ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCE CENTER GRANT PROGRAM

Background
EPA is soliciting applications from eligible entities to serve as a Regional EFC for an EPA Region (either covering the entire Region or a specific geographic area of the Region) or as a National EFC for EPA Headquarters. EPA encourages all eligible applicants to apply and recognizes that new applicants are essential to expanding the pool of service providers able to address the environmental and financial challenges the nation faces. New applicants may help to expand the pool and increase diversity in supporting projects that help disadvantaged communities. New applicants are applicants that have not received an EFC award from EPA in the past 10 years.

Grant Details
EPA is seeking applications from organizations with a demonstrable history of providing effective, results-oriented technical assistance. These entities will provide local governments, states, tribes, and non-governmental organizations with eligible services, such as support in administering funds, capacity building, technical assistance, training, reports/studies, tools, and other eligible activities to protect human health and the environment. The Agency’s priorities include maximizing the potential for BIL funds to provide significant benefit to disadvantaged, and/or tribal communities; tackling the climate crisis; and advancing environmental justice and equity.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants under this competition are public and private non-profit universities and colleges, and non-profit organizations. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), and Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs) are also considered eligible.

Period of Performance
EFCs are expected to have a project period up to 5 years, with funding up to $650,000 annually.

Grant Value
The total estimated amount of federal funding available under this announcement is approximately $68 million, depending on Agency funding levels. EPA anticipates making 10 to 21 awards with total federal funding available up to approximately $13,600,000 per year. Applicants should submit applications requesting up to $650,000 of funding each year for five years.

Place of Performance
Regional EFCs will provide eligible services either across their designated EPA Region or within a specific geographical regional or local area. One or more National EFCs will provide eligible services across the country and can be located anywhere in the United States.