Threats to human health and environmental quality are increasingly complex, involving a wide range of conventional and toxic contaminants in the air, water, and on land. Environmental problems represent as significant a threat to the quality of life and the economic vitality of urban areas as they do the natural balance of rural areas. Effective responses to complex environmental problems require an understanding of the natural and built environment, awareness of environmental problems and their origins, and the skills to solve these problems.
The Environmental Education Grant Program is seeking applications from eligible applicants to support locallyfocused environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and community members. This grant program provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques that increase public awareness and knowledge about local environmental issues and provides participants in its programs the skills necessary to make informed decisions and to take responsible actions toward the environment.
This solicitation is one of 10 being issued nationally, one in each of EPA’s 10 Regions, for a total of approximately $3,600,000 in available funding nationwide. EPA expects to award approximately 30 to 40 grants nationwide under the Fiscal Year 2023 Environmental Education Local Grants Program. This specific solicitation expects to award three to five grants for projects taking place within Region 4, which covers Alabama (AL), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Kentucky (KY), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC), and Tennessee (TN). The award amount for each individual grant must be between $50,000 and $100,000 in federal funds. Award amounts and the number of awards are subject to the availability of funds, the quality and quantity of applications received, and other applicable considerations.
Grantees under this solicitation will be required to award exactly 25% (no more and no less) of the funds received from EPA to eligible subrecipients in the form of subawards of $5,000 or less. This grant program also requires a non-federal match (cost share) requirement for a minimum of 25% of the total project amount. See Section III (B) for additional information about this grant program’s subaward and match requirements.
Deadline: Nov. 8, 2023
Consistent with Assistance Listing No. 66.951, Sections 3 and 6 of the National Environmental Education Act, and EPA’s Policy for Competition of Assistance Agreements (EPA Order 5700.5A1), entities that are eligible to receive a grant under this competition are: • Local education agencies • College or universities • State education or environmental agencies • Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code • Tribal organizations that qualify as nonprofit organization described Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code • Tribal education agencies • Noncommercial educational broadcasting entity as defined and licensed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The total amount of funding available under this announcement is approximately $360,000, depending on Agency funding levels, the quality of applications received, agency priorities, and other applicable considerations. It is anticipated that 3-5 awards will be made under this announcement. Each Region 4 grant will be funded for no less than $50,000, and no more than $100,000 in federal funds. Region 4 covers the states of Alabama (AL), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Kentucky (KY), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC), and Tennessee (TN).