We are currently accepting applications for the Community Climate Action Fund!
In January, 2025, the Climate Institute was awarded a $19.9 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program. Of this funding, $2.6 million has been allocated to the creation of this Community Climate Action Fund (CCAF) with the goal of allowing Spokane community-based organizations (CBOs) to determine the best use of this environmental justice funding. This opportunity comes at a crucial time as Spokane and the Inland Northwest face the growing impacts of climate change.Purpose:
The objectives of the CCAF are:
- Increase community resilience through climate action activities
- Center meaningful community engagement
- Build community strength
- Reach priority populations
- Maximize integration across project
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
General Grant Criteria
All projects and activities funded by the CCAF must take place in Spokane and target communities within Spokane identified as disadvantaged by the EPA.
Projects funded by the CCAF must be aligned with at least one of the Climate Action Strategies identified below.
Strategy 1: Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
Strategy 2: Mobility and Transportation Options for Preventing Air Pollution and Improving Public Health and Climate Resilience
Strategy 3: Energy-Efficient, Healthy, and Resilient Housing and Buildings
Strategy 4: Microgrid Installation for Community Energy Resilience
Strategy 5: Community Resilience Hubs
Strategy 6: Brownfield Redevelopment for Emissions Reduction and Climate Resilience
Strategy 7: Waste Reduction and Management to Support a Circular Economy
Strategy 8: Workforce Development Programs for Occupations that Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Pollutants
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for the Community Climate Action Fund include a community-based non-profit organization (CBO), or a partnership between a CBO and one of the following: a Federally recognized Tribe, a local government (City of Spokane or Spokane County), or an institution of higher education (IHE). Other organizations and entities may participate in the Community Climate Action Fund as Collaborating Entities through subawards, or as contractors selected in accordance with competitive procurement requirements.
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
Timeline
|
Date |
Activity |
|
January 15, 2025 |
Notice of Funding Opportunity posted |
|
January 21, 2025 |
Informational webinar |
|
January 23, 2025 |
FAQs and webinar recording posted |
|
February 1–May 31, 2025 |
Accepting applications and reviewing on a rolling basis |
|
July 1, 2025 |
Awardees announced |
|
July-August 2025 |
Workplan negotiations and scheduling of awardee trainings |
|
September 2025 |
Trainings for awardees |
|
October 1, 2025-September 30, 2027 |
Grant execution period with quarterly reporting |
|
October 31, 2027 |
Final reports due |
Funding and Grant Term
The Gonzaga Climate Institute anticipates awarding approximately $2.6 million in funding through this NOFO depending on funding availability, quality of applications received, Institute priorities, and other applicable considerations. Awards are expected to be between $100,000-$300,000 each and cannot exceed $300,000.
The grant execution period will be October 1, 2025-September 30, 2027 (see Timeline).
See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
Application Resources
The Environmental Protection Network provides many helpful resources to support grant applications, including a Budgets for Beginners page that can be used to develop a budget along with the Climate Institute required Budget Template.
Technical Assistance
Interested applicants can email ClimateFund@gonzaga.edu with any questions about the CCAF or to request technical assistance with applying.
A webinar for the CCAF will be hosted on January 21, 2025 at 11am PST. Register for the webinar here. A recording of the webinar will be available shortly after.
A Frequently Asked Questions page will be posted at the end of January and updated throughout the application period.
If you would like to receive email updates about the Community Climate Action Fund, please register with this form.
Apply Today!
Please carefully review the application resources to ensure you have all required documents. Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.