EPA’s Thriving Communities program brings funding opportunities to Portsmouth
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 25, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) and Virginia State University, hosted an event in Portsmouth, Virginia, on Oct. 24 to help local community-based organizations access federal funding through the EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.
The event provided about 30 attendees from Portsmouth’s local nonprofits and government with information on applying for federal funding and requesting technical assistance to address environmental justice in the Portsmouth community.
“The Biden-Harris Administration empowers community leaders by providing them with the resources they need to drive meaningful change,” said 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.”
The EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program aims to help underserved and overburdened communities by making it easier for nonprofits to receive federal funding for local initiatives that address environmental and public health issues.
GHHI, serving as the Mid-Atlantic region’s Grantmaker, shared information with the Portsmouth community on how to apply for sub-grants, eligibility criteria, and available support for successful project applications.
“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 Green & Healthy Homes Initiative President and CEO Ruth Ann Norton. “We are actively accepting applications to fund projects that build community-based capacity and advance environmental justice. We know there is a significant need in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area to address toxic waste and hazardous air pollutants that have disproportionately affected low-income communities in the region. The Thriving Communities grant program can help community-based EJ organizations advance their missions to create cleaner, greener, safer, and more equitable neighborhoods.”
Virginia State University is a partner for the program and supported the event by providing resources to attendees and making sure the appropriate Portsmouth communities were part of the discussion.
“This event is an opportunity for VSU to build upon its commitment to empower citizens of the Commonwealth to access resources and opportunities that improve their communities and livelihoods,” said Virginia State University Department of Agriculture’s Assistant Professor Neil Brown.
The two-hour event included presentations and a Q&A session that provided a better understanding of how to leverage federal resources for projects that will reduce pollution, improve health, and foster sustainability.
The EPA’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program is a national program that provides at least $600 million to address environmental justice and public health issues in underserved communities across the nation. The program has partnerships with 11 Grantmakers nationwide that work with nonprofits to support capacity building, increase efficiency, reduce barriers to federal funding, and encourage meaningful involvement.
Learn more about the EPA’s Environmental Justice efforts.
Learn more about GHHI’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program.