As an addition to the other tools on this site, we created this Resource Guide to enable you to find and connect to a wide variety of online federal resources and tools that can be helpful to Community Change Grant (CCG) applicants.
The Resource Guide is organized into the nine topics below. Click on a topic and you will see it is further divided into subtopics with multiple entries that include the resource name, link to the site, a sentence to explain what the applicants can use the resource to achieve, and a short description of the resource. Where possible, we have included links in the short descriptions to other useful materials such as user guides, technical support documents, training materials, and more. Some resources, such as data sources or computer models, may require a technical background. These more technical resources are noted in their description.
View or download the complete Resource Library in PDF format
Federal grant application
About your community
Climate Action Strategies
Pollution Reduction Strategies
Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance
Community strength plan
Performance Management, Outputs/Outcomes
Budget
Grant compliance
The resources in this section guide people and organizations seeking federal grants, particularly the Community Change Grants (CCG). These resources cover every aspect of applying for grants through platforms such as SAM.gov and Grants.gov, starting with the first steps of registration, then the application process and eligibility requirements. Some presentations and webinars are tailored to Tribal clean energy projects and environmental justice initiatives. Whether new to the grant application process or are an experienced applicant, these resources offer information and support to help secure federal funding for community-driven projects.
https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration
You must create an account on SAM.gov to apply for a Community Change Grant.
SAM.gov is a central registry used by organizations that work with the federal government. It stores details about grant recipients and allows them to update their information in one place. To apply for a grant, start by making a user account on SAM.gov and getting a Unique Entity ID. If you need assistance, you can reach out to the Federal Service Desk. You need to renew your SAM registration every year.
You must submit an application through Grants.gov to apply for a Community Change Grant (CCG).
You must create an account at Grants.gov in order to apply for a federal grant. To use Grants.gov, you must first register on SAM.gov and get a Unique Entity ID. After you get the Unique Entity ID for your organization from SAM.gov, return to Grants.gov to continue the registration process. This step must be completed in order to submit your grant application. Visit Learn Grants to find information about every phase of the grant management process, from applying and reporting, to closing out the grant.
grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants
You can use this webpage for guidance and resources to help you apply for grants.
The How to Apply for Grants page offers links to every step of the grant process: Learn, Check, Search, Register, Apply, and Track. Additionally, it provides supplementary resources like Applicant Eligibility, Applicant Registration, Applicant Training, and Applicant FAQs.
You can use this tool to find federal grants that you can apply for.
This Grants.gov webpage shows all available federal grant opportunities. You can search for funding by keyword, funding type, eligible organizations, topic, or government agency. To learn more about a specific opportunity, simply click on its opportunity number link.
https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Connect/SubscribeToOpportunities.htm
You can use this page to receive notifications about new grant opportunities.
Subscribing to Opportunities at Grants.gov sends the user notifications when an agency posts a new funding opportunity or makes changes to an existing one.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Registering-to-Apply-for-a-Grant
Use this fact sheet to understand the required steps to register and submit the grant application.
The Registering to Apply for a Grant fact sheet explains each step required to submit a Community Change Grants application. It covers registering at SAM.gov (Step 1), registering at Grant.gov (Step 2), and the application submission process (Step 3).
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#samgov
Use this checklist to walk through the SAM.gov registration process.
The SAM.gov Registration Checklist walks a Lead Applicant through registration an organization on SAM.gov. It explains how to create an account at Login.gov; how to use the Login.gov account to complete a profile on SAM.gov; how to obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI); and how to complete the SAM.gov registration process.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#grantsgov
Use this checklist to walk through the Grants.gov registration process.
The Grants.gov Registration checklist walks a Lead Applicant through registration of an organization on Grants.gov. The Lead Applicant must have first obtained a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov to complete the registration process. See the SAM.gov Registration Checklist for more help. Registering on Grants.gov is required to apply for a grant.
https://communitychangeta.org/how-do-i-apply#grants-gov-guide
Use this worksheet to help you use workspaces on Grants.gov and ultimately submit your application.
The Grants.gov Guide takes you through the process of using Grants.gov to find the Community Change Grant opportunity, create a workspace, find and complete forms, and submit an application for the Community Change Grants Program. The Guide includes screenshots and simple step-by-step instructions.
You can use this presentation as guidance to help prepare a successful grant application for Tribal Clean Energy Projects.
This Department of Energy webinar focuses on clean energy grants for tribal communities. You can also find useful, step-by-step instructions about preparing a grant application. Skip to about one hour into the presentation to go directly to this information.
You can use this page to learn more about all EPA grants programs.
The EPA Grants Program page offers tools for potential grant applicants, including EPA Grants Overview for Applicants and Recipients. From small, nonprofit organizations to state governments, EPA awards more than $4 billion in funding for grants and other assistance every year. EPA grants can help your community achieve its environmental goals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2xy4XZ5Oks
You can use this webinar to see an overview of the EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Grants Programs.
This webinar gives basic information on the Environmental and Climate Justice Grants Programs and technical assistance offered through the EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. This overview describes the grants program and the tools available to communities and interested stakeholders.
You can use this link to send an email and sign up for the EPA-EJ email list. You will receive emails about funding opportunities, upcoming meetings, events, and other EJ topics and activities.
Send an email (the body can be blank) to the email address above and you will automatically be subscribed to the EPA’s Environmental Justice email list.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#US-EPA-Technical-Assistance-Programs
Use this form to review highlights of current technical assistance opportunities that a community can receive from the EPA.
This fact sheet lists three programs that provide technical assistance opportunities for communities for other water, brownfields, and infrastructure cleanup programs.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#ENDYNA-CCTA-Fact-Sheet
Use this fact sheet to learn about technical assistance and how to request it.
The Community Change Technical Assistance Fact Sheet introduces EnDyna's technical assistance for communities seeking Community Change Grants. It explains how to request technical assistance and the types of assistance available.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Subject-Matter-Experts-Assistance-Fact-Sheet
Use this fact sheet to learn about the types of requests SMEs can support.
The Overview of Subject Matter Expert (SME) Assistance fact sheet lists the types of requests that SMEs can and cannot support. It also provides examples of effective SME support as well as requests that are not within the scope of SME assistance.
https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program
You can use this page to learn more about the Community Change Grants Program.
The EPA has a new funding opportunity called the Community Change Grants Program. It offers $2 billion to help disadvantaged communities deal with pollution and climate change challenges. These grants will help make neighborhoods cleaner and safer. They will also help communities get ready for extreme weather and learn how to solve environmental problems. This page also includes Frequently Asked Questions and other essential information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFuIXond3A4
You can use this webinar to see an overview of the Community Change Grants program.
This webinar is a good orientation and provides basic information on the Community Change Grant program and answers questions about the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Follow-up webinars discuss additional areas of the Community Change Grants program, which can be found here: Webinar Recordings | CCTA (communitychangeta.org).
https://communitychangeta.org/frequently-asked-questions
You can use this page to find answers to common questions about the Community Change Grants Program.
The Community Change Grants Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page lets users search the FAQs using keywords. Questions are also grouped into categories to help users who want to learn more about a specific part of the Community Change Grants process (such as the application process or scoring and evaluation).
This document lays out the Community Change Grant funding opportunity.
The Community Change Grant NOFO is a description of the available grant funding, and potential applicants should read it carefully. Important items in the NOFO include details on who can apply, submission information, funding deadlines, and contact information. Additionally, the NOFO includes appendices that applicants can review for clarification on grant details and application requirements, as well as climate action and pollution reduction strategies and examples.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Applicant-Eligibility-Fact-Sheet
Use this fact sheet to understand applicant eligibility.
The Community Change Grants Applicant Eligibility fact sheet explains that applicants must form a Statutory Partnership to be eligible. It defines the entities in a partnership, and outlines partnership requirements.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-is-the-ccg-program-right-for-you
Use this worksheet to help determine if the project is a good fit for Track I of the Community Change Grants.
This worksheet helps applicants understand the aspects of a Track I grant with guiding questions to help determine if the project is a good fit for a Track I grant application.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-application-checklist
Use this checklist to ensure all required documents and forms are ready to submit with the Track I application.
The Track I Application Checklist details all the forms and documents required for Track I applications with links and descriptions for each form. This checklist also provides information and tips about application requirements.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks
Use this workbook to learn about the Community Change Grants Track I application requirements.
The Track I Application Development Workbook guides applicants through the process of applying for Track I of the Community Change Grants program. Its Introduction and Program Summary provide information on the program while summarizing Track I application requirements. Associated worksheets are also included.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-self-assessment
Use this worksheet to compare a community Track I application to scoring criteria.
This worksheet has three sections that correspond to the scoring criteria of a written application. Part 1 reviews specific, community-driven investments; Part 2 reviews program management, capability, and capacity; and Part 3 reviews the readiness of your application, feasibility, sustainability, and budget. The final score and page length help to predict if an application is ready for submission or if it needs more work.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-ii-is-the-ccg-program-right-for-you
Use this worksheet to help determine if a project is a good fit for a Track II Community Change Grants application.
This worksheet guides applicants through the Track II grant to determine if a project is a good fit. Applicants answer the worksheet’s guiding questions within the file itself.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-ii-application-checklist
Use this checklist to make sure all required documents and forms are ready for a Track II application.
The Track II Application Checklist details all forms and documents required for Track II applications with links and descriptions for each form. This checklist also includes application-requirements information and tips.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks
Use this workbook to learn about the Community Change Grants Track II applications requirements.
The Track II Application Development Workbook guides applicants through the process of developing applications for Track II of the Community Change Grants program. It provides information on the two tracks of the Community Change Grants program while summarizing Track II applications requirements with a list of associated worksheets.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-ii-self-assessment
Use this worksheet to compare a Track II application to scoring criteria.
This worksheet is based on questions that correspond to scoring criteria. Topics include objectives, project collaboration and participation, project linkages, budget, and environmental results. Tips for a successful application are also provided.
https://communitychangeta.org/videos#overview-of-nofo
This webinar can help you learn about the Community Change Grants program.
This webinar provides an overview of the Program and details about the technical assistance that is available. The webinar is also available in Spanish.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#ccg-nofo-track-i-overview
This webinar can help you learn more about Track I of the Community Change Grants.
This webinar provides an overview of Track I of the Community Change Grants program. It shows how to think about choosing a strategy and forming a partnership. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#ccg-nofo-track-ii-overview
This webinar can help you learn more about Track II of the Community Change Grants.
This webinar provides an overview of Track II of the Community Change Grants program. It focuses on the goals of the grants and gives examples of what meaningful engagement looks like. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#target-investment-area-a-tribes-in-alaska
This webinar can help with Community Change Grants applications for Tribes in Alaska.
This webinar provides an overview of the Community Change Grants program, with a special focus on the Tribes in the Alaska Target Investment Area. The Community Change Grants program includes five target investment areas. The webinar slides are available in English and Yup`ik.
This webinar can help with Community Change Grants applications for Tribes in the Continental United States.
This webinar provides an overview of the Community Change Grants program, with a particular focus on the Tribes in the Continental United States Target Investment Area. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
This webinar can help with Community Change Grants applications for communities in U.S. Territories.
This webinar provides an overview of the Community Change Grants program, with a particular focus on the U.S. Territories Target Investment Area (specifically Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). This webinar is also available in Spanish.
This webinar can help with Community Change Grants applications for communities in U.S. Territories.
This webinar provides an overview of the Community Change Grants program, with a particular focus on the U.S. Territories Target Investment Area (specifically Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands). This webinar is also available in Spanish.
This webinar helps people from Southern Border Communities apply for Community Change Grants.
This webinar provides an overview of the Community Change Grants program, with a particular focus on the Southern Border Communities Target Investment Area. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
This webinar explains Community Change Grants eligibility, forming Statutory Partnerships, and more.
This webinar covers the types of organizations that can apply for the Community Change Grants program. It also covers partnership teams including Statutory Partnerships and Collaborating Entities. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
Interested in finding grant-eligible disadvantaged communities, exploring ecosystem services, or analyzing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change? Want to improve the environment or public health? Or see how they connect?
The resources below offer insights and tools to understand and work through environmental and societal challenges. Tools include demographic and economic data, interactive maps, data analysis tools, and access to national databases. They provide a broad view of conditions and dynamics that shape your area to help make informed decisions and develop actionable strategies.
https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/
You can use this mapping tool to describe your community’s EJ challenges and create a Project Area Map.
EJScreen is a tool that maps environmental justice (EJ) information. It has data on demographics and the environment. There are 13 environmental indicators, 7 socioeconomic indicators, and 13 EJ indexes in EJScreen. Users, particularly CCG Track I applicants, can create Project Area Maps using EJScreen. It also has a map showing communities eligible for the Community Change Grant (CCG) program, based on the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities map. You can learn how to use EJScreen here: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen/learn-use-ejscreen.
You can use this map to see if your community is considered a disadvantaged community for eligibility to receive a Track I Community Change Grant.
Use this map to determine whether your community is considered disadvantaged for the purposes of a Community Change Grants Track I project.
https://www.census.gov/data.html
You can use this website to view demographic, economic, and population data on your community.
The Department of Commerce’s (DOC’s) Census Bureau produces data about the nation’s people and economy. Here you can access the demographic, economic, and population data for your community. You can view statistics for your state, county, or town; generate tables and maps; and access other data tools and resources.
https://communitychangeta.org/videos#how-to-create-a-project-area-map-using-ej-screen
This video can help you use the EJScreen Tool to create a Project Area Map for a Track I Community Change Grants application.
Track I Community Change Grants applicants must create a Project Area Map. This brief video explains how to create this map using EPA’s EJScreen Tool. The video shows you how to display EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities on the map, draw your Project Area boundaries, and more.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#defining-disadvantaged-communities
This webinar can help you identify disadvantaged communities as part of your Community Change Grants application.
This webinar shows how to use mapping tools to identify and describe disadvantaged communities that will benefit from grant projects. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
Use this list to find mapping tools that have information on local communities.
This is an index of federal mapping tools that relate to environmental justice and sustainability. It includes a variety of tools developed by EPA and other federal agencies. You can find information on local communities that can be used to help with grant applications.
https://enviro.epa.gov/myenvironment/
You can use this tool to obtain useful data to describe environmental issues within your community.
EPA's MyEnvironment tool provides personalized environmental info based on your location in the U.S. It includes data on air and water quality, permitted facilities, climate, energy, and pollutants released.
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-environment-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/
You can use this tool to look at the intersection of food access, public health, and social and economic factors, which can help develop strategies to improve community health outcomes.
The USDA's Food Environment Atlas is a data tool offering statistics and graphics about food access, choices, and health outcomes in the U.S. It provides county-level information on indicators like grocery store access, availability of farmers' markets, food prices, insecurity rates, dietary choices, and health outcomes. Community organizers and others can use it to understand food-related issues and plan strategies to improve food access. A Data Training Webinar is available that provides an overview of the Food Environment Atlas as well as a tutorial on how to find and use the data.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-community-description-part-1-of-3
Use this worksheet to complete the Community Description for the Community Vision Description portion of the Project Narrative.
This is the first of three worksheets to help Community Change Grants applicants complete the Community Vision Description, a requirement for Track I applications. It also helps the applicant describe the community, the Project Area boundaries, and how proposed projects will benefit disadvantaged communities in the specified area.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-community-challenges-part-2-of-3
Use this worksheet to help describe Community Challenges for the Community Vision Description portion of the Project Narrative.
This is the second of three worksheets to help Community Change Grants applicants complete the Community Vision Description, a requirement for Track I applications. It helps the applicant describe environmental and climate justice problems in the community and how the problems affect community members.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-community-vision-part-3-of-3
Use this worksheet to help develop the Community’s Vision for the Community Vision Description portion of the Project Narrative.
This is the third of three worksheets to help Community Change Grants applicants complete the Community Vision Description, a requirement for Track I applications. It identifies the community’s vision for the impact and benefits the grant will provide.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Disadvantaged-Community-Fact-Sheet
Use this fact sheet to check if a community meets the Community Change Grants standard for disadvantaged communities.
This fact sheet explains what a disadvantaged community is, based on Community Change Grants standards. It provides simple instructions on how to use the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map, the tool to identify such a community. It also lists what a Project Area map in a Track I application should include.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#priority-populations-worksheet
Use this worksheet to help complete the ‘Community Challenges’ section of the Community Vision Description (NOFO Section IV.B) and the ‘Maximizing Economic Benefits of Projects’ section of the Community Strength Plan (NOFO Section I.G).
This worksheet helps define priority population(s) for a project with guidance to help think through climate and pollution challenges affecting specified groups and how the planned project(s) will benefit them.
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment
Use this website to explore key indicators on the environment and human health in your community.
This website has a set of indicators on the environment. It includes indicators on air, water, land, human exposure and health, and the physical state of the environment. You can use it to explore environmental indicators for your communities related to these topics.
https://data.census.gov/profile
Use this website to view and download U.S. Census data.
This website contains demographic, economic, and population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. You can use it to view and download data to better understand who lives in your community. The website contains information on areas including states, counties, places, tribal areas, zip codes, and block groups.
https://enviroatlas.epa.gov/enviroatlas/interactivemap/
You can use this mapping tool to describe challenges related to planning and policy decisions and develop strategies to help guide ecosystem preservation and restoration efforts.
Ecosystems provide many benefits to humans, such as clean air, clean water, climate stability, food, hazard reduction, recreation, and many others. These benefits from nature are called ecosystem services. The data incorporates demographics and is presented at national and community levels. Training and tutorial videos are available to help you learn how to use the map.
https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5
You can use this tool to describe your community’s challenges and compare your community to other communities nationwide.
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) has a map that shows if a specific area has issues in at least one of eight categories. These include climate change, energy, health, housing, pollution, transportation, water, and job opportunities. Data from all 50 states and U.S. territories are included, broken down by census tracts using boundaries from 2010. The tool rates how much burden each tract has compared to others using percentiles.
https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=33cebcdfdd1b4c3a8b51d416956c41f1
You can use this tool to describe your community’s challenges related to how close you are to a Superfund site.
The EPA's Superfund program tackles highly polluted land from hazardous waste, often dumped or managed improperly. These sites range from factories to landfills. If a site is very contaminated, it gets put on the NPL. This tool shows where these sites are in the U.S., whether they're already on the list, proposed for it, or removed from it.
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pha-guidance/
You can use this manual to learn how to check if people who live near a hazardous waste site are being exposed to toxic substances, if that exposure is harmful, and what you can do to stop or reduce exposure.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) created the PHAGM to help assess if people near a hazardous waste site are being exposed to harmful substances, and how to reduce this exposure. You can register with an email and password to access eight training modules with case studies, exercises, and useful resources.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d7d730f974c6474190b142a49ae8d3bd
You can use this inventory to describe challenges related to sources and trends of air pollution and develop strategies to address them.
EPA’s NEI is a national collection of air emissions estimates of pollutants from numerous sources including point (such as large industrial facilities), nonpoint (such as residential heating and asphalt paving), on-road (such as vehicles), nonroad (such as locomotives), and fire (such as wildfires and agricultural operations) sources. Every three years, EPA releases a detailed summary report that describes air emission sources and trends across the U.S.
https://earth.gov/ghgcenter/analysis
You can use this data center to describe challenges related to GHG emissions from natural and human-caused sources in your community and develop strategies to address them.
The Greenhouse Gas Center is a multi-agency effort that consolidates GHG information from observations and models. Experts have built a catalog of GHG datasets and analysis tools, which users may access, explore, analyze, and download. You may also explore the Data Catalog for additional insight into GHG sources, sinks, emissions, changes, and events.
https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/DataExplorer/
You can use this tool to view local, state, and national level data on environmental issues and how these relate to public health.
CDC’s Interactive Data Explorer Tool offers access to local, state, and national level data and information on environmental hazards, exposures, human health, and population characteristics to better understand the relationship between the environment and public health. Users can access data such as maps, charts, tables, and infographics.
https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/InfoByLocation/
You can use this tool to view a snapshot of some of the environmental health issues for your community, by county.
Center for Disease Control’s Info by Location Tool allows users to see which environmental health issues affect a particular area. Results are provided at the county level. You can also search by zip code if you are unsure of the county name.
https://health2016.globalchange.gov/
Use this website to identify populations who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The website is an interactive report discussing the impacts of climate change on human health. It's divided into nine chapters that cover climate change, its harmful effects on the environment and human health, and vulnerable populations.
These resources allow communities to understand and develop strategies to mitigate challenges that come from climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste production. There are real-time data dashboards and climate-resilience strategies tailored to different sectors and regions of the United States. You can use these resources to measure, predict, and act on present and future environmental issues in your communities. The resources related to Climate Action Strategies are divided into nine subtopics:
- Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
- Mobility and Transportation Options for Preventing Air Pollution and Improving Public Health and Climate Resilience
- Energy-efficient, Healthy, Resilient Housing and Buildings
- Microgrid Installation for Community Energy Resilience
- Community Resilience Hubs
- Brownfields Redevelopment
- Waste Reduction and Management to Support a Circular Economy
- Workforce Development Programs for Occupations that Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Pollutants
- Alaskan-specific Climate Action Strategies.
A community can use the tools and resources in this website to assess their vulnerability to climate change, identify adaptation and resilience strategies, and take action to build resilience.
This initiative is part of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). The website covers topics like extreme weather, rising sea levels, droughts, floods, and heatwaves. It offers access to hundreds of tools and resources for different sectors and regions, like agriculture, coastal areas, health, tribal nations, and infrastructure.
https://www.globalchange.gov/reports/us-global-change-research-program-2022-2031-strategic-plan
A community can use this report to guide local initiatives and collaborations aimed at addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The information in this report is not location-specific, but can be used to understand general climate challenges.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) brings together 15 federal agencies working to advance understanding of the changing Earth system. USGCRP provides tools, and resources to help people and organizations manage risks and waste and respond to changing environmental conditions. These reports can be used to understand how climate change affects the lives of those in the United States and navigate the challenges of a changing environment and identify opportunities for a more resilient future. Note that this resource does not provide community specific information.
https://dashboard.waterdata.usgs.gov/app/nwd/en/?region=lower48&aoi=default
A community can use this interactive tool to access comprehensive information on water quality to describe potential environmental challenges and to aid in strategies-making to safeguard water resources and public health.
The USGS National Water Dashboard is an interactive tool providing real-time data on water resources like lakes, streams, and groundwater from over 13,000 stations across the country. However, these sensors might not be in your specific area, so the data may not reflect your community directly. You can download data up to a week old to track environmental changes and assess risks like wildfires and flooding.
https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/statistics
A community can use the information in this website to analyze trends related to wildfires, aiding in understanding the impact of climate change on fire activity and informing mitigation efforts.
The Department of Interior's (DOI) National Interagency Fire Center releases yearly reports dating back to 2008 that summarizes wildfire data. These reports cover details like fire size, location, cause, and their impacts on the environment, economy, and society. While they often focus on regions rather than specific communities, they're useful for understanding climate-related challenges shown by wildfires across the U.S.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#climate-action-strategies-worksheet
Use this worksheet as a guide in selecting a Climate Action Strategy for Track I applications.
This worksheet will help to understand the Climate Action Strategies requirement and to think about project activities that can solve challenges related to the strategies.
This document lays out a framework for building climate resiliency across the nation.
This document can help you to understand the principles of climate resiliency. The document also includes the federal government’s strategies for adapting to climate change, across government departments. It can help you identify and understand ways that governments and agencies can act to increase the resilience of your community and the whole country.
https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/what-you-can-do-about-climate-change
This website helps you understand what actions you can take to cut greenhouse gases.
This website has information on how individuals and businesses can lessen the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gases. It includes information on energy, waste, transportation, water, and environmental justice. You can use this website to identify actions you and your communities can take that are good for the environment.
https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics
Use this website to find pages on topics related to the environment.
This website has a list of webpages, articles, and news releases related to popular topics involving the environment. It is a directory of pages on topics such as air, chemicals including toxic chemicals, pesticides, health, and water. You can use it to find more information about environmental topics.
https://www.epa.gov/resilient-investments
A community can use the CRAFT website to find climate risk tools and decision support resources for developing applications.
The materials contained in CRAFT can help potential funding applicants learn about and secure financial support for climate-smart investments, particularly communities that are just getting started and have historically been unable to access federal dollars. These resources may also help to reduce the administrative burden on EPA's funding applicants and recipients as they develop, apply for and implement their projects with climate change in mind.
These resources help communities plan for, measure the benefit of, and carry out green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
https://www.epa.gov/water-research/green-infrastructure-modeling-toolkit
A community can use these resources to assess, plan, and implement green infrastructure and nature-based strategies, focusing on the management of stormwater, improving water quality, and enhancing urban resilience.
This toolkit offers eight resources developed by the EPA to help communities deal with stormwater runoff, a big pollution source in cities. While cities used to rely on gray infrastructure like pipes, they're now turning to green solutions like rainwater harvesting and permeable pavements for environmental, social, and economic benefits. These resources combine green and gray methods to help communities manage water sustainably and cope better with climate change. There's also a 5-minute video explaining each resource and more training materials available on the site.
https://www.epa.gov/green-building-tools-tribes
A tribal community can use this website to learn more about green products and buildings and funding opportunities and read success stories about similar projects.
This website focuses on green building, or sustainable design, tailored to tribal communities. It offers links to learn about green products, funding, and success stories. There's also a Tribal Green Building Toolkit with case studies to help prioritize building projects for your tribal community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9HnuLzPgg0
A community can watch this video to learn about current nature-based solutions that worked for other communities across the U.S. These examples may be helpful in planning climate resilience projects in your community.
This EPA Watershed Academy webcast highlights how nature-based solutions can help communities adapt to climate change and offer other advantages. Experts from different parts of the country will share their experiences with nature-based projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience. Topics include restoring, protecting, and managing natural ecosystems.
You can use this website to learn about successful green infrastructure projects funded by the U.S. EPA.
This website is EPA’s home page for its G3 Program. Here you can learn more about G3, review how you could apply G3 to your community, learn about G3 funding opportunities, and read success stories about other G3 projects. Additional resources include webcasts, podcasts, blogs, guides, and publications related to G3.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-1
Use this fact sheet to review examples of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions for Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet provides lists of common, green-infrastructure challenges and possible solutions. The challenges described include poor water quality, flooding, heat islands, and lack of access to parks and green spaces.
Use this guide to find ways that federal agencies utilize nature-based solutions to meet their goals.
This guide describes strategies that federal agencies have used to add natural systems to community-development plans. It also highlights methods to improve resilience, lessen climate-change impact, and improve environmental health.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-02/documents/flooding.pdf
Use this page to learn about wetland benefits in nature-based solution strategies.
Wetlands can help protect neighboring and downstream property from flood damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages the use of wetlands to absorb stormwater. Here you can learn how wetlands can both replace and add to other flood control structures. A one-acre wetland can typically store about three-acre feet of water, or one million gallons.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/documents/economic_benefits_of_wetlands.pdf
Use this page to learn about wetland economic benefits in nature-based solution strategies.
This resource describes how wetlands contribute to local economies by providing a range of environmental services. Wetland areas can serve as places for recreational activities. Wetlands improve water quality in rivers and streams. Wetlands are some of the most productive natural ecosystems in the world.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_Report.cfm?dirEntryId=359626&Lab=CPHEA
Use this page to understand potential social vulnerability to flooding.
Flooding is the most expensive natural disaster in the United States. Individuals and communities are vulnerable to flooding due to existing economic, social, and health conditions. This report describes the inequities in flood impacts. To reduce the damage from flooding, we must understand the needs of different communities as they recover from and prepare for floods.
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/heat-islands-and-equity
Use this page to understand the impact of urban heat islands.
This page provides information on how heat islands affect people who live in cities and are more at risk than those in suburban or rural areas. Residents of heat islands are more at risk of heat-related illnesses, some of which can cause death. Some disadvantaged neighborhoods may have higher temperatures during hot weather compared to neighborhoods nearby. Too much heat is a financial burden for many people, especially low-income households.
https://www.epa.gov/climate-change-water-sector/green-infrastructure-program
Use this page to learn about green infrastructure practices.
The Green Infrastructure Program promotes the use of plants, soils, and nature itself to create healthier urban environments. This page gives information on how green infrastructure can reduce the need for expensive stormwater infrastructure. With green infrastructure, communities can create natural areas and parks, or protect existing ones.
These resources allow communities to analyze challenges caused by mobility and transportation issues, and to develop tailored strategies to cut emissions for better air quality, public health, and climate resilience.
https://www.epa.gov/moves/latest-version-motor-vehicle-emission-simulator-moves
A community can use this model to describe their community emissions challenges and develop transportation and air quality strategies to address emission challenges. The model is designed for technical professionals.
EPA's MOVES is a modeling system that estimates emissions from vehicles nationwide, down to county and project levels. It covers commonly found air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxics.
https://www.epa.gov/avert/avert-web-edition
A community can use this tool to see how different proposed energy related policies and strategies might affect county-level changes in emissions.
This website hosts EPA's AVERT, which helps users evaluate how energy policies and projects impact county-level emissions. Projects may involve energy efficiency, renewable energy deployments that cut down on generation, or policies increasing generation needs like electric vehicles and energy storage. Data is provided at regional, state, and county levels. The Microsoft Excel version of the tool has more input and output display options, available data years and step-by-step instructions, a detailed AVERT user guide, and tutorial.
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/energy-savings-and-impacts-scenario-tool-esist
A community can use this tool to develop and optimize strategies incorporating energy efficiency to benefit air quality and public health. The tool is designed for technical professionals.
EPA's ESIST is an Excel-based planning tool for analyzing energy efficiency (EE) programs. It helps assess energy savings, costs, and impacts on emissions, public health, and equity. Users can customize inputs like EE goals and budgets to study areas like states, utility types, or customer sectors. This tool is particularly useful for evaluating EE programs targeting low-income households and their benefits on energy burden and public health. Communities can use ESIST to develop effective energy-saving strategies by comparing savings, costs, and pollution reduction.
This tool contains tips for reducing pollution from vehicles and engines.
This website provides an overview of air pollution issues that cause harmful health effects and climate change because of using vehicles and engines for transportation.
https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles
You can use this site to learn about vehicles that are more efficient.
EPA developed the Green Vehicle Guide to help you find information on vehicles that are more efficient and pollute less.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-2
Use this fact sheet to review transportation options for the preventing air pollution Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about transportation challenges facing communities. The challenges described include lack of access to affordable transportation, unsafe intersections and streets, and flooding or uncomfortably hot walkways and bikeways. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://www.cdc.gov/pedestrian-bike-safety/about/pedestrian-safety.html
Use this site to learn more about how to keep pedestrians safe and read facts about pedestrian safety trends over time.
This website gives facts and risk factors related to pedestrian safety and includes links to more resources.
You can use these resources to analyze greenhouse gas emissions, air quality challenges, and electrical options to promote energy-efficient, healthy, and resilient housing and buildings.
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/tribal-greenhouse-gas-inventory-tool
A tribal community can use this tool to describe their community’s GHG emission challenges and develop strategies to address GHG emission challenges in different sectors.
EPA's Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory is a spreadsheet tool that calculates greenhouse gas emissions for many sectors including residential, commercial, transportation, and waste and water management. It has two modules: one for community-wide inventories and another for tribal government operations. This tool helps Tribes quickly compile GHG inventories, which serve as a baseline for assessing changes from proposed strategies.
https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=044e6d58b4f045bf9059cba0a76d059b
A community can use this tool to describe their community challenges related to areas of potential air quality issues and develop strategies to address air quality challenges.
This tool shows the types of heating fuel used across the United States. It combines data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey with census tract boundaries to create the display. It also includes layers for electric service territories by retailer type and tribal lands boundaries. Users can see both utility and non-utility fuel use, like wood or propane, along with electricity and solar use. Identifying areas with non-utility fuel use can help target air quality improvement strategies, such as replacing wood stoves or transitioning to electric heating.
https://www.epa.gov/green-building-tools-tribes
A tribal community can use this website to learn more about green products and buildings and funding opportunities and read success stories about similar projects.
This website focuses on green building, or sustainable design, tailored to tribal communities. It offers links to learn about green products, funding, and success stories. There's also a Tribal Green Building Toolkit with case studies to help prioritize building projects for your Tribal community.
https://www.epa.gov/egrid/data-explorer
A community can use this tool to describe their community electrical emissions challenges and develop strategies to address these emission challenges. The site is designed for technical professionals.
EPA's Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) offers extensive data on the environmental aspects of nearly all electricity produced in the U.S. This includes emissions, generation rates, heat input, fuel mix, and other details. The eGRID Explorer allows users to explore data visually, download complete datasets, and export maps and graphics. The eGRID’s home page provides access to summary data downloads, GIS spatial data, reports, technical guidance, FAQs, and more.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-3
Use this fact sheet to review the energy-efficient housing Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about energy-efficient housing challenges facing communities. The challenges described include high-energy burden, health risks from poor indoor air quality, and heat island effects. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/index.php
Use this site to help understand energy-use patterns in U.S. households.
This site shows household energy-use patterns across the United States with links to reports and other data on energy consumption, fuel use, and expenditures.
https://www.eia.gov/electricity/
Use this site to help find data on U.S. electricity generation, consumption, and markets.
This site provides information on U.S. electricity generation, consumption, prices, and markets with links to data and reports on power plant operations, grid reliability, and renewable energy integration.
Use this site to find more information on the ENERGY STAR® Program.
This website is the home page for the ENERGY STAR® Program. Here you can learn more about the Program and its impacts. You can also view ENERGY STAR®-certified products and find rebates, tax credits, and ways to save energy.
https://www.epa.gov/energy/reduce-environmental-impact-your-energy-use
Use this site to learn ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
This website gives tips for lowering energy use that can reduce effects on the environment. You can also find links to tools for viewing environmental information for a location you give.
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands
Use this site to learn more about heat islands and their impacts on climate change.
This website provides information on heat islands, how they affect climate change, and steps to take to lower temperatures in areas that are prone to heat island effects. You can sign up by email to receive EPA's Heat Island Newsletter to stay informed.
These resources provide detailed data insights and help with strategic planning for sustainable energy solutions through microgrid installations.
https://www.epa.gov/egrid/data-explorer
A community can use this tool to describe their community electrical emissions challenges and develop strategies to address these emission challenges. The site is designed for technical professionals.
EPA's Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) offers extensive data on the environmental aspects of nearly all electricity produced in the U.S. This includes emissions, generation rates, heat input, fuel mix, and other details. The eGRID Explorer allows users to explore data visually, download complete datasets, and export maps and graphics. The eGRID’s home page provides access to summary data downloads, GIS spatial data, reports, technical guidance, FAQs, and more.
https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/browser/
You can use this site to describe the type of energy generated and consumed within your area, and to help explore strategies and options for renewable energy.
This tool developed by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) allows users to access data related to electricity generation, use, prices, and other aspects of the nation’s electricity sector. Users can search data by time, location (by state), type of electricity generation (such as coal, fossil fuel, hydro, or solar), and more.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/2e3610d731cb4cfcbcec9e2dcb83fc94
You can use this tool to learn about the power plants in your area and their emissions.
This tool identifies the locations of power plants and provides information on power plant emissions and plant usage. It also provides information about the people living within three miles of those plants. The map includes all fossil fuel-fired power plants that supply electricity to the grid.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-4
Use this fact sheet to review the microgrids Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about microgrid challenges facing communities. The challenges described include power outages and extreme weather events, high energy costs, lack of utility grids, and fossil-fuel dependency. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php
Use this tool to estimate energy output and financial benefits for a project.
This tool helps to estimate electricity production and cost savings based on the locations and system features provided.
Use this page to learn about microgrids and their resilience benefits and development costs.
A microgrid is a group of connected energy resources within a clear boundary that acts as a single entity. The primary benefit of a microgrid is that it can run separately when there is an outage. This resource can help guide the development of a microgrid proposal and a cost estimate.
https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/us-electricity-grid-markets
Use this page to learn more about the U.S. electric grids and associated power markets.
Most electricity is produced using conventional sources such as natural gas, oil, and coal. This page can help communities understand the role of renewable energy in the power market. To do this, it is important to know how the U.S. electricity grid and market are organized.
These resources provide data and information about climate change and climate hazards. They are for communities to develop solutions and to support networks essential for promoting climate resilience.
https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/statistics
A community can use the information in this website to analyze trends related to wildfires, aiding in understanding the impact of climate change on fire activity and informing mitigation efforts.
The Department of Interior’s (DOI) National Interagency Fire Center provides annual reports (dating from 2008) that summarize wildfire statistics. These reports contain information on wildfires such as size, location, and cause of the fires. Also shown are the environmental, economic, and social impacts of wildfires. Information is often available on a regional scale and may not be specific to individual communities.
https://www.globalchange.gov/reports/us-global-change-research-program-2022-2031-strategic-plan
A community can use this report to guide local initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The information in this report is not community-specific but can be used to understand general climate challenges.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) brings together 15 federal agencies working to advance understanding of the changing Earth system. USGCRP provides tools and resources to help people and organizations manage risks and waste, and respond to changing environmental conditions. These reports can be used to understand how climate change affects the lives of those in the U.S. navigate the challenges of a changing environment and identify opportunities for a more resilient future. Note that this resource does not provide community-specific information.
A community can use this tool to view regional level climate change risks and see how other communities have been successful in addressing those risks.
The ARC-X is a useful tool for viewing information at the regional level about risks posed by climate change to your issues of concern; relevant adaptation strategies; case studies illustrating how other communities have successfully adapted to those risks and tools to replicate their success; and EPA funding opportunities. Users select a region and area of interest (air, water, waste, public health, or adaptation planning) and the tool provides them with relevant links to visit.
https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
You can use this tool to access climate predictions, which will help you make informed decisions and take proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change.
This portal of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allows users to explore climate forecasts, monitoring, and assessments of climate conditions on timescales from weeks to years. Here you can find a variety of climate data, including current and historical climate records (temperature, precipitation, snow, wind), seasonal outlooks, drought monitoring, and other climate-related variables.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/bdd9567a847a4b52abd20253539143df
You can use this tool to describe climate challenges in your community and develop strategies to handle the impacts on people and the environment.
This tool mostly contains state-level data on a variety of climate change indicators including increases in temperature, heat waves, and drought. In some cases, the data goes down to the sub-state level. These indicators can provide evidence and links to observed climate changes. Visit EPA's Climate Change Indicators home page to find answers to frequently asked questions, access publications, and learn about the impacts of climate change.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-5
Use this fact sheet to review the community resilience hubs Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about community resilience hub challenges facing communities. The challenges described include power outages, extreme weather events, and lack of public community spaces. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
These resources allow communities to get information on active or completed cleanups and hazardous waste locations. This information helps communities navigate environmental challenges and put together redevelopment efforts that are sustainable and improve the environment.
https://map22.epa.gov/cimc/brownfields
A community can use this website to view active or completed cleanups and grants in a geographic area they choose.
This website features an interactive map of the contiguous 48 United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. You can explore active or completed cleanups and grants by entering a street address, coordinates, zip code, city, county, state, EPA region, or congressional district. Results can also be viewed as a downloadable Excel file. The cleanup and grant programs are searchable by Brownfields Properties, Hazardous Waste – Corrective Actions, National Priority List (NPL) Superfund sites, and non-NPL Superfund sites.
https://www.epa.gov/cleanups/cleanups-my-community
A community can use this tool to determine whether it may be impacted by hazardous waste cleanup activities.
EPA's Cleanups in My Community site allows users to map and list hazardous waste cleanup sites and Brownfield grant areas. You can access a map showing all cleanup types across the U.S. and specific national maps for each cleanup type, such as Superfund, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Brownfields. These interactive maps help you understand if your community might be affected by hazardous waste cleanup efforts and provide more information about them. A link to EPA's Cleanups and Grants Listing Page is provided where you may obtain a listing of cleanups or grant areas within a geographic area of interest.
https://www.epa.gov/p2/p2-ej-facility-mapping-tool
A community can use this tool to check whether any industrial facilities may be contributing to pollution levels in their location.
Pollution Prevention (P2) involves practices that stop or reduce pollution before it's recycled, treated, or disposed of. EPA has a mapping tool to help identify industrial facilities that might be adding to pollution in a chosen area, especially in communities with environmental justice concerns. The tool focuses on five industrial sectors: food and beverage, chemical, automotive, aerospace, and metal manufacturing. For more resources, including case studies and webinars, visit EPA's P2 home page.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-6
Use this fact sheet to review the brownfields redevelopment Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about the brownfields redevelopment challenges facing communities. The challenges described include delays in economic development, lack of access to parks and green spaces, and extreme weather events. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://www.epa.gov/brownfields
Use this site to find more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program.
This website is the home page for EPA’s Brownfields Program. Here you can learn more about the Program and find tools for training and technical assistance. You can also connect with your regional Brownfields Program representative and look at examples from successful EPA Brownfields Grant recipients.
https://www.epa.gov/land-revitalization
Use this site to find more information on EPA’s Land Revitalization Program.
This website is the home page for EPA’s Land Revitalization Program. Here you can learn more about the Program and get the Land Revitalization Toolkit. The toolkit will help identify possibilities for reusing a contaminated site. You can also look at examples of successful land revitalization technical assistance projects.
https://www.epa.gov/land-revitalization/climate-smart-brownfields-manual
Use this manual to look at best practices for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience at all stages of brownfields work.
This manual is useful when considering climate issues at brownfield sites. It includes case studies and links to more resources that communities can use to develop brownfields project plans.
https://www.epa.gov/re-powering/re-powering-mapper
Use this interactive web application to identify contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites for renewable energy development.
This website can help you identify places that are suitable for renewable energy development. You can search by the type of renewable energy, location, size, renewable energy capacity, and other factors.
These resources allow communities to develop and carry out effective waste management programs by introducing recycling and waste reduction options, analyzing economic and environmental benefits, and encouraging sustainable programs.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/wizards/recyclingtoolkit/
A community can use this toolkit to develop and implement waste management programs, promote recycling, reduce waste, and advance environmental sustainability.
The toolkit analyzes data related to recycling programs to estimate the economic benefits associated with recycling. These benefits could include job creation, business growth, and cost savings. This tool is part of the EPA Circular Economy topic: https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy
https://www.epa.gov/transforming-waste-tool/managing-and-transforming-waste-streams-tool
You can use this tool to identify best practices for waste management to consider adding to your project.
The Managing and Transforming Waste Streams Tool features a table of 100 activities communities can engage in to reduce waste and recover materials. You can use the tool to sort, search, and/or filter through best practices for waste management policies, programs, sectors, and materials that will allow you to create a list of strategies that fit your community's needs and capabilities.
You can use this model to develop strategies that include energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and choose the best strategies to benefit emissions and energy savings.
WARM provides comparative estimates of potential greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), energy savings, and economic impacts of materials management practices such as recycling, composting, landfilling, etc. The model estimates emissions, energy units, and economic factors across a range of common waste materials. This tool helps you calculate associated GHG reduction and energy savings benefits.
https://www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise
You can use this website to find partners to add to your project. You can also find a useful tool for measuring and tracking energy and water consumption as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
This website provides information on EPA’s WasteWise Program, part of its Sustainable Materials Management efforts, that promotes the use and reuse of materials over their lifecycles. Here you can view a list of organizations recognized for their outstanding leadership in waste prevention and diversion, which may help you identify partners to add to your project. There is also a link to EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, an online tool to measure and track energy and water consumption as well as GHG emissions. You can use Portfolio Manager metrics to compare your building’s energy use to a yearly baseline, national medians, or similar buildings in your portfolio.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/wizards/recyclingtoolkit/
A community can use this toolkit to develop and implement waste management programs, promote recycling, reduce waste, and advance environmental sustainability.
The toolkit analyzes data to estimate the economic benefits associated with recycling. These benefits could include job creation, business growth, and cost savings. This tool is part of the EPA Circular Economy topic: https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy
You can use this toolkit to learn more about methods to reduce food waste in your community, saving residents money and reducing food waste.
This toolkit is a resource for Community Based Organizations (CBOs), local governments, and those who want to start a campaign to prevent food waste in their communities. It is focused on reducing wasted food in the home. The toolkit includes a planning process that uses social marketing principles to ensure communities are tailoring the campaign to their individual needs.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-7
Use this fact sheet to review the waste reduction and management Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about waste-reduction challenges facing communities. The challenges described include lack of access to affordable food, abandoned construction debris, and litter containing plastic trash. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy
Use this site to learn more about ways to keep materials and products in circulation for as long as possible.
This site gives information on the importance of circular economies and has tips for including them in your project. You can sign up to receive email updates about EPA’s efforts to support a circular economy.
https://www.epa.gov/homeland-security-waste/guidance-about-planning-natural-disaster-debris
Use this site to learn ways to plan for natural disaster debris before a disaster occurs.
This site has suggestions to include in a debris management plan, and resources to look at when preparing for natural disasters. It also includes case studies that show how communities prepared for, and managed, debris produced by natural disasters.
Watch this webinar to learn best practices for managing solid waste.
This webinar looks at effective solid waste management strategies and the importance of properly managing solid waste. It also includes discussions on where to find funds, and differences between state and local Department of Housing and Urban Development rules for managing solid waste.
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-scale#wastedfoodpath
Visit this site to find ways to prevent food from being wasted.
This site shows ways that food can be used so that it does not go to waste. Some useful suggestions include donating, composting, upcycling into new food products, or using it to feed animals. The site also gives information on undesirable ways that wasted food is discarded through landfills, incineration, or sending it down the drain.
Use this site to learn about EPA’s non-hazardous materials and waste management hierarchy.
EPA developed a ranking system that classifies waste management strategies from most to least preferred. Reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting are most preferred. Energy recovery and treatment and disposal are least preferred.
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food
Use this site to find more information on reducing food waste.
This is EPA’s home page for sustainable management of food. Here you can learn more about reducing and preventing food waste, get tools for preventing food waste— including uses for food that would otherwise be wasted—and sign up to receive emailed announcements and funding opportunities from EPA and its partners on food waste and recycling.
These resources provide opportunities to connect with experts, and information on how to improve your skills and knowledge, to promote careers that focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/P1000YUC.PDF?Dockey=P1000YUC.PDF
This report has recommendations of key items to include in a workforce development program.
This report provides information on EPA's Brownfields Job Training Program. The report lists five critical components to include in job training and other workforce development programs. Case studies illustrate characteristics of successful job training programs.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Climate-Action-Strategy-8
Use this fact sheet to review the workforce development Climate Action Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about workforce development programs and what should be included with examples of partnerships, high-quality training programs, and strategies to find and keep workers.
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/GoodJobs/FactSheets/Access-and-Opportunity-Committees.pdf
Use this fact sheet to learn about initiatives to help promote equity in the workplace.
This fact sheet outlines Access and Opportunity Committees’ (AOCS) roles in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
https://www.dol.gov/general/good-jobs
Use this site to learn about efforts to improve job quality, equity, and workplace standards.
This site provides details on programs, policies, and partnerships aimed at creating and supporting good jobs across different sectors.
Use this blog post to review strategies and tools to enhance job quality
This blog post helps to learn about best practices, recommendations, and case studies that benefit employers, workers, and government agencies.
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program
Use this site to learn how to create and manage apprenticeship programs.
This site details benefits of apprenticeships, steps to create a program, and available support from the U.S. Department of Labor.
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/explore-pre-apprenticeship
Use this site to learn how to develop foundational skills for future apprentices.
This site provides information for employers on methods to establish pre-apprenticeship programs. The programs are designed to give people the skills needed for registered apprenticeships. It also helps with reviewing program guidelines, benefits, and implementation steps.
https://www.workcenter.gov/labor-management-partnership-stories/
Use this site to review workplace success stories between labor and management.
This site provides case studies of partnerships between labor organizations and management teams, including methods, successes, and benefits of adding labor-management partnerships in the workplace.
https://www.dol.gov/general/good-jobs/project-labor-agreement-resource-guide
Use this guide to review the benefits and implementation of project labor agreements (PLAs).
This guide describes how PLAs benefit both employers and workers with tips for successful negotiations and relevant case studies.
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA): WorkforceGPS Online Platform
Use this site to access resources and tools for workforce development.
This site is designed for workforce-development professionals with research, best practices, webinars, and community discussions to help improve workforce strategies, programs, and services.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-workforce-development
Use this site to find initiatives for building a skilled solar energy workforce.
This site provides training opportunities, workforce development strategies, and partnerships in the solar energy sector.
Use this site to find more information on the American Climate Corps.
This website is the home page for the American Climate Corps. Here you can learn more about the corps, look at details about open job opportunities, and sign up to receive corps updates by email.
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-industries/energy
Use this site to find tools to develop apprenticeships in the energy industry.
This site has a list of high-demand apprenticeship jobs in the energy industry, and competency-based occupational frameworks, as well as many other links to useful resources for developing energy-related apprenticeships.
Use this map to find high-road training programs in an area of interest.
This site has a mapping tool that you can use to develop and expand partnerships with high-road training as you apply for federal funding and carry out projects. These programs were developed to advance job quality and equity. High-road training can be used to train America’s manufacturing workers who are creating infrastructure and clean energy solutions.
These resources focus on Climate Action Strategies that apply to Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) lands.
A community can use the tools and resources in this website to assess their vulnerability to climate change, identify adaptation and resilience strategies, and take action to build resilience.
This initiative is part of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). The website covers topics like extreme weather, rising sea levels, droughts, floods, and heatwaves. It offers access to hundreds of tools and resources for different sectors and regions, like agriculture, coastal areas, health, infrastructure, and Tribal nations.
https://www.epa.gov/green-building-tools-tribes
A tribal community can use this website to learn more about green products and buildings and funding opportunities and read success stories about similar projects.
This website focuses on green building, or sustainable design, tailored to Tribal communities. It offers links to learn about green products, funding, and success stories. There's also a Tribal Green Building Toolkit with case studies to help prioritize building projects for your Tribal community.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Alaska-Tribal-Lands-Target-Investment-Area
Use this fact sheet to understand the Alaska Tribal Lands TIA and Alaskan-specific Climate Action Strategies (CAS) and Pollution Reduction Strategy (PRS) activities.
The Alaska Tribal Lands TIA has additional available Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies. This fact sheet provides an overview of Pollution Reduction Strategy activities related to contaminated lands under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). It also provides an overview of Alaskan-Specific Climate Action Strategies that communities can use with examples of how to use the strategies for Alaskan-specific community challenges.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#target-investment-area-alaska-tribal-lands-worksheet
Use this worksheet as a guide in selecting a Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategy for the Alaska Tribal Lands TIA Track I application.
This worksheet provides an overview of the Alaska Tribal Lands TIA and describes what types of projects are eligible under this TIA. It also includes guiding questions for a community to answer to help write the application.
https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-10-pacific-northwest
Use this site to learn about climate issues in EPA’s Region 10 (Pacific Northwest).
This website discusses climate issues that different areas from EPA Region 10 are facing. It also includes contact information, news releases, and public notices for Region 10.
https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-permafrost
Use this site to learn about permafrost and the impacts it can have on the climate.
This website provides information on permafrost and its climate impacts. Permafrost is defined as rock or soil that stays at or below the freezing point of 32°F for two or more years. You can view permafrost temperature data trends in Alaska between 1978 and 2022.
Use this site to find laboratories that can analyze environmental samples or data.
This website contains details on laboratories that can analyze environmental samples or data. It includes an interactive map that presents the different types of laboratory locations in the United States that make up EPA’s Laboratory Enterprise.
These resources allow communities to understand and lessen tackle pollution. The tools allow communities to access environmental data, consider environmental risks of pollutants, and measure the health impacts of pollution. Platforms help users explore local and regional challenges and adaptation strategies. Other resources help develop initiatives to protect public health, encourage sustainable programs, and improve resilience to pollution-driven environmental challenges. The resources related to Pollution Reduction Strategies are divided into five subtopics:
- Indoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
- Outdoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
- Clean Water Infrastructure to Reduce Pollution Exposure and Increase Overall System Resilience
- Safe Management and Disposal of Solid and Hazardous Waste
- ANCSA-Specific Pollution Reduction Strategies.
https://www.epa.gov/fera/total-risk-integrated-methodology-trim-trimfate
A community can use this model to describe their community health challenges and develop strategies to address human and environmental exposure to pollutants. The model is designed for technical professionals.
EPA's Total Risk Integrated Methodology (TRIM) consists of three modules. One of these modules, the Environmental Fate, Transport, and Ecological Exposure (TRIM.FaTE), is a model that tracks the movement and changes of pollutants over time within a defined system. This system includes both living organisms and their surroundings. TRIM.FaTE calculates ecological and human health exposure estimates across different environmental areas. These estimates can then be used in human exposure models like TRIM's Exposure Event module (TRIM.Expo). Skilled modelers use this tool to understand how pollutants move through systems and how strategies can reduce human and environmental exposure to harmful substances.
https://edap.epa.gov/public/extensions/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded.html
A community can use this tracker to search for industrial facilities in their community that release toxic chemicals and consider adding strategies to reduce these types of releases in their project.
The TRI Program provides information on toxic chemical releases and pollution prevention efforts by industrial and federal facilities. It tracks certain toxic chemicals that can harm human health and the environment, such as those causing cancer or other health problems. TRI helps fill data gaps, gives a better view of environmental performance, identifies non-compliant facilities, and informs regulations and policies. The TRI Tracker lets you search for industrial facilities in your community releasing chemicals into the air, water, and land. You can find out what chemicals are released, efforts to reduce them, and potential health impacts.
A community can use this tool to view regional level climate change risks and see how other communities have been successful in addressing these risks.
The ARC-X is a useful tool for viewing information at the regional level about risks posed by climate change to your issues of concern; relevant adaptation strategies; case studies illustrating how other communities have successfully adapted to those risks and tools to replicate their successes; and EPA funding opportunities. Users select a region and area of interest (air, water, waste, public health, or adaptation planning) and the tool provides them with relevant links to visit.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#pollution-reduction-strategies-worksheet
Use this worksheet as a guide in selecting a Pollution Reduction Strategy for the Track I application.
This worksheet helps to better understand the Pollution Reduction Strategies requirement with prompts to think about project activities that can impact strategy-related challenges.
These resources help communities measure inhalation exposure to air toxins, find areas at risk for higher indoor air pollution, and study the distribution of emissions to deal with potential air quality issues.
https://www.epa.gov/fera/human-exposure-modeling-hazardous-air-pollutant-exposure-model-hapem
A community can use this model to guide the development of strategies to address air pollution exposure challenges on human health. The model is designed for technical professionals.
The Human Exposure Modeling - HAPEM estimates inhalation exposure to different air toxics for specific population groups. It uses data on ambient air concentrations, indoor/outdoor environment relationships, population data, and human activity patterns to estimate a range of inhalation exposure concentrations for groups of people. HAPEM User’s Guides are available here.
https://www.epa.gov/radon/epa-maps-radon-zones-and-supporting-documents-state
A community can use this tool to identify and describe their community radon challenges and develop radon testing strategies to address these indoor air challenges.
EPA's Maps of Radon Zones identify areas in the United States with the highest potential for elevated indoor radon levels. They're based on data from radon measurements, geology, aerial radioactivity, soil, and foundation types. These maps help identify areas where radon could be a community concern and where testing strategies might be most effective. Each state's map comes with a background document explaining how this tool was developed, including the data sources used, conclusions drawn, and review process.
https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=044e6d58b4f045bf9059cba0a76d059b
A community can use this tool to describe their community challenges related to areas of potential air quality issues and develop strategies to address air quality challenges.
This tool shows the distribution of heating fuel sources in the United States. It combines data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey with census tract boundaries. The tool also includes layers for electric retail service territories and Tribal lands boundaries. Users can view both utility and non-utility fuel sources (like wood, propane, and coal) as well as electricity use and solar energy. Areas with non-utility heating fuel use can help identify places where air quality improvement strategies, such as wood stove change-outs and building electrification, may be beneficial.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-06/documents/sensible_steps_final_may2017_web.pdf
This document presents strategies for reducing common pollution issues found in schools and child care centers.
There document contains information on common health risk issues in schools. Steps are provided to reduce environmental and pollution health threats to maintain a healthy classroom.
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-03/508-cleanairbuildings_factsheet_v5_508.pdf
You can use this fact sheet to review recommendations for improving indoor air quality in buildings.
This document provides basic principles and general actions recommended to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in buildings and reduce the risk of airborne spread of viruses and other contaminants. These actions are intended to support building owners and operators, as well as organizational leaders and decision makers, to make ventilation and other IAQ improvements.
https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires
You can use this site to find suggestions for reducing exposures and health impacts from wildfire smoke.
This site contains the Planning Framework for Protecting Commercial Building Occupants from Smoke During Wildfire Events. This framework is useful for reviewing recommendations for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and building measures for reducing exposures and health impacts from smoke during wildfires and planned burn events. There are tips for making buildings “smoke ready” and developing smoke readiness plans.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Pollution-Reduction-Strategy-1
Use this fact sheet to review a summary of the indoor air quality Pollution Reduction Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about indoor air quality challenges facing communities. The challenges described include poor ventilation, and emissions from wood stoves and kerosene space heaters. Other challenges include the presence of harmful substances related to building materials and lack of HVAC and/or filtration systems. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
Use this page to learn about mold and its impact on indoor air quality.
This website provides guidance about controlling mold and moisture in single-family homes and in schools and multifamily and commercial buildings. Mold can have a big impact on indoor air quality. The best way to stop mold from growing indoors is to control moisture.
https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program
Use this page to learn about addressing lead paint in older structures.
Any renovation, repair, or painting project in a pre-1978 home or building can easily create dangerous lead dust. This website provides guidance on how the Program protects public health. These rules apply to projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, childcare facilities, and preschools.
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos
Use this page to learn about asbestos and its impact on indoor air quality.
This website provides information about asbestos and the building materials where asbestos can be found. Asbestos may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease.
https://www.epa.gov/asthma/what-asthma
Use this site to learn how indoor air quality can affect people with asthma.
Environmental triggers found in both indoor and outdoor environments can cause or intensify asthma symptoms. Projects working to improve air quality should remove these triggers where possible. This website provides guidance about community-based work to improve health outcomes for people with asthma.
https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics
Use this page to learn about particulate matter and its impact on indoor air quality.
Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. These particles can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. This website describes how a community can reduce particulate matter and protect itself from it.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/carbon-monoxides-impact-indoor-air-quality
Use this page to learn about carbon monoxide and its impact on indoor air quality.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, carbon monoxide can kill you before you are aware it is present. This website describes health effects of the gas and steps to reduce the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/technical-overview-volatile-organic-compounds
Use this page to learn about volatile organic compounds and their impact on indoor air quality.
Volatile organic compounds are chemicals that can evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions and have harmful effects on people who are exposed to the evaporated chemicals indoors. This webpage describes the importance of measuring and reducing volatile organic compounds as both a health and environmental goal.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-air-filters-home
Use this page to learn about improving indoor air quality using air cleaners.
The most effective way to improve your indoor air is to reduce or remove the sources of pollutants. Some of these pollutants come from outdoors, and others come from indoor sources and activities. This website provides a guide to air cleaners in the home. This guide covers the use of portable air cleaners and filters for the ventilation system.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/improving-your-indoor-environment
Use this page to learn about improving indoor air quality.
On average people spend about 90% of their time indoors. This means indoor air quality affects everyone, especially those who are more vulnerable. Levels of air pollution indoors can be as high as outdoor levels and sometimes even higher. This webpage provides an overview of ways to improve your indoor environment.
These resources allow communities to follow air quality trends and estimate inhalation exposure to various air pollutants. The resources also show communities how to search for industrial facilities releasing pollutants, track their emissions, and screen potential air-quality risks.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Pollution-Reduction-Strategy-2
Use this fact sheet to review a summary of the outdoor air quality Pollution Reduction Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about outdoor air quality challenges facing communities. Sources of air pollution include concentrated centers of truck and bus traffic, mobile sources and small motor appliances, wildfire smoke, and factories, small businesses, residential buildings, and construction sites. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://ghgdata.epa.gov/ghgp/main.do
A community with a large facility(ies) can use this tool to describe their community challenges related to emissions and develop strategies to address those pollution challenges.
EPA's FLIGHT offers information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large U.S. facilities under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). FLIGHT provides data in various formats like maps, tables, charts, and graphs for individual facilities or groups. Users can search for specific facilities or filter data by state, county, fuel type, industry sectors, emission thresholds, and GHG type. It also allows comparison of emission trends over time.
A community with facility(ies) can use this dashboard to describe the community challenges related to emissions and develop strategies in combination with EJ indicators to address those emissions challenges.
EPA's GHGRP Demographic Data dashboard offers information about facilities reporting to the GHGRP in 2022 and demographic indicators of neighboring communities. If there are facilities in your community, the dashboard provides estimates of GHGRP coverage, emissions trends, emissions by state, gas, and process, as well as the number of reporters whose emissions exceed certain thresholds and the monitoring methods used.
https://www.epa.gov/outdoor-air-quality-data/air-quality-statistics-report
A community can use this site to look up baseline air quality and trends specific to their location.
This website offers spreadsheets detailing air quality status and trends at the county and city level, using monitoring data from the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) database. The data is up-to-date as of May 2, 2023.
https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=044e6d58b4f045bf9059cba0a76d059b
A community can use this tool to describe their community challenges related to areas of potential air quality issues and develop strategies to address air quality challenges.
This tool shows the distribution of heating fuel sources in the United States. It combines data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey with census tract boundaries. The tool also includes layers for electric retail service territories and Tribal lands boundaries. Users can view both utility and non-utility fuel sources (like wood, propane, and coal) as well as electricity use and solar energy. Areas with non-utility heating fuel use can help identify places where air quality improvement strategies, such as wood stove change-outs and building electrification, may be beneficial.
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/tribal-greenhouse-gas-inventory-tool
A tribal community can use this tool to describe their community’s GHG emission challenges and develop strategies to address GHG emission challenges in different sectors.
EPA's Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory is a spreadsheet tool that calculates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for various sectors like residential, commercial, transportation, and waste management. It has two modules: one for community-wide inventories and another for Tribal government operations. This tool helps Tribes quickly compile GHG inventories, which serve as a baseline for assessing changes from proposed strategies.
https://edap.epa.gov/public/extensions/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded.html
A community can use this tracker to search for industrial facilities in their community that release toxic chemicals and consider adding strategies to reduce these types of releases in their project.
The TRI Program provides information on toxic chemical releases and pollution prevention efforts by industrial and federal facilities. It tracks certain toxic chemicals that can harm human health and the environment, such as those causing cancer or other health problems. TRI helps fill data gaps, gives a better view of environmental performance, identifies non-compliant facilities, and informs regulations and policies. The TRI Tracker lets you search for industrial facilities in your community releasing chemicals into the air, water, and land. You can find out what chemicals are released, efforts to reduce them, and potential health impacts.
A community can use this tool to view regional level climate change risks and see how other communities have been successful in addressing these risks.
The ARC-X is a useful tool for viewing information at the regional level about risks posed by climate change to your issues of concern; relevant adaptation strategies; case studies illustrating how other communities have successfully adapted to those risks and tools to replicate their successes; and EPA funding opportunities. Users select a region and area of interest (air, water, waste, public health, or adaptation planning) and the tool provides them with relevant links to visit.
You can use this presentation to gather useful tips on grant writing and find out about Department of Transportation (DOT) funding opportunities.
This DOT presentation is an overview of key resources on the DOT Navigator. The presentation also provides information on funding opportunities such as funding for Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers and DOT’s Low or No Emission Grant Program. Both the presentation and the DOT Navigator offer tools that can help you when applying for other federal grants.
https://www.epa.gov/avert/avert-web-edition
A community can use this tool to see how different proposed energy related policies and strategies might affect county-level changes in emissions.
This website hosts EPA's AVERT tool, which helps users assess how energy policies and projects impact emissions at the county level. Projects can involve energy efficiency, renewable energy deployments that cut down on generation, or policies increasing generation needs like electric vehicles and energy storage. Data is provided regionally, statewide, and by county. The Microsoft Excel version of the tool has more input options, output display options, and available data years and step-by-step instructions, a detailed AVERT user guide, and tutorial are available at this site.
https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/outdoor-air-quality
Use this page to learn about outdoor air quality and its effects on human health and the environment.
Outdoor air pollution contains many substances that can be traced back to both natural and human-caused sources. Air pollutants are subject to a variety of forces that determine when, where, and how they move through the environment. This website describes the ways air pollution can compromise human health and the environment.
https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/air-pollution-current-and-future-challenges
Use this page to learn about the ongoing challenges of outdoor air pollution.
Pollution levels in many areas of the United States exceed national air quality standards for common pollutants. This website describes the status of the most common pollutants and best practices for limiting them. Health risks are highest in urban areas with a range of emission sources.
https://www.epa.gov/moves/latest-version-motor-vehicle-emission-simulator-moves
A community can use this model to describe their community emissions challenges and develop transportation and air quality strategies to address emission challenges. The model is designed for technical professionals.
EPA's MOVES is a modeling system that estimates emissions from vehicles nationwide, down to county and project levels. It covers commonly found air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxics.
https://www.epa.gov/outdoor-air-quality-data/air-data-concentration-map
You can use this interactive air data map as a tool for monitoring air quality and identifying areas for improvement in protecting public health. The tool is designed for technical professionals.
This EPA tool allows users to view air quality data on a map. It gives access to real-time and historical data on the concentrations of various pollutants. You can navigate the map by selecting a state, and data will appear for the counties and cities where it was collected. You can plot data for up to 10 days at a time to analyze trends in the concentration of air pollutants over time or to compare data across different locations. The public can operate this tool, but the aid of an environmental scientist is helpful.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a2eea9c204004158a85a18371d6883bc
A community can use this tool to assess potential risks to air quality and public health, aiding in strategies-making to address air pollution and promote public health. The data dashboard is designed for technical professionals.
AirToxScreen is the EPA's screening tool for their ongoing review of air toxics in the United States. It's designed for state, local, and Tribal agencies to assess outdoor air quality concerning air toxic emissions. AirToxScreen estimates the long-term cancer risks and chronic noncancer hazards from inhaling air toxins. The AirToxScreen Mapping Tool provides data from 2017 to 2019 down to the census tract level. It includes information on total cancer risks, breakdown by pollutant and emissions type, emissions data for point- source sectors, chronic noncancer hazard indexes, and air toxics monitoring data. A tutorial is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViFt2UamVFo
You can use this tool to develop and consider strategies to improve public health by addressing air quality challenges. The site is designed for technical professionals.
The Environmental BenMAP-CE calculates the number and economic value of health impacts (deaths and illnesses) from changes in air quality, specifically ground-level ozone and fine particles. It comes with pre-loaded data sets including air quality, demographics, economic values, and concentration-response relationships. Users can also input their own data. The tool uses “health impact functions” based on published research and measures economic value using “Cost of Illness” and 'Willingness to Pay' metrics. A variety of BenMAP-CE training materials are available, including self-paced exercises, online interactive modules, and instructor-led training. There are multiple tool versions available including downloadable software and a webpage version: https://www.epa.gov/benmap/benmap-downloads.
You can use this tool to describe air quality challenges and develop strategies to address them.
The AirData Map contains recent and historical data from all EPA and related program air monitors in the U.S.. The site contains only basic data without additional context, but also has maps to show you whether your community has achieved basic air quality standards.
https://www.epa.gov/fera/human-exposure-modeling-hazardous-air-pollutant-exposure-model-hapem
A community can use this model to guide the development of strategies to address air pollution exposure challenges on human health. The model is designed for technical professionals.
The Human Exposure Modeling - HAPEM estimates inhalation exposure to different air toxics for specific population groups. It uses data on ambient air concentration, indoor/outdoor microenvironment relationships, population data, and human activity patterns to estimate a range of inhalation exposure concentrations for groups of people. HAPEM User’s Guides are available here.
https://www.epa.gov/fera/risk-assessment-and-modeling-human-exposure-model-hem
A community can use this model to describe their community health challenges and develop strategies to address air toxin challenges. The model is designed for technical professionals.
The Human Exposure Model (HEM) is mainly used for assessing human health risks from sources emitting air toxics, like manufacturing facilities. It figures out how much of a substance in the air a person might be exposed to over their lifetime. These estimates help calculate cancer risk and noncancer hazard using unit risk estimates and inhalation reference concentrations, respectively. However, the exposure estimates are not precise as they don't account for factors like duration, human activity patterns, or residential occupancy period. It's important to note that the current version of HEM only considers inhalation exposure.
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/energy-savings-and-impacts-scenario-tool-esist
A community can use this tool to develop and optimize strategies incorporating energy efficiency to benefit air quality and public health. The tool is designed for technical professionals.
EPA's ESIST is an Excel-based planning tool for analyzing energy efficiency (EE) programs. It helps assess energy savings, costs, and impacts on emissions, public health, and equity. Users can customize inputs like EE goals and budgets to study areas like states, utility types, or customer sectors. This tool is particularly useful for evaluating EE programs targeting low-income households and their benefits on energy burden and public health. Communities can use ESIST to develop effective energy-saving strategies by comparing savings, costs, and pollution reduction.
https://campd.epa.gov/data/custom-data-download
You can use CAMPD to get baseline air quality data for your area and help show improvements through proposed strategies. The tool is designed for technical professionals.
This tool allows users to create custom queries to access current and historic carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury emissions data. It also includes allowance and compliance data, and details on individual power plants throughout the U.S. Users can download the Quick Start Guide for assistance.
https://campd.epa.gov/data/bulk-data-files
From this CAMPD webpage you can download data files containing baseline air quality data for your area and help show improvements through proposed strategies. The tool is designed for technical professionals.
The CAMPD webpage allows users to create custom queries and download bulk datasets that contain current and historic carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury emissions data, allowance and compliance data, and details on individual power plants throughout the U.S.
https://www.epa.gov/cmaq/decoupled-direct-method-three-dimensions-cmaq-ddm-3d
You can use this tool to describe emissions challenges, develop strategies, and choose the best strategies to address the challenges. The tool is designed for technical professionals.
The Decoupled Direct Method in Three Dimensions (DDM-3D) is a tool within the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ), which is a set of free-to-use programs developed by the EPA. CMAQ-DDM-3D helps calculate the levels of air pollutants and how they deposit onto surfaces based on factors like emission rates, reaction rates, boundary and initial conditions, etc. This tool can help you learn more about how changing the amount of pollution emitted by a city affects the concentration of pollutants in the air. It is helpful for studying emissions from different places like cities, states, or even entire countries, as well as from specific sources like wildfires or factories. This tool is geared to technical professionals.
https://www.epa.gov/cmaq/integrated-source-apportionment-method-cmaq-isam
You can use this tool to describe emissions challenges, develop strategies, and choose the best strategies to address the challenges. The tool is designed for technical professionals.
The Integrated Source Apportionment Method (ISAM) is a part of a set of free programs called the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ), created by the EPA. ISAM helps figure out where pollutants in the air come from, like ozone and particulate matter. This model provides data about how much of these pollutants are in the air and where they end up. For instance, you may want to know how much of the ozone in a city came from cars in a nearby state. ISAM helps answer these kinds of questions.
These resources allow communities to track pollutant releases from industrial facilities and access real-time data on water quality through interactive dashboards. Communities will understand and be able to carry out strategies to better manage stormwater and improve water quality.
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/3ts-reducing-lead-drinking-water
This website may be useful to you if you are designing a project that involves reducing lead levels in drinking water.
This website offers information about EPA's 3Ts Program, which stands for Training, Testing, and Taking action. It provides guidance on creating and implementing a voluntary program aimed at reducing lead levels in drinking water at local schools, childcare facilities, and state levels. Links are available to download the 3Ts Checklist, the3Ts Manual (also available in Spanish), and the module-based 3Ts Toolkit. In addition to the 3Ts Program, you can find resources tailored for schools, childcare facilities, and general best management practices. Case studies, webinars, fact sheets, FAQs, and funding and financing resources are included. Presentations from federal agencies, states, school districts, and water systems are also available.
You can use this document if you are designing a project related to lead service line replacement (LSLR) so you can read about challenges faced by similar projects and strategies used to overcome them to develop ideas to consider when designing their project.
This website contains a document from the EPA outlining challenges faced by communities regarding LSLR and strategies used by states and communities nationwide to address them. The document shows how increased public education, as proposed in the revised Lead and Copper Rule, motivates individual households’ LSLR. It includes case studies of states and local communities achieving full LSLR and discusses funding sources, communication, and LSLR considerations.
https://edap.epa.gov/public/extensions/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded.html
A community can use this tracker to search for industrial facilities in their community that release toxic chemicals and consider adding strategies to reduce these types of releases in their project.
The TRI Program provides information on toxic chemical releases and pollution prevention efforts by industrial and federal facilities. It tracks certain toxic chemicals that can harm human health and the environment, such as those causing cancer or other health problems. TRI helps fill data gaps, gives a better view of environmental performance, identifies non-compliant facilities, and informs regulations and policies. The TRI Tracker lets you search for industrial facilities in your community releasing chemicals into the air, water, and land. You can find out what chemicals are released, efforts to reduce them, and potential health impacts.
https://dashboard.waterdata.usgs.gov/app/nwd/en/?region=lower48&aoi=default
A community can use this interactive tool to access comprehensive information on water quality to describe potential environmental challenges and to aid in strategies-making to safeguard water resources and public health.
The USGS National Water Dashboard is an interactive tool providing real-time data on water resources like lakes, streams, and groundwater from over 13,000 stations across the country. However, these sensors might not be in your specific area, so data might not reflect your community directly. You can download data up to a week old to track environmental changes and assess risks like wildfires and floods.
A community can use this tool to view regional level climate change risks and see how other communities have been successful in addressing these risks.
The ARC-X is a useful tool for viewing information at the regional level about risks posed by climate change to your issues of concern; relevant adaptation strategies; case studies illustrating how other communities have successfully adapted to those risks and tools to replicate their successes; and EPA funding opportunities. Users select a region and area of interest (air, water, waste, public health, or adaptation planning) and the tool provides them with relevant links to visit.
https://www.epa.gov/water-research/green-infrastructure-modeling-toolkit
A community can use these resources to assess, plan, and implement green infrastructure and nature-based strategies, focusing on the management of stormwater, improving water quality, and enhancing urban resilience.
This webpage offers eight resources developed by the EPA to help communities deal with stormwater runoff, a big pollution source in cities. While cities used to rely on gray infrastructure like pipes, they're now turning to green solutions like rainwater harvesting and permeable pavements for environmental, social, and economic benefits. These resources combine green and gray methods to help communities manage water sustainably and cope better with climate change. There's a 5-minute video explaining each resource and training materials are also available on the site.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Pollution-Reduction-Strategy-3
Use this fact sheet to review a summary of the clean water infrastructure Pollution Reduction Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn about clean water infrastructure challenges facing communities. The challenges reviewed include polluted and unsafe drinking water, polluted water bodies, and service interruptions from extreme weather events. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://www.epa.gov/waterfinancecenter/water-finance-webinars-and-forums
Use this site to find water finance webinars and forums on water infrastructure financing.
This site provides webinars and forums on funding and financing options for water infrastructure projects. Topics include financing solutions, federal funding opportunities, and successful case studies. Register by email to receive updates on upcoming webinars and forums.
https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure
Use this site to find resources that focus on water infrastructure challenges.
This website includes EPA’s funding and technical assistance resources that address water infrastructure challenges.
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure
Use this site to understand the use of sustainable water infrastructure practices in your project.
This website contains tips to plan for and manage sustainable water infrastructure practices. These are needed to make sure that water and wastewater systems in the communities you serve can be properly maintained.
https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure
Use this site to see how green infrastructure can stop water pollution caused by untreated wastewater.
This website contains information on how to use green infrastructure to reduce water pollution caused by stormwater. You can send an email to join-greenstream@lists.epa.gov to get updates on upcoming events or items of note.
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-service-lines
Use this page as a resource to guide the replacement of lead services lines.
An estimated 9.2 million lead service lines serve water to communities across the United States. This website provides communities with steps to take, from initial planning through removing the lead service lines.
Use this site to find information that will help you prepare an application to use State Revolving Funds.
This website provides information on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund gives loans for infrastructure improvements to water systems. These improvements must protect public health and ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund gives loans for several types of water quality infrastructure projects. These can include publicly owned wastewater collection and treatment systems, stormwater management, and nonpoint source pollution control.
These resources allow communities to track solid and hazardous waste releases from industrial facilities. They also help communities develop and carry out waste management programs, including programs to promote recycling, reduce waste, and advance activities that do not use up or permanently damage environmental resources.
https://edap.epa.gov/public/extensions/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded/TRIToxicsTracker_embedded.html
A community can use this tracker to search for industrial facilities in their community that release toxic chemicals and consider adding strategies to reduce these types of releases in their project.
The TRI Program provides information on toxic chemical releases and pollution prevention efforts by industrial and federal facilities. It tracks certain toxic chemicals that can harm human health and the environment, such as those causing cancer or other health problems. TRI helps fill data gaps, gives a better view of environmental performance, identifies non-compliant facilities, and informs regulations and policies. The TRI Tracker lets you search for industrial facilities in your community releasing chemicals into the air, water, and land. You can find out what chemicals are released, efforts to reduce them, and potential health impacts.
A community can use this tool to view regional level climate change risks and see how other communities have been successful in addressing these risks.
The Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center is a useful tool for viewing information at the regional level about risks posed by climate change to your issues of concern; relevant adaptation strategies; case studies illustrating how other communities have successfully adapted to those risks and tools to replicate their successes; and EPA funding opportunities. Users select a region and area of interest (air, water, waste, public health, or adaptation planning) and the tool provides them with relevant links to visit.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/wizards/recyclingtoolkit/
A community can use this toolkit to develop and implement waste management programs, promote recycling, reduce waste, and advance environmental sustainability.
The toolkit analyzes data related to recycling programs to estimate the economic benefits associated with recycling. These benefits could include job creation, business growth, and cost savings. This tool is part of the EPA Circular Economy topic: https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy
https://www.epa.gov/homeland-security-waste/guidance-about-planning-natural-disaster-debris
You can use this guidance as a resource for developing waste management strategies and ensuring efficient response and recovery efforts during natural disasters.
The document “Planning for Natural Disaster Debris (pdf),” provides guidance for pre- and post-natural disaster events to reduce debris and waste generation. This includes pre-disaster preparation, response actions, and recovery efforts. If your community does not already have strategies in place, it can adopt these to manage and reduce waste and debris with the overall goal of minimizing environmental impacts from climate-related events.
The Sustainable Materials Management webpage provides resources to learn about waste reduction and recycling programs that promote environmentally friendly practices.
These waste management strategies reduce greenhouse gasses emissions from waste.
Pollution Reduction Strategy 4: Safe Management and Disposal of Solid and Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Pollution-Reduction-Strategy-4
Use this fact sheet to review a summary of the waste management infrastructure Pollution Reduction Strategy.
This fact sheet helps to learn more about clean water infrastructure challenges facing communities. The challenges reviewed include exposure to toxic substances and hazardous chemicals, the release of odors and germs, and residential waste. Possible solutions for each challenge are also provided.
https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardous-waste-hhw
Use this site to learn more about household hazardous waste.
This website provides useful information on how you can safely manage household hazardous waste. It includes tips for reducing this waste and current rules governing this waste.
https://www.epa.gov/hw/criteria-definition-solid-waste-and-solid-and-hazardous-waste-exclusions
This site has a list of materials that are excluded from solid waste and hazardous waste regulation.
This website provides details on what materials are determined to be solid waste, and what solid wastes are excluded from regulation. It also includes a list of solid wastes that are excluded from hazardous waste regulation.
https://www.epa.gov/hw/learn-basics-hazardous-waste
Use this site to learn more about hazardous waste management.
This website includes information about hazardous waste, including how it is produced and how it can be transported, recycled, treated, stored, and disposed of. You can also view EPA rules and initiatives for hazardous waste management.
These resources focus on pollution reduction strategies that are applicable to Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) lands.
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/tribal-greenhouse-gas-inventory-tool
A Tribal community can use this tool to describe their community’s GHG emission challenges and develop strategies to address GHG emission challenges in different sectors.
EPA's Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory is a spreadsheet tool that calculates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for various sectors like residential, commercial, transportation, and waste management. It has two modules: one for community-wide inventories and another for Tribal government operations. This tool helps Tribes quickly compile GHG inventories, which serve as a baseline for assessing changes from proposed strategies.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Alaska-Tribal-Lands-Target-Investment-Area
Use this fact sheet to understand the Alaska Tribal Lands TIA and Alaskan-specific Climate Action Strategies (CAS) and Pollution Reduction Strategy (PRS) activities.
The Alaska Tribal Lands TIA has additional available Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies. This fact sheet provides an overview of Pollution Reduction Strategy activities related to contaminated lands under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). It also provides an overview of Alaskan-Specific Climate Action Strategies for a community to use with examples of how the strategies can impact Alaskan-specific community challenges.
A community can use the tools and resources in this website to assess their vulnerability to climate change, identify adaptation and resilience strategies, and take action to build resilience.
This initiative is part of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). The website covers topics like extreme weather, rising sea levels, droughts, floods, and heatwaves. It offers access to hundreds of tools and resources for different sectors and regions, like agriculture, coastal areas, health, Tribal nations, and infrastructure.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#target-investment-area-alaska-tribal-lands-worksheet
Use this worksheet as a guide in selecting a Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategy for the Alaska Tribal Lands TIA Track I application.
This worksheet provides an overview of the Alaska Tribal Lands TIA and describes what types of projects are eligible under this TIA. It also includes guiding questions for a community to answer to help write the application.
A community can use this tool to view regional level climate change risks and see how other communities have been successful in addressing these risks.
The ARC-X is a useful tool for viewing information at the regional level about risks posed by climate change to your issues of concern; relevant adaptation strategies; case studies illustrating how other communities have successfully adapted to those risks and tools to replicate their successes; and EPA funding opportunities. Users select a region and area of interest (air, water, waste, public health, or adaptation planning) and the tool provides them with relevant links to visit.
https://www.epa.gov/green-building-tools-tribes
A Tribal community can use this website to learn more about green products and buildings and funding opportunities and read success stories about similar projects.
This website focuses on green building, or sustainable design, tailored to Tribal communities. It offers links to learn about green products, funding, and success stories. There's also a Tribal Green Building Toolkit with case studies to help prioritize building projects for your Tribal community.
https://www.epa.gov/r10-tribal/contamination-ancsa-conveyed-lands
Use this site to learn about contamination on Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act conveyed lands.
EPA encourages applicants to include Pollution Reduction Strategy projects for cleaning up contaminated lands conveyed through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. This site will help you read how specific contaminants can pose health concerns to Alaska Native communities.
These resources support projects that aim to establish collaboration between communities and government bodies, and communities’ engagement in governmental decision-making. The resources offer tools, guides, and decision-making processes that help to include everyone. They also provide information on how to design workshops to guide effective community-government partnerships and community engagement.
https://communitychangeta.org/fact-sheets#Creating-Strong-Papartnerships
Use this act sheet to review the benefits and features of strong, collaborative partnerships and best practices for a successful, overall engagement.
This fact sheet describes the roles of Lead Applicants, Statutory Partners, and Collaborating Entities in the Community Change Grants program. It also describes the benefits of grant partners with tips on how to be a good partner. A strong partnership example is included.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#statutory-partnerships-worksheet-sample-agreement
Use this worksheet to help build a community Statutory Partnership with defined roles for the Lead Applicant and Statutory Partner. This worksheet also includes a Partnership Agreement example.
This worksheet begins with a partnership graphic and list of responsibilities for the Lead Applicant. It provides guiding questions to help in establishing a partnership. The first questions section evaluates partner strengths; the second questions section compares the strengths against program needs; and the third questions section helps with selecting the Lead Applicant. The last questions section reviews partner responsibilities. This worksheet also provides a Partnership Agreement example and a list of requirements.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#selecting-collaborating-entities
Use this worksheet to learn more about Collaborating Entities.
This worksheet helps with the process of selecting Collaborating Entities that the EPA encourages, including the ones specified in your planned project. It also includes tips to find, evaluate, and describe the role of Collaborating Entities.
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/brownfields/actionmodeltoolkit/what-is-the-action-model/
Use this toolkit to learn how to create a plan for carrying out a project and how to act upon this plan.
The ATSDR evaluates and protects community health from the effects of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. ATSDR developed the Action Model Toolkit to provide a step-by-step guide with videos on how to create a plan for conducting an improvement project in your community. It explains how to identify a problem facing your community, build a team of people who share your concerns, create workshops, continue progress towards project goals, and identify funding needs. The goal of the ATSDR Action Model is to achieve positive, lasting improvements in overall community health.
Use this worksheet to understand the requirements for the Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan (Attachment E).
This worksheet provides prompts to describe past community outreach and engagement activities to help use as lessons learned in planning for future outreach and engagement. It also helps with thinking through details of roles and responsibilities that each organization or community member will have in the planned project.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-ii-community-engagement
Use this worksheet to develop a community engagement plan for the planning and implementation project phases.
This worksheet begins with a summary of engaging the community and is divided into three sets of guiding questions. The first set covers experience with community engagement; the second set is about project design and development and building trust; and the third set covers disadvantaged communities’ engagement in governmental processes.
https://www.epa.gov/e-enterprise/about-e-enterprise-environment
You can use this webpage as a template for developing a collaborative governance structure and community engagement priorities.
This site contains a link to E-Enterprise for the Environment, which is a collaborative partnership through which EPA, states, and Tribes work together to improve the way we protect the environment and human health. For more information refer to the E-Enterprise Fact Sheet.
https://semspub.epa.gov/work/11/174739.pdf
Use this sheet to understand how to create a Community Involvement Plan.
This website can help you with creating a Community Involvement Plan. These are plans to engage communities throughout Superfund cleanup processes.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#community-plans-engagement-governance-and-strength
This webinar can help you address community engagement and community strength as part of your Community Change Grants application.
This webinar covers the Track I Community Change Grants Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan and the Community Strength Plan. You can learn about these plans and best practices. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
Use this report to learn about costs that are allowed for community outreach and engagement efforts.
This guide lists, and provides details, on the costs of items that are allowed during community engagement efforts. The items are advertising and public relations, advisory councils, entertainment, fundraising, meals and light refreshments at conferences, and costs of preparing a grant proposal.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/tribalswcommunityengagementstrategy508.pdf
Use this report to explore issues to consider when planning and designing community engagement approaches for tribal integrated waste management programs.
This report is specific to potential issues that can arise when planning community engagement approaches for tribal integrated waste management programs. Therefore, this resource might not be specific to your project or your community. It describes the importance of community engagement, provides engagement techniques and methods, lists community engagement steps, and provides useful resources and templates for community engagement.
Use this site to get a tool to use for engaging communities.
This website provides a tool that gives local and state governments a roadmap for meaningful engagement, and innovative examples of engagement.
https://www.epa.gov/oh/ej-academy
Use this site to find an example of an Educational and Training Program to include in your Track II application.
This website describes EJ Academy. It explains how it can be used to prepare, train, and educate members of disadvantaged communities to engage in government processes related to environmental and climate justice activities.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-02/documents/reducing_risk_com_vol2.pdf
Use this site to find an example of how an Environmental Advisory Board might help your Track II project.
This website links to a report written by the EPA Environmental Equity Workgroup. The report introduces environmental equity and describes the findings and recommendations from the workgroup.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-02/documents/model-public-part-plan.pdf
Use this report to ensure a strong public participation process.
This report by the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council outlines key aspects of public participation. It divides these into four groups: preparation, participants, logistics, and mechanics. The report also includes core values, guiding principles, and a checklist.
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/2000CQR5.PDF?Dockey=2000CQR5.PDF
Use this site to find tips on using community engagement and outreach efforts in your project.
This website has lessons learned, barriers, and innovative approaches to community engagement and outreach.
These resources offer tools and approaches aimed at preserving community identity, encouraging economic resilience, and promoting social unity to prioritize equity and inclusion. These resources aim to tackle historical differences in federal investments and environmental justice.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-community-strength-plan
Use this worksheet to help build the Community Strength Plan (Attachment F) as required by the Notice of Funding Opportunity and described in Sections I.G. and V.C.
This worksheet describes the goals of the Community Strength Plan and walks through the process of how to identify strategies to create a plan. Examples of ways to increase overall strength and economic prosperity of your community are also provided throughout the document.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/
You can use this page to understand how the Justice40 initiative can benefit and impact your community.
The Biden Administration has made it a goal that 40 percent of certain federal funding initiatives are to be directed to disadvantaged communities. Because these communities have been so negatively impacted, the Justice40 categories focus on investments in climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation and reduction of legacy pollution, and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#community-plans-engagement-governance-and-strength
This webinar can help you address community engagement and community strength as part of your Community Change Grants application.
This webinar covers the Track I Community Change Grants Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan and the Community Strength Plan. You can learn about these plans and best practices. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
https://www.hud.gov/topics/avoiding_foreclosure
This website provides a list of programs that can help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure.
This website can help you identify programs that can help homeowners in your community. These programs could be helpful to include in the Community Strength Plan of your Track I application. They are strategies to minimize displacement.
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/Brownfields_IZ_FINAL.pdf
Use this factsheet to understand inclusionary zoning and how it can help prevent displacement in your community.
This factsheet describes inclusionary zoning. Local rules require a certain percentage of affordable units within a housing development. You can use the factsheet to understand what inclusionary zoning is and how to use it to successfully create affordable housing. The factsheet also includes a case study of an inclusionary zoning program in Burlington, Vermont.
https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/strategies-minimize-displacement
Use this website to explore strategies to minimize the risk of displacement alongside brownfields redevelopment.
This U.S. EPA website contains fact sheets providing information on reducing displacement that is happening because of brownfields redevelopment. The fact sheets introduce programs, tools, and general information designed to minimize displacement. They are available in both English and Spanish.
Use this report to look at several anti-displacement strategies and their effectiveness.
This report, prepared for the California Air Resources Board, tests common anti-displacement strategies and how effective they are. These strategies may not be specific to your community but can be used as guidance and examples.
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-featd-article-062822.html
Use this online article to learn about the options and tradeoffs of rent control, an anti-displacement strategy.
This article summarizes discussions from an online event titled Rent Stabilization: Policy Choices and Impacts. The article focuses on rent stabilizing policies, types, limits, and effects.
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/displacementreport.pdf
Use this report to explore strategies that address displacement of low-income families, alleviating the pressures on housing affordability, and community resistance to change.
This report examines the patterns, causes, outcomes, and consequences of gentrification. It also proposes four strategies to reduce its negative effects: protecting affordable housing, promoting more housing development (including affordable choices), involving current community residents, and adopting regional strategies.
https://create.umn.edu/toolkit/
Use this toolkit to explore policies that can be used to prevent residential displacement after investments in parks and green infrastructure are finished.
This toolkit offers definitions and tools for assessing risks of “green gentrification” and preventing displacement. It's divided into three main sections: introducing basic concepts, presenting policy tools, and discussing implementation.
These resources offer a variety of approaches ranging from numerical measures and key performance measures to descriptive measures and feedback mechanisms. By using these tools, communities can measure their progress toward stated goals, find areas for improvement, and make informed decisions for maximum performance and impact.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-community-vision-part-3-of-3
Use this worksheet to help develop the Community’s Vision for the Community Vision Description portion of the Project Narrative.
This is the third of three worksheets to help Community Change Grants applicants complete the Community Vision Description, a requirement for Track I applications. It identifies the community’s vision for the impact and benefits the grant will provide
https://www.epa.gov/evaluate/program-evaluation-and-performance-measurement-epa
This webpage has guidance on how to develop a performance management plan and understand how to measure and ensure high quality outcomes.
Program evaluation and performance measurement work together to identify areas of improvement and show progress toward your goals. A program sets performance measures as a series of goals to meet over time. Program evaluations assess whether your program is meeting those performance measures.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/documents/508_csqapphandbook_3_5_19_mmedits.pdf
The handbook provides information on Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and how to create a QAPP.
Included in the handbook are tools for quality assurance and methods for environmental data collection. This resource is aimed at organizations working with the public on collecting environmental data.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/linking-assistance-agreements-environmental-results
This webpage contains guidance on creating a performance management plan that includes how your project’s outcomes will benefit the environment.
EPA requires that work funded through grant programs further the EPA mission by achieving environmental benefits for the taxpayer. This resource will help you create a performance engagement plan that outlines the link between your proposed project and the environmental benefits of that work.
https://communitychangeta.org/videos#getting-started-with-evaluation-and-logic-models
This video can help you plan effective grant evaluation strategies.
This EPA video covers the basics of evaluation and logic models, and how to set useful outputs and outcomes. This video can be helpful for grant applicants and grantees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgfNGX1j5rQ
Use this webinar to learn about creating outputs and outcomes for your grant.
This webinar can help you develop outputs and outcomes to track grant progress. Compliance topics are also discussed. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
These resources provide training, tools, and guides for budget templates, software applications, and budgeting manuals. Communities can use these resources to help craft realistic budgets, forecast financial needs, and make informed financial decisions for their proposed strategies. Budget resources often include frameworks for financial reporting, cost analysis, and budget monitoring. These frameworks allow users to be open and accountable about spending. The resources also provide information to help communities reduce project costs.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#program-budget-description-worksheet
Use this worksheet to help a community develop the Program Budget Description. It is a required part of the Community Change Grants program application.
Communities can use this worksheet to understand the Program Budget Description section of the Project Narrative. The worksheet includes an overview of all application parts related to the budget. It also provides tips for completing the budget sections with guiding questions to help develop the budget and Program Budget Description. Budget categories descriptions are included.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#sample-budget-examples-xls
Use this Excel to review budget examples to help a community develop the Program Budget Template (Attachment A).
This Excel document provides tips to complete budget sections, including a budget template and budget examples for both Track I and Track II applications.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/how-develop-budget
You can use this training to learn about key aspects of grant budget development.
You can use this training when preparing proposed work plans, budgets, and budget narratives for EPA grants. The course is divided into separate modules that you can complete one by one: Module 1: General principles and consideration, Module 2: Direct costs, Module 3: Other direct costs, and Module 4: Indirect Costs.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/documents/applicant-budget-development-guidance.pdf
You can use this document for cost and budget guidance related to EPA grants and cooperative agreements.
This interim guidance document is for applicants and recipients of EPA financial assistance and provides information to help them create and submit project budgets. Factors considered are cost categories such as personnel and fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, construction, indirect costs, and contractual obligations.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/indirect-cost-rates-webinar-december-6-2023
You can use this training to learn how indirect cost rates are calculated and approved.
The indirect cost training gives an overview of how to calculate and approve indirect cost rates. Presenters explain EPA’s Indirect Cost Rate Policy and the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Terms and Conditions, and review which rates are allowable for different recipient types.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#preparing-a-grant-budget
Use this webinar to help Community Change Grants applicants learn how to create an effective grant budget.
This webinar covers budget categories, indirect costs, and allowable expenses. It also covers general EPA budget guidance that is applicable beyond the Community Change Grants. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/SF424A-V1.0.pdf
You must fill out this form during your Track I application covering budget information.
The “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)” form is a fillable PDF file that must be submitted with a Track I application. This is the budget overview form for federal grants. Instructions for filling out this form are also available.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E
Use this site to find out which costs you can include in your project that will be covered by the grant.
This website contains the Code of Federal Regulations rules that include information on which types of costs are allowable under federal grants.
Link to recording (Passcode: 91869331):
Link to slides:
Watch this webinar or look at the slides to learn more about indirect cost limitations for the grants.
The EPA webinar and slides present information on indirect cost limitations. During your project, you must be prepared to meet the requirements presented.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/rain-2018-g02-r
Use this site to find EPA policy and guidance on indirect costs.
This guidance informs recipients and applicants of a new policy that aligns indirect costs under EPA assistance agreements with 2 CFR Part 200.
Use this site to find the EPA subaward policy for EPA assistance agreements.
This policy details rules and procedures for Grants Management Offices and Program Offices in how they choose subrecipients. It also explains how they oversee, manage, and authorize fixed-amount subawards.
Use this report to learn about the applicability and requirements of participant support costs for community outreach and engagement efforts.
This guide lists the policies to help determine whether your project can receive participant support costs. The guide covers applicability, rules, and general information on participant support costs. It is a useful resource for your community engagement.
Grant compliance is essential for communities looking to effectively manage and follow the rules and regulations governing grant funding. These resources provide training and guidance to help communities meet grant requirements and correctly manage the grant. The resources also contain information on requirements that communities must complete before receiving grant funding to ensure they comply with federal grant regulations and specific policies. Webinars and training on key aspects of the grant policies and lifecycle from application preparation to closeout are also included.
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-03/rain-2024-g01.pdf
You can use this document to learn about the trainings that new grant awardees must complete before receiving grant funding.
This document can be used to learn about the trainings that new grant awardees and applicants must complete before receiving grant funding and helps to prepare them to manage funds in compliance with all federal regulations and EPA-specific policies.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-grants-management-training-applicants-and-recipients
You can use this training to learn about key aspects of the entire grant lifecycle.
This online training course reviews key points in the lifecycle of a grant, from preparation of an application through grant closeout. The course is divided into separate modules that can be completed one by one: Module 1: Introduction to EPA Grants, Module 2: Demonstrating Financial Management System and Internal Controls Capability, Module 3: Applying for a Grant, Module 4: Accepting a Grant Award, Module 5: Managing a Grant, and Module 6: Closing out a Grant.
grants.gov/learn-grants/grant-careers/grants-management.html
You can use this page to learn more about how to manage a federal grant.
The grants management page explains the potential tasks involved in managing the phases of a federal grant, including: Full Award Lifecycle, Pre-Award Phase, Award Phase, and Post-Award Phase. The page also provides resources on the following topics: Grants 101, Grant Policies, Grant Eligibility, Grant Terminology, Grant-Making Agencies, Grant Systems, Grant Programs, Grant Careers, Grant Reporting, and Grant Fraud.
You can use this document to find out the best practices for obtaining services, supplies, and equipment under the Community Change Grant (CCG) program.
The best practice guide helps you comply with competitive contracting requirements and other rules when spending federal funds and administering EPA-funded contracts. For example, it explains unique EPA limits on expenditures for consulting services.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/procurement-subawards-and-participant-support-costs-june-27-2023
You can use this training to learn about procurement regulations and requirements.
This training covers procurement regulations and requirements. More specifically, it discusses best practices for contracts, consultants, equipment, and supply purchases; review of subawards; and participant support costs.
Use this training module to learn about managing an EPA grant and include this information in your Readiness Approach attachment during your Track I application.
This training module is the fifth module in the U.S. EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients. It contains guidelines and information that prepares you to manage an EPA grant. The module is divided into eight chapters, including an introductory and a revision chapter.
Use this guide to help you meet federal rules when purchasing supplies and contractor services.
This guide provides rules and detailed information on the processes when using EPA funds to buy professional services, supplies, and equipment.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/new-epa-davis-bacon-grant-term-and-condition-webinar-march-28-2024
Use this webinar to learn about labor standards and rules that apply to grants involving construction based on the U.S. EPA Davis-Bacon Act.
This U.S. EPA webinar presents the Davis-Bacon Grant terms and conditions. The webpage contains the recorded webinar, the presentation, and a file with helpful links. During your project, you must meet the requirements presented in this webinar.
https://communitychangeta.org/webinar-recordings#build-america-buy-america-baba-webinar
Use this webinar to learn about Build America Buy America compliance and waivers, and check whether it applies to your project.
This webinar explains the basics of Build America Buy America, and how people applying for grants can comply with the law. It also explains what Build America Buy America does and does not apply to, as well as the limited exceptions to the rule. This webinar is also available in Spanish
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-10/Buy%20America%20Preference%20Overview.PDF
Use this summary document to learn about the rules under Build America Buy America.
This document goes over the Build America Buy America Act and its rules. It lists articles, material, and supplies that are and aren’t covered by Build America Buy America, and describes potential waivers targeted to specific products and projects.
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-03/presentation_epa-davis-bacon-tc-march-2024.pdf
Use these presentation slides to learn about the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts.
This U.S. EPA presentation introduces the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, their rules, recent changes, and terms and conditions. If your project involves construction, you must be prepared to meet the rules presented.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-requirements
Use this website to check whether your community qualifies for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and to learn about its rules.
This U.S. EPA website presents the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and its rules. It summarizes the core parts of the Program, which are the Minority-owned Business Enterprise and Woman-owned Business Enterprise Certification, Six Good Faith Efforts, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Contract Administration Requirements, Minority-owned Business Enterprise and Woman-owned Business Enterprise Reporting, and Record Keeping.
Use this training module as a guide to help you develop the Compliance Plan.
This training module is the second module in the U.S. EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients. It contains guidelines and information to help you meet EPA’s rules for proving financial management system and internal controls capabilities. The module is divided into six chapters, including an introductory and a revision chapter. You should look at this module before beginning to write your Compliance Plan or before filling out the associated worksheet.
https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-14-704g.pdf
Use this report for designing, carrying out, and operating an effective internal control system.
This report, known also as the “Green Book,” presents the standards for an effective system of internal controls for federal agencies. It describes 17 principles of internal control, which are divided into five parts: Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, and Monitoring. These principles can be used as a framework for an internal control system.
Use this code to receive a complete definition for institutions of higher education.
The 20 U.S.C. Part A (Definitions) § 1001 provides the general definition of institution of higher education. This definition can be used to expand on the glossary in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Use this tool to find the Congressional District of your project.
This U.S. House of Representatives search tools allows users to find their congressional district by entering the ZIP code of the area of interest for the project.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/tips-completing-epa-form-4700-4
This website can help you complete EPA Form 4700-4.
This website contains tips and news related to EPA Form 4700-4. It also includes a checklist, guidance documents, and other resources that can be used to complete the form.
You can use this page to determine if your organization and partners are eligible to apply for a Community Change Grant (CCG).
To be eligible to apply for a Community Change Grant, an applicant must partner with another organization. Eligible partnerships can be between two Community-Based Nonprofit Organizations (CBOs), or be between a CBO and one or more of the following: a federally recognized Tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#readiness-approach
Use this worksheet to help write a community Readiness Approach attachment (Attachment G).
This worksheet begins with a summary of goals and what to include with a Readiness Approach, including guiding questions to help develop it. Questions sections relate to government approvals, alignment with existing plans, site control, and operations and maintenance. The last questions section is based on federal requirements of construction projects. Helpful tips and resource links are also provided.
https://communitychangeta.org/ta-workbooks#track-i-compliance-plan
Use this worksheet to help write a community Compliance Plan (Attachment H). It should be completed by someone with a financial and legal background.
This worksheet starts with a summary of compliance goals and an overview of regulations and steps to take before beginning. The worksheet also provides guiding questions on financial management, such as questions on internal controls and managing subaward recipients. It also summarizes relevant regulations and provides helpful resource links.
Use this webinar to learn about compliance rules for Community Change Grants applications.
This webinar covers the types of organizations that are eligible to apply for the Community Change Grants program. It also reviews how to form legal partnerships and Collaborating Entities. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/SF424A-V1.0.pdf
You must complete this form during your Track II application covering budget information.
The “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)” form is a fillable PDF file that must be submitted with a Track I application. This is the budget overview form for federal grants. Instructions for filling out this form are also available.
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-08/epa_form_5700_54.pdf
You must complete this form during your Track II application covering contact information.
The Key Contacts Form 5700-54 is a fillable PDF file that must be submitted with a Track II application. This form requires you to provide EPA with contact information for key project staff, including your authorized representative, payee, administrative contact, and project manager.
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-03/epa_form_4700_4_2023.pdf
You must complete this form during your Track II application to make sure you follow civil rights laws.
The Pre-award Compliance Review Report Form 4700-4 is a fillable PDF file that must be submitted with a Track II application. This is a short document focused on making sure you follow civil rights laws.
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf
You must complete this form during your Track II application covering basic information.
The Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) form is a fillable PDF file that must be submitted with a Track II application. This is the basic information form for federal grants, including name, address, etc.
https://www.epa.gov/grants/tips-completing-epa-form-4700-4
Use this website to read about tips for completing U.S. EPA Form 4700-4.
This U.S. EPA website contains tips and news related to Form 4700-4. The tips are listed on the main page. Additionally, the website contains a checklist, guidance documents, and other resources that applicants can use to make it easier to fill out Form 4700-4.
https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan
Use this website to align your project activities to support and advance the U.S. EPA Strategic Plan.
Visit this website to read about the FY 2022-2026 US EPA Strategic Plan. Information on the Strategic Plan is available in an Overview PDF file and a full Report PDF file. The Strategic Plan is divided into four strategies and seven goals. Each goal is composed of two to three subgoals.
Use this webinar to help determine if you are eligible to apply for the Community Change program and more.
This webinar covers the types of organizations that are eligible to apply for the Community Change Grants program. It also reviews how to form legal partnerships and Collaborating Entities. This webinar is also available in Spanish.
Modifications were made to the NOFO on October 3, 2024. If any text within the resources above is inconsistent with the latest version of the NOFO, the NOFO is the final authority.