Please see our past updates if you weren’t getting them, and please take a moment to register for our new webinar series!
Join us TOMORROW for Comment Writing Training on Extremely Concerning Proposed Changes to Federal Grant Rules
– Register here for L4GG and EPN’s comment-writing training on OMB’s proposed changes to 2 CFR 200, Tuesday, June 23, at 2pm eastern. See our fact sheet and Union of Concerned Scientists‘ comment guide about the proposed changes. Comments are due July 13th and may be submitted at www.regulations.gov under docket OMB-2026-0034.
– CANCELLED: L4GG’s Office Hours on June 24, from 12:30–1pm eastern have been cancelled. Please register here to join the next Federal Grantee Office Hours on Wednesday, July 8.
Litigation Update: Sustainability Institute v. USDA
On Friday, June 12, the South Carolina district court issued a ruling in Sustainability Institute v. USDA that was favorable to the Section 138 grantee plaintiffs, but did not ultimately result in the complete relief we were hoping for. In a nutshell, the court found that the EPA guidance that led to termination of Clean Air Act Section 138 programs (including Community Change, Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving, Environmental Justice Government-to-Government, Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers, and Thriving Communities Grantmaking Grants) was unlawful because the EPA had acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner (i.e., without any clear reasoning). Importantly, the Court rejected one of the Department of Justice’s core arguments—that HR 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) affected the validity of the claims. The Court did not go as far as we had hoped and did not call for the reinstatement of particular grants. Instead, the court stated that grantees could pursue the claims for “alleged” unlawful termination of their grants and monetary damages in the Court of Federal Claims. While that is not ideal, the decision does create additional support for the claim that the EPA breached its obligation to grantees, which is good for grantees willing to file a suit in the Court of Federal Claims. We are here to help! If you are interested in exploring a claim, please fill out L4GG’s intake form found here.
Philanthropic and Federal Funding Opportunities
Recording of Navigating Philanthropic Funding Webinar
– On Wednesday, June 10, EPN presented a training on navigating philanthropic funding, including creating essential templates and measurable deliverables, using a systematic and organized approach, and being fearless in your relentless perseverance and commitment to your goals.
– Access the slides, a recording of the training, and templates for outreach emails here.
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!
FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program
The FMA Program is now accepting applications for up to $600 million in competitive grant funding. The program supports projects that reduce or eliminate long-term flood damage to properties insured through the National Flood Insurance Program, with a particular focus on buildings that have experienced repetitive or substantial flood losses. Eligible activities include property acquisition and relocation, structure elevations, dry floodproofing of historic and non-residential buildings, mitigation reconstruction, and project scoping for future resilience efforts. Eligible applicants include state agencies, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and local governments serving as subapplicants on behalf of property owners. Applications are due by 3pm eastern on August 6. Learn more and apply here.
EPA’s Rural, Small, and Tribal Wastewater Technical Assistance Grant Program
EPA has announced $25.5 million in grant funding for technical assistance providers. Chosen TA providers support small, rural, and Tribal communities in addressing wastewater infrastructure challenges. Through EPA’s Real Water Technical Assistance initiative, funding will help communities improve compliance with the Clean Water Act, strengthen wastewater system operations, access federal funding opportunities, and build long-term technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Eligible technical assistance providers can apply by August 14 at 11:59pm eastern to help deliver engineering, workforce development, financial management, and other critical support services to communities facing aging infrastructure and other wastewater challenges. Learn more and how to apply here.
Environmental Leaders in Asthma Opportunity
Asthma Recognition Program
Applications are now open for the 2026 National Environmental Leaders in Asthma recognition program, which honors organizations delivering outstanding asthma care and improving health outcomes in their communities. Since 2005, EPA has recognized 54 programs for their leadership in asthma management, education, and outreach. Organizations interested in joining this distinguished group can learn more about the program, eligibility criteria, and application process through the Asthma Community Network. Applications are due July 10.
Webinars, Workshops, and Office Hours
Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School
The first webinar in the Centering Justice Webinar Series, “Meeting the Moment: Community Level Preparedness and Resilience for Extreme Weather,” will be held on June 25 from 12–1:30pm eastern. Led by Mathy Stanislaus, Director of The Environmental Collaboratory (TEC) at Drexel University, the webinar is part of TEC’s ongoing work to strengthen community-level preparedness for increasingly severe weather. Building on their foundational report, the discussion will explore transparent, community-centered approaches that are proactive, equitable, and scalable, and that help build reciprocal networks of support among neighboring communities. Register here.
Responding to Politically Motivated Attacks
Join Climate Ready and Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy Project on June 30 at 1pm eastern for a training on preparing for and responding to politically motivated attacks on nonprofit advocacy organizations. Led by Victor Rivera Labiosa, Senior Bilingual Counsel at Alliance for Justice, this interactive session will help participants identify politically motivated attacks, respond to false narratives, protect themselves on social media, and train staff and volunteers to navigate these challenges. The 90-minute webinar includes a presentation and live Q&A, providing practical guidance for organizations engaged in advocacy, civic engagement, and voter education efforts. Register for the session here.
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services Workshops
Fair Shake 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 a Community Benefits Workshop on Thursday, July 16, from 12-1:30pm eastern. Learn how to bring community benefits, protections, and standards to your community through Community Benefit Agreements, Ordinances, and other policies. Please visit Fair Shake’s events page for the most current workshop information and to register.
Resources
Howard University’s Citizen Suit Report
Howard University’s Environmental and Climate Justice Center has created a Citizen Suit Report, which educates citizens on how federal courts rule on citizen suits for eight environmental laws: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Toxic Substances and Control Act.
Tribal Funding Registry
The Tribal Funding Registry (TFR) is a free, Native-led platform designed to help Tribal Nations and Native-led nonprofits identify and pursue funding opportunities. The searchable database brings together federal, state, foundation, corporate, and Tribal funding opportunities in one place, while also offering grant-matching workshops, office hours, training resources, and guidance from professionals who understand Tribal contexts and priorities. Join and learn more here.