The Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (TCGM) opened all grant competitions for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Great Lakes TCGM Partnership was chosen to issue grants in EPA Region 5 which includes Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and 36 Federally Recognized Tribal nations. In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental and climate-related grants ranging from $25,000 to $350,000 to organizations working in disadvantaged and underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.
Grant Overview
Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:
Tier 1 - Assessment and Engagement
We will award up to one-year grants of up to $150,000 to understand local challenges, needs, and opportunities. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: Monitoring, research, and community mapping.
Through a noncompetitive process, we will also award grants of up to $75,000 to capacity-constrained communities and community-based organizations under Tier One.
Tier 2 -Community Education and Planning
We will award one- to two-year grants of up to $250,000 to design, inform, and highlight local solutions. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: Developing communications and outreach plans; conducting workshops and trainings; or other community planning and visioning efforts.
Tier 3 - Project Development and Implementation
We will award one- to two-year grants of up to $350,000 to pilot or implement project plans. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: Strengthening cumulative impact, public health, or environmental justice protections; developing community gardens; or creating community resilience hubs.
Issue Areas
Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:
– Environmental health
– Air, soil, and water quality
– Healthy homes
– Access to healthy food
– Stormwater and green infrastructure
– Emergency preparedness
– Disaster resilience
– Environmental job training
Important Dates:
- Dec. 10 - Introductory Webinar: 12:00pm CT/ 1:00pm ET | Register
- Jan. 31 - First round applications due