Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Training and Special Purpose Activities Relating to Environmental Justice

EJSS - Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Training, and Special Purpose Activities Relating to Environmental Justice
CFDA 66.309 Active Cooperative Agreement
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding
$12.3M FY2025
$11.4M
FY24
$12.3M
FY25

Program Objective

This program has been terminated.

The program's objective is to provide funding in support of surveys, studies and investigations, training (including technical assistance) and special purpose assistance programs as they relate to environmental and/or public health issues, with a particular emphasis on environmental justice. EPA will fund grants for technical assistance, training, and resources/support to community and non-profit organizations, educational institutions including Minority Serving Institutions, governmental entities, and other stakeholders. Assistance awards made under this listing are part of a multifaceted approach to benefit underserved communities facing environmental justice challenges. Awards under this listing will be for the establishment and maintenance of Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ-TCTAC) with a physical location(s) or a virtual/technological presence providing technical assistance, training, and support/resources to underserved communities interested in EPA grant programs, community stakeholders, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, local government entities, and state governmental entities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • U.S. Territory Government
  • U.S. State Government
  • U.S. Federal Government
  • Local
  • Nonprofit Organization

The term "nonprofit organization" is defined in 2 CFR 200.1. Public and nonprofit private institutions of higher education (including community colleges and similar 2-year institutions) are eligible to apply. However, nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. Eligible nonprofit organizations may, but are not required to be, exempt from taxation under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code. Workforce Investment Boards and organized Labor Unions that meet these criteria may be eligible nonprofit organizations. For-profit organizations or trade schools are also not eligible to apply. For certain competitive funding opportunities under this listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.

Beneficiaries

  • U.S. Federal Government
  • U.S. State Government
  • Federally Recognized Tribal Government
  • U.S. Territory Government
  • Unrestricted by Individual Type
  • Nonprofit Organization

States, local governments, territories, Indian Tribes, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions and the communities they serve.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the competitive announcement. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 120 to 180 days

Approximately 180 days.

Program details & compliance

Description

To provide funding in support of surveys, studies and investigations, training (including technical assistance) and special purpose assistance program implementation as they relate to environmental and/or public health issues, with a particular emphasis on environmental justice.

Mission Categories

Primary: Rural Community Development

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Grants and cooperative agreements are available to support recipients' allowable direct costs incident to approved cooperative agreements plus allowable indirect costs, in accordance with established EPA policies and regulations. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: Geospatial Resources at EPA (https://www.epa.gov/geospatial).

Restrictions

The recipient cannot use these funds for the following activities under this program: litigation against the Federal government or any other government entity; construction (with the exception of demonstration projects); lobbying; matching funds for other Federal grants; travel for Federal employees; and human health studies (taking blood or other information from humans).Generally, this program makes Federal awards on a discretionary basis. A discretionary award means an award in which the Federal awarding agency, in keeping with specific statutory authority that enables the agency to exercise judgement (“discretion”), selects the recipient and/or the amount of Federal funding awarded through a competitive process or based on merit of proposals. A discretionary award may be selected on a non-competitive basis, as appropriate. For further information, please contact the Headquarters or regional office.

Required Documentation

Applicants may be requested to demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary equipment to carry out projects. EPA may ask applicants or principle investigators to provide curriculum vitae and relevant publications.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes — Determined at Time of Award
Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Wesley Carpenter, Deputy Chief of Staff for Management — EJ Grants Program Coordinator
202-564-2019
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Administrator 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-09. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-28 07:28:57.