The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced more than $325 million in funding for 21 projects aimed at addressing environmental and climate justice issues in disadvantaged communities. This funding is the first round of nearly $2 billion from the new Community Change Grants Program, the largest environmental justice investment in history.

The program has two tracks:

Track I, Community-Driven Investments for Change, will distribute around $1.96 billion for 150 community-scale projects, each receiving $10-20 million. Recipients include organizations and municipalities across the U.S. Nelson Mullins pro bono clients, Dillard University and United Way of Southeast Louisiana, are Track I applicants who are implementing community-scale projects to address environmental and climate justice challenges.

Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, will allocate approximately $40 million for 20 projects focused on enhancing community involvement in governance, with grants ranging from $1-3 million.

"The EPA's selection of Dillard University's Community Change Grant submission, in partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, is a testament to the value we place on collaboration with our array of stakeholders to transform our community,” said Dillard University’s Interim President Dr. Monique Guillory. “As a native New Orleanian, I am distinctly familiar with the environmental injustices that have plagued this region. It is that understanding that makes this award a special honor as I am called to serve the Bleu Devil family as interim president. This is not just an award for Dillard University, but for our entire New Orleans community. I extend a special note of appreciation to our partners at Nelson Mullins and the Louisiana congressional delegation for their leadership and support of this effort. We look forward to leveraging this award for substantive impact to the Dillard University community and beyond."

Nelson Mullins helped Dillard University and United Way of Southeast Louisiana identify and obtain this grant funding opportunity by drafting a legislative background briefing, facilitating meetings with EPA senior staff, reviewing the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with the clients, and conducting strategy sessions with the clients and grant writing team. Nelson Mullins also engaged in congressional outreach for application support and prepared the clients in advance of their oral presentation before the EPA.

“Today’s announcement of funding to support disadvantaged communities in addressing environmental and climate justice challenges marks a significant step forward,” said the president and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Michael Williamson. 

Community Change Grants Program applications are open until Nov. 21 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The program encourages early applications and offers technical assistance until Aug. 16.

Read the EPA press release here.