Are you part of an organization that works on environmental concerns related to air or water quality, stormwater issues, improving food access, local cleanup projects, illegal dumping activities, healthy housing, toxin remediation or other efforts to address environmental injustices in your community? Small environmental justice organizations, community groups and local governments in Southwest Virginia and West Virginia have an exciting new opportunity to secure funding for their projects. 

The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, is offering $40 million in grants to support initiatives in historically disadvantaged communities throughout EPA Region 3, which includes the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia as well as the seven federally recognized indigenous tribes within these states. We want to strongly encourage Central Appalachian-based organizations in Southwest Virginia and West Virginia to apply for the funding!

Grant overview

The funding, which is being provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, is designed to address critical environmental and health issues in underserved communities, including low-income communities in Appalachia. The grants are available in one- and two-year increments.  

• One-Year Grants:
  • Application deadline: April 30, 2025
  • Funding up to $250,000.
• Two-Year Grants:
  • Application deadline: Nov. 30, 2024
  • Funding up to $350,000.

The grant application is open to a range of organizations and groups, including: 

• Nonprofit organizations
• Community-based and grassroots groups
• Philanthropic and civic organizations
• Tribal governments
• Local governments
• Institutions of higher education

A variety of environmental projects can be supported by these grants. For example, organizations working on air quality monitoring, water quality testing, healthy housing improvements, local cleanup efforts and programs that support environmental job training and environmental justice youth training are all encouraged to apply for funding.

Application assistance

Since the application process can be complex, the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative is providing dedicated support for organizations who need help with the application process. For assistance, organizations can contact GHHI at ThrivingCommunities@ghhi.org or call 443-687-7343. In addition, the Region 3 Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center is available to offer further support.

Upcoming West Virginia Thriving Communities Webinar

To ensure that organizations can fully leverage this funding opportunity, GHHI will host a webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 18. The webinar will provide guidance for applying as well as important information about the grant application process that will be catered to organizations in West Virginia.

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18
• Time: 11:00 AM (ET)

The webinar will offer valuable insights into how to apply for these grants and answer any questions organizations may have about the funding process. This is an exceptional chance for organizations in West Virginia to obtain financial support for projects that address local environmental and health issues.

For more information or inquiries, organizations are encouraged to reach out to ThrivingCommunities@ghhi.org. GHHI is committed to helping organizations in these communities access the funding needed to advance their important environmental justice initiatives.