The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new round of grants to states, local governments, nonprofits, and others to support children’s environmental health in schools and childcare settings in underserved communities.

The Childrens’ Healthy Learning Environments in Low-Income and/or Minority Communities Grant supports projects that advance children’s environmental well-being through education, training, tools, and capacity building.

According to a press release:

EPA anticipates awarding ten grants of $200,000 each for up to a two-year funding period. This initiative is funded by an allocation to EPA under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress designated this funding for grants, contracts, and other agency activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in low-income or minority communities through a range of local initiatives.

Grant applications should reflect holistic approaches for reducing environmental exposures in schools and childcare settings through capacity building, trainings, and technical assistance. Proposals should also demonstrate a broad reach and collaborative problem-solving with appropriate partners. Projects must take place in schools and/or childcare centers that are located in minority or low-income communities and/or primarily serve student populations that are minority or low-income – for example, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, Title I schools, or Tribal schools.

Applications are due by September 10, 2021. Additional information is available at: www.grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-OA-OCHP-21-01.