obtain federal funding for initiatives targeting environmental and public health concerns.
GHHI, acting as the Mid-Atlantic region’s Grantmaker, provided information on sub-grant applications, eligibility criteria, and support available for successful project submissions. Ruth Ann Norton, President and CEO of GHHI, highlighted the significance of leveraging investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act through this grantmaking program.
“GHHI’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking program provides an unprecedented opportunity to leverage the investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act to make tangible and transformative differences in communities throughout EPA Region 3,” said Norton. She emphasized addressing toxic waste and hazardous air pollutants affecting low-income communities in Hampton Roads.
Virginia State University partnered in supporting this event by offering resources to attendees and ensuring relevant Portsmouth communities were engaged in discussions. Neil Brown from Virginia State University's Department of Agriculture remarked on VSU's commitment to empowering citizens with access to resources that enhance their communities.
The two-hour session included presentations and a Q&A segment aimed at enhancing understanding of how federal resources can be utilized for pollution reduction projects that improve health outcomes and promote sustainability.
The national Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program allocates at least $600 million towards addressing environmental justice issues in underserved areas across the United States. The program collaborates with 11 nationwide Grantmakers working alongside nonprofits to bolster capacity building, streamline processes, reduce barriers to federal funding access, and encourage active involvement.
Learn more about the EPA’s Environmental Justice efforts.
Learn more about GHHI’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking ProgramExit EPA’s website.
