Please see below or check out all of our EPN and L4GG funding, resources, opportunities, and guidance updates.
Please Join Us This Wednesday, October 14, for Part 2 of our Data Centers Webinar and Our Federal Grantee Office Hour
– Please register here for Part 2 of our webinar on data centers this Wednesday, October 14, 1-2pm eastern, where we’ll discuss federal policy rollbacks and public health impacts. The webinar will include deep dives on the health costs of data centers and how EPA is (not) applying the Clean Air Act. We will also be releasing our new guide to data center permitting! (More details below). Please Note: Current and new registrants will need to add the October 14 webinar to their calendar! When you receive your Zoom confirmation or reminder email, please click “Add to Calendar.”
– If you’re a federal grantee (or were a federal grantee), register here for L4GG’s Updates on Ongoing Federal Grant Termination, Litigation, and Compliance also on Wednesday, October 14, from 12:30-1pm eastern.
Another Notable Win
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Finds EPA Violated the Law
On Wednesday, October 7, the GAO issued a decision (B-337485) finding that EPA violated the Impoundment Control Act in its handling of the Community Change Grants program. Specifically, EPA illegally withheld funds from expenditure when it froze grantee payments in 2025 after deciding to end the program. It also withheld funds from obligation when it terminated nearly all CCGs. In addition to further underscoring the pattern of unlawful action by EPA, this will hopefully be a useful datapoint in ongoing litigation.
Data Center Resources and Site Fight Support
Technical and Legal Assistance
– Fill out EPN’s Technical Assistance Request Form to request 1:1 technical (including regulatory) support.
– Reach out to L4GG to request legal assistance, research, ordinance drafting, and other legal services through the Green and Equitable Community Clinic intake form on our website.
– New! EPN has developed a resource, Holding Data Centers Accountable: A Guide to Federal Environmental Permitting, to help communities and assistance providers navigate the federal permitting landscape as it relates to data center development. We’ve also created a shorter intro document for easy reference, to be released during our upcoming webinar this Wednesday following a discussion of the guide. Register here.
– To help us in our own work, EPN created a Data Center Resource Directory to simplify searching for data center resources in one place. Resources range from introductory data center information to deep reports on diesel generators, for example. Watch a tutorial on how to use the Directory and suggest resources to add on our website. EPN staff will review suggested resources to add on a weekly basis.
Join the Call for Federal Leaders to Protect Communities from Data Center Health Impacts
National health, environmental, and consumer organizations are calling on the Administration to develop a Data Center Health Protection Pledge, and on Congress to back it up. The principle is simple: If families shouldn’t have to bear the electricity costs of data center expansion, they shouldn’t have to bear the health and environmental costs either.
This is a call for accountability, not a prescribed set of policy solutions. We want public leaders to commit to protecting communities from the impacts of data center development, with affected communities having a voice in shaping how those commitments are met.
Organizations can add their names to the statement here, helping demonstrate broad support for making public health a priority. We hope organizations that sign on will use this shared call as a rallying point to press public leaders for action and advocate for solutions that reflect their communities’ needs. Signing on does not commit organizations to any particular policy approach. New signatories will be added to the public list of supporting organizations. Please submit the form only if authorized to sign on behalf of your organization.
Data Center Model Policy Guide and Virtual Briefing
Communities Take Charge: Data Center Model Policy Guide, launched by We Build Progress and partner organizations, gives community-based organizers and state and local lawmakers practical, customizable policy tools for addressing data center development. The interactive guide includes model policies addressing energy and water use, pollution, infrastructure costs, permitting and zoning, labor, subsidies, transparency, and more, including options for restrictions, moratoriums, and prohibitions. Join a virtual briefing on Thursday, October 22 at 2:00pm eastern to learn how to use these tools in your community. RSVP for the briefing here.
Philanthropic and Federal Funding Opportunities
EPN and L4GG Resources to Help You Find Funding and Financing
– Check out EPN’s latest Funding Bulletin, a resource guide to funding opportunities—including philanthropic, state, and local funding and use EPN’s Technical Assistance Request Form to request 1:1 funding discovery support or other technical assistance.
– You can also access L4GG’s Sprint Hub for direct legal support for all types of green finance needs for community projects. L4GG will work with you to identify potential investors or mission-driven lenders, including Green Banks and CDFIs, to close any funding gap. In addition, L4GG’s Green Finance Team can help you navigate the complex world of alternative funding sources. Get direct pro bono assistance for your project here!
Emergent Fund
The Emergent Fund is a rolling, monthly rapid response and emergent organizing grant for movement and frontline communities responding to urgent and specific unanticipated crises or opportunities to build power. Organizations must have 501(c)(3 ) or 501(c)(4) tax status, or a fiscal sponsor in order to be eligible and to receive grants. The Advisory Council considers time-sensitivity, leadership impact and resource access when making award decisions. Learn more about how to apply here.
Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation Environment Program
The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation’s Environment program supports efforts aimed at decreasing domestic fossil fuel demand and production, and at promoting high-quality and scientifically accurate climate change education for young adults. Making awards between $20,000 and $50,000, organizations interested in applying should reach out to schedule a meeting with a Foundation staff member. If your organization is invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry, staff will provide instructions. Learn more here.
Lead Prevention Ambassador Leadership Program
Young, Gifted & Green is launching the 9th Cohort of the Lead Prevention Ambassador Leadership Program. This leadership program is designed for young adults ages 22-40 and will build young leaders’ capacity to become advocates for the eradication of lead through political advocacy, activism, and organizing. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the final deadline of October 22. Learn more and apply here.
Fellowship
2027 Switzer Fellowships Now Accepting Applications
The Switzer Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027 Fellowships, which support graduate students demonstrating leadership potential and a commitment to environmental improvement. For the first time, the fellowship is open to emerging environmental leaders across the United States and U.S. territories. Fellows receive an $18,000 unrestricted award, leadership training, career support, and access to the Switzer Network of more than 800 environmental leaders. Applications are due December 14. Learn more and apply here, or register for the November 18 information session at 3pm eastern.
Webinars, Workshops, and Office Hours
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services Workshops
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is a nonprofit environmental law organization that expands access to environmental justice by providing legal services regardless of income. On Thursday, October 15, from 5:30-8:30pm eastern, they will host an in-person celebration, shining a spotlight on the wins that Fair Shake and their partners have made over the past year. If you are in Pittsburgh, join them at Bar Marco, located at 2216 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Please visit Fair Shake’s events page for the most current workshop information and to register.
Building a Stronger Security Culture
Join Climate Ready and The CLIVE Project on Thursday, October 15, from 3-4:30pm eastern for a practical training on building a stronger culture of organizational security. The session will explore how clear policies, shared responsibility, and everyday practices, including document retention, can strengthen operational resilience and help organizations navigate emerging risks. Register here.
Fair Shake Ask an Attorney: Environmental Law, Permits & Decision-Making
Join Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services on Monday, October 19, 12-1:30pm eastern for Ask an Attorney. It’s an opportunity to ask general questions about environmental law, permits, and decision-making processes and learn more about how to move your goals into action. Resources will be shared with everyone who registers. Please note that this session will not provide legal advice or representation. Learn more and register here.
Training Webinar: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good
Join Center for Health, Environment & Justice on Tuesday, October 20, 1pm eastern for free training led by the Bolder Advocacy team and the Alliance for Justice’s Texas office. Participants will learn what advocacy activities charities can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, how lobbying limits work, and practice strategies for maximizing both lobbying and non-lobbying advocacy. Please register here.
Office Hours: Preparing a Competitive Brownfields RLF Grant Application
Join Grow America on Wednesday, October 21, from 3-5pm eastern for open office hours focused on preparing a competitive EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant application. Participants will have the opportunity to bring questions, discuss challenges, and explore strategies for successful Brownfields financing and redevelopment. The session will cover key considerations for applicants, including demonstrating community need, identifying potential borrowers and projects, building program capacity, and developing a strong application strategy for future EPA funding opportunities. Please note: This event may be rescheduled depending on the release of EPA’s FY 2027 Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup Grant Competition Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and related guidance. Registrants will be notified of any changes. Register here for October 21 office hours.
Webinar Series: Climate Resilience and Adaptation
Join Anthropocene Alliance and River Network for a new webinar series for community groups, tribal organizations, or nonprofits looking to protect their communities from the effects of climate change. The first session will be held on Thursday, October 22, at 3pm eastern. Find session dates, topics, and register here.
Upcoming In-Person Brownfields RLF Workshops
Join Grow America and ICMA for one remaining no-cost, in-person workshop for EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grantees. The Clark County, Nevada, workshop will be held December 8-9 and offers hands-on learning, practical exercises, and opportunities to connect and learn from other RLF teams. Register for the Clark County workshop here and book lodging by November 16; travel scholarship applications are due November 9.