Looking to prioritize environmental justice and climate resilience?
A significant and accessible funding opportunity now exists for community-based organizations, nonprofits and local governments in the Kansas City region! The breadth and quality of project ideas developed over the past year suggests that, collectively, we are incredibly well-positioned to apply for and receive funds to advance high-priority projects.
The Research Triangle Institute, on behalf of the EPA, has released a call for projects through the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. At least $40 million will be available to community-based organizations throughout EPA Region 7 through Spring 2027. Applications will be received on a rolling quarterly basis, with the first round of applications due January 31. The program is much simpler than conventional grant processes; it is intentionally designed to make it easier for organizations that may not typically have access to federal funds to apply for and manage these funds.
Funding is available in four categories, from a non-competitive, one year, $70,000 capacity building grant to grants supporting planning, assessment and implementation activities at $150,000, $250,000 and $350,000 levels. Projects are eligible to address diverse issues, like air and water quality, healthy homes and food systems, environmental contaminants, and emergency preparedness and training.
The links below provide more information about the program, including applicant and project eligibility guidelines, application procedures and more. Webinars describing the process are scheduled for the coming week.Thriving Communities Grantmakers Program (TCGM) Region 7 Website: Cultivating Healthy Environments | TCGM: Region 7Links to application form, webinars, and full Notice of Funding Opportunity: Apply | TCGM: Region 7.
Note: recordings of previous webinars are posted here. Two forthcoming webinars are scheduled for January 17 and January 24 at noon. Those webinars will focus on project development and budget creation.Heartland Environmental Justice Center is available to help prospective applicants: Heartland Environmental Justice Center – A Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center
If you have questions about this program, please feel free to contact Tom Jacobs, Chief Resilience Officer at Mid-America Regional Council (816/701-8352 or [email protected]) or other MARC staff. Our ambition is to help local partners access funds to help build more resilience and sustainability across the metro area.
