Federal funding opportunities available to counties for environmental and resiliency initiatives

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), Economic Development Administration (EDA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced funding opportunities available to counties for environmental and resiliency initiatives. These funding opportunities are for projects around environmental justice, preparing for climate-related impacts, infrastructure resiliency and flood mitigation, forest-based projects and economic development. Counties are uniquely positioned to serve as stewards for environmental justice and equity through the implementation of best practice policies that not only combat climate change but ensure vulnerable populations are not subject to disproportionate harm. For a comprehensive list, click here and please see below for a few highlighted programs that are currently accepting applications and proposals.

• Environmental Literacy Program – NOAA offers funding to counties in targeted states for environmental literacy projects that help build community resilience to extreme weather and climate change. First round applications for new projects are due on November 1, 2021. For more information, click here.
• EJ4 Climate Grant Program – EPA offers grants to community-based organizations in underserved and vulnerable communities to address environmental vulnerability to climate change and build community resiliency. Proposals are due November 14, 2021. For more information, click here.
• Community Based Research on Cumulative Health Impacts of Climate Change and Environmental Justice – EPA is requesting applications from counties for research proposals with approaches to explore the intersection of climate change and environmental justice’s long-term and cumulative health impacts on vulnerable populations. Applications are due on November 16, 2021. For more information, click here.
• Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program – USDA’s U.S. Forest Service requests county applications for competitive grants to acquire and establish community forests. Community forests must provide community benefits, including economic value through active forest management, wildlife habitat, public access and educational opportunities. Applications are due on January 10, 2022. For more information, click here.
• Hazard Mitigation Grants – FEMA provides grants to counties for the FY2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance Programs. Applications are due on January 28, 2022. For more information, click here.
• EDA American Rescue Plan (ARP) Programs – EDA is offering a total of $3 billion in ARP funding to counties through these programs:
  • Statewide Planning, Research & Networks – Counties are eligible for research and network grants to evaluate post-pandemic economic recovery, develop networks, and develop a community of practice. Applications are due on October 31, 2021, but are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, click here.
  • Good Jobs Challenge – Counties are eligible for grants to support regional workforce development through job and skills training. Applications are due January 26, 2022. For more information, click here.
  • Counties are also eligible for competitive tourism grants and economic adjustment assistance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through 2022. For more information, click here.