You’re Not a Terminated Federal Grantee: Beyond Federal Funding
As many of you know, long before L4GG and EPN started helping folks apply for and then defend federal grants, we were providing pro bono technical and legal assistance as groups navigated environmental injustices—from air pollution to Superfund sites. And, we have never stopped! Check out:
– EPN’s Pro Bono Capacity Building Technical Assistance Program – supporting frontline communities, community-serving NGOs, and under-resourced state, local, and Tribal governments in navigating federal programs and administrative processes; building connections with partners and decision-makers; and advancing community-identified environmental and public health priorities..
– L4GG’s Green and Equitable Communities Clinic – currently accepting applications on a rolling basis for direct pro bono legal services to communities in need, and to help ide
– Beyond Federal Funding – an updated and curated list of current national and regional grant opportunities, including philanthropic funding.
– And see Funding, Workshops, and Resources below.
Especially FOR Terminated Grantees:
Join Our Grants Management Webinars/Office Hours TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 12:30-2pm Eastern
– This week’s webinar will contain a briefing on L4GG’s services and offerings to support frontline communities, NGOs, and under-resourced organizations.
– It will also review L4GG’s public comment template to help organizations respond to proposed changes to registration requirements on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), the system required to apply for and maintain federal grants. The proposal would require new certifications tied to the administration’s interpretation of federal anti-discrimination laws, potentially affecting DEIA programs and other equity-focused efforts, in addition to anti-immigration and anti-terrorism policies. Comments are due March 30. Here is the public comment template.
Today’s Good News:
EPA’s Inspector General (OIG) Finds Community Change Grants Were Awarded Properly: EPA’s OIG concluded that the agency implemented effective controls during its review and selection of Community Change Grant applications and adhered to all applicable requirements. The OIG reviewed ~1,200 scoresheets, interviewed key personnel, and assessed 45 criteria. It found that the EPA tailored evaluation criteria to the program, established independent review panels, produced software-generated ranked application lists, and documented selection decisions in detailed memorandums. “Every day the EPA sits on these funds, families around the country are forced to breathe toxic air and drink contaminated water,” said Jillian Blanchard, in a release to the press. “The Inspector General has confirmed there was no ‘fraud’ or ‘waste’ – the only things being wasted are time and human lives.” Consider sharing this press release with your stakeholders and on social media, particularly if you worked on a Community Change Grant.
Funding and Other Opportunities:
Curated and Updated Funding Opportunities
EPN has launched Beyond Federal Funding: EPN’s Monthly Bulletin, a resource guide to funding opportunities—including philanthropic funding—from local to national opportunities. To request 1:1 funding discovery support or other technical assistance, please use EPN’s Technical Assistance Request Form.
A Free Rebrand for a Small Nonprofit
Small, mission-driven nonprofit organizations are critical resources in our communities. Many are doing essential work under increasing pressure, with tightening budgets and limited capacity—and most of their funding directed straight toward advancing their mission.
Strong branding and clear, compelling communications can help these organizations amplify their impact, attract new supporters, and sustain their work over time. But without dedicated resources, investing in brand strategy and design can be difficult to prioritize. That’s why On-Ramps is sponsoring Give a Brand!, Thinkso’s annual pro bono branding initiative.
Each year, Give a Brand! provides one small nonprofit with a full rebrand at no cost. In past years, this has included a new visual identity, website, and marketing materials—equipping the selected organization with the tools they need to confidently tell their story, build visibility, and strengthen long-term support. If your organization—or one you know—could benefit from strategic brand support, we encourage you to apply. The application deadline is March 13, and you can apply here.
Native Food Sovereignty Projects
First Nations Development Institute is currently accepting applications for grant funding to support Native-led and Native-serving organizations dedicated to revitalizing, protecting, and advancing Native food traditions. This funding opportunity is open to:
– Tribal government programs
– Tribal §7871 entities
– Native-controlled nonprofit organizations
– Native-controlled community organizations
Grants will support projects that establish and safeguard Native food systems and traditional foodways, including initiatives connected to maternal health, K–12 schools, and Tribal governance and policy development. This opportunity represents an important investment in community-led food sovereignty efforts that strengthen cultural continuity, health outcomes, and long-term sustainability. Applications are due by March 17, and you can learn more and apply here.
Food Justice for Kids Prize
Applications and nominations are now open for the Food Justice for Kids Prize — a new grant opportunity designed to fuel innovative work advancing food justice for children across the United States. Powered by Newman’s Own Foundation, in partnership with Humanitix, The Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Hunger to Health Collaboratory, the Prize will award $100,000 grants (over two years) to as many as 14 organizations working to improve children’s access to nutritious, culturally relevant food and strengthen food education in their schools and communities.
The nomination window is open from Feb. 17 – April 21, with the application deadline on April 28. An informational webinar will be held on March 25. Finalists will be notified in July, and grant recipients will be recognized in Fall 2026. In addition to funding, grantees will have opportunities to participate in learning cohorts and connect with peers and partner organizations. Learn more, nominate, and apply here.
Consulting Opportunity:
Brownfield Redevelopment Action Plan – Bronx River Waterfront
Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice (YMPJ) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified environmental professionals (QEPs), urban planning professionals, real estate development professionals, and related consultants. Through its EPA-funded Community-Wide Brownfield Assessment, YMPJ is seeking a consultant team to:
– Develop a comprehensive Brownfield Redevelopment Action Plan for key strategic sites along the Bronx River Waterfront
– Conduct environmental site assessments for those sites
– Support related planning and redevelopment activities
This work will help advance equitable redevelopment and environmental restoration efforts along the Bronx River corridor. The total contract amount for this engagement will not exceed $250,000. The Proposal Deadline is March 22. Interested and qualified firms are encouraged to review the RFP for full details. For questions or additional information, refer to the RFP or contact Reece Brosco at brownfields@ympj.org (cc: rbrosco@ympj.org).
Workshops/Courses:
Lawyers for Good Government’s (L4GG) BABA Tips & Tricks for 2026
Join L4GG TOMORROW, March 10, at 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific for BABA Tips & Tricks for 2026, an informational webinar focused on navigating Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements during project implementation.
As communities move from securing federal grants and loans to implementing clean energy and infrastructure projects, questions about procurement, sourcing, and documentation often arise. This session will provide practical guidance on how BABA applies to funded projects and highlight key flexibilities available under the law.
Topics will include:
– Whether a project qualifies as “public infrastructure”
– Options when required products are not manufactured in the U.S.
– Documentation needed to demonstrate BABA compliance
– Common implementation challenges and how to address them
The webinar is intended to help federal grantees and community partners better understand compliance requirements and avoid delays that could affect project timelines or funding eligibility. Register here.
Climate Ready Introduces TurnSignl
On Wednesday, March 11 at 2:30pm Eastern, Climate Ready will host a webinar introducing TurnSignl, a mobile app that provides real-time legal guidance during roadside interactions, including traffic stops, auto accidents, and other encounters with law enforcement.
The app records the interaction and connects users to a licensed attorney via live video. All recordings are securely encrypted and stored in the user’s personal cloud rather than on the device itself. Privacy is a core feature of the platform, and it does not collect any information about immigration or citizenship status.
Climate Ready is offering access to TurnSignl at no cost (typically $100 per license) to help cohort members and organizational staff de-escalate interactions, safeguard civil rights, and support personal safety. Each account also includes coverage for up to five additional loved ones—such as family members, friends, or caregivers—extending this resource beyond the individual user. Real-time roadside legal guidance is included in the app subscription. However, any follow-up legal services may involve additional costs and are not covered by the Climate Ready Program.
Learn more and register for the informational webinar HERE. You do not need to attend this webinar to register for your pro-bono account. To register for TurnSignl, please complete this SURVEY (Password: CRP2026). After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email directly from TurnSignl (noreply@turnsignl.com) with instructions to download your new account. For more details on the program, please visit https://www.
L4GG’s New Prohibited Foreign Entity (PFE) Interim Guidance Webinar
L4GG will also host a webinar on Thursday, March 12, at 3pm Eastern/12pm Pacific to review new interim IRS guidance on Prohibited Foreign Entity (PFE) Material Assistance requirements.
The recently issued IRS Notice 2026-15 introduces safe harbors for calculating the Material Assistance Cost Ratio for projects subject to PFE rules. These interim safe harbors may be used until 60 days after Treasury and the IRS publish proposed PFE regulations. The Notice does not address Entity-Level or Payment Rules but does announce forthcoming proposed regulations, with public comments due March 30, 2026.
The PFE Material Assistance Requirements apply to Section 48E and 45Y clean electricity investment and production tax credit projects — including solar, wind, and storage — that begin construction after January 1, 2026.
During the session, L4GG tax attorneys will explain the new safe harbors and outline what the guidance may mean for affected projects. Additional background materials and pro bono assistance are also available through L4GG for entities navigating PFE compliance. Register here.
Climate Ready’s How to Media Monitor: The Foundation for Effective Communication
On Thursday, March 12, at 3pm Eastern, Climate Ready, in partnership with SKDK, will host How to Media Monitor: The Foundation for Effective Communication, focused on practical approaches to tracking media narratives and reputational risk.
This session will introduce the fundamentals of media monitoring for nonprofit and advocacy organizations, including how to track traditional, digital, and social media; identify narrative shifts and reputational risk signals; and integrate monitoring into crisis preparedness and communications planning. The webinar will also highlight practical tools and workflows designed for lean teams, including free resources that can help organizations stay on top of trends and opportunities to tell the story of their work.
Register here, and please note that participants must complete the Zoom registration process in advance and will receive a unique confirmation link upon approval.
Anthropocene Alliance Organizing Institute Trainings
The Anthropocene Alliance (A2) is a national network of frontline and fenceline communities working to protect public health and the environment. The A2 Community Organizing Institute equips Anthropocene Alliance members and others with practical skills, peer learning opportunities, and ready-to-use tools to strengthen community-led environmental action.
Through interactive trainings focused on the fundamentals of community organizing, outreach and base-building, and influencing policy through advocacy, participants will gain the confidence and structure needed to mobilize neighbors, grow their base, and run effective campaigns. Whether you are fighting pollution from industrial facilities, protecting access to clean water, preparing for wildfires, floods, and extreme heat, or advocating for stronger environmental protections, this institute is designed to help you build power and drive meaningful progress in your community.
A2’s next training session, focused on Outreach and Base Building, is on Saturday, March 14, 12pm Eastern. Visit the full schedule to see all upcoming dates and RSVP, and reach out to Tanya@A2coalition.org with any questions.
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. The organization offers legal counsel, litigation support, nonprofit consulting, and community planning and outreach to individuals, community groups, and nonprofits navigating environmental law and policy. Fair Shake also hosts a monthly legal advocacy workshop series (held every third week of the month) focused on building practical law and public policy skills.
Upcoming events include “Commenting, Public meetings, and Information Requests” on Thursday, March 19, from 12–1:30pm Eastern, covering tips, tricks, and strategies to submit information requests, how to request public meetings or longer commenting periods, and how to write a meaningful comment. Please visit Fair Shake’s events page for the most current workshop information and to register.
Other Resources:
EPN’s Pro Bono Grants Assistance Program
EPN provides pro bono support for grantees managing active federal awards, including guidance on workplan and budget revisions, procurement, contracting, routine closeout, invoicing and financial documentation to support drawdowns, subrecipient management, and compliance with federal grant requirements. For assistance, contact Vanessa Simms at safeguarding@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org.
Climate Mental Health Network’s Climate Emotional Resilience Tools
As climate change continues to impact communities around the world, many people are experiencing a wide range of emotions—from anxiety and grief to anger and overwhelm. Building emotional resilience is an essential part of responding to these challenges in healthy, constructive ways. The Climate Mental Health Network has released a new set of Climate Emotional Resilience tools, available free of charge in both English and Spanish. These resources are designed to help individuals, community leaders, educators, and organizations better understand the emotional dimensions of climate change and develop practical skills for coping and growth. Learn more and access the free resources here.