CalEPA Accepting Applications for Environmental Justice Grants

For Immediate Release: December 19, 2018
Contact: Malinda Dumisani (916) 445-9480


SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program.

The program is open to community-based nonprofit groups and federally recognized tribal governments for support of environmental justice-related projects across California.  The maximum grant amount is $50,000, and the grant term is 12 months.

“CalEPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants Program supports collaborative projects that help to reduce pollution in the state’s most vulnerable communities,” said Secretary for Environmental Protection Matthew Rodriquez.  “In this cycle, we’re seeking grant applications that also integrate community education and training, as well as data collection and monitoring efforts in disadvantaged and tribal communities.” 

Projects selected for the grants will address a variety of environmental and public health objectives, including:

  • Disseminating information about pesticide use and the use of other chemical products
  • Reducing air pollution emissions
  • Ensuring safe drinking water
  • Improving climate adaptation and resilience
  • Participating in environmental decision-making processes at the state and local levels

These projects may also entail regional and local capacity-building efforts to improve access to state program benefits.  Grants under this program are awarded on a competitive basis.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2019

To obtain an application package or check eligibility requirements, please visit CalEPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants Program webpage.

Applications can also be requested by writing to: California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Secretary, Attn: Malinda Dumisani, EJ Small Grants Program, P.O. Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812 – 2815; or by emailing Malinda.Dumisani@calepa.ca.gov; or by calling (916) 445-9480.

The CalEPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program was established by Assembly Bill 2312 (Chu, Chapter 994, Statutes of 2002) to provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and federally recognized tribal governments.

Earlier this year, CalEPA awarded more than $1 million in grants to 28 organizations and tribal governments statewide.  Since its inception, the program has awarded 146 grants totaling $3.8 million.