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 this Wednesday, June 10, for an Interactive Webinar on Philanthropic Funding and L4GG’s Federal Grantee Office Hours
– Register here for a presentation and community discussion on “Navigating Philanthropic Funding ” on Wednesday, June 10, from 1-2pm eastern. Hear from the Environmental Protection Network’s Development Director Kathy Pope about how to create Essential Templates and Measurable Deliverables, use a Systematic and Organized Approach, and be fearless in your Relentless Perseverance and Commitment to YOUR Goals. Whether you’ve never raised a dime, or if you’ve been doing this work for years, this webinar is for you. We will also provide an update on proposed changes for 2 CFR 200 federal grant regulations.
– If you are (or were) a federal grantee, register here for L4GG’s Updates on Ongoing Federal Grant Termination, Litigation, and Compliance this Wednesday, June 10, from 12:30-1pm eastern. This bimonthly series is an opportunity for federal grantees to talk to lawyers about ongoing litigation, the Court of Federal Claims, and ask grant and litigation-related questions.
Join us on Tuesday, June 23, for Comment Writing Training on Extremely Concerning Proposed Changes to the 2 CFR 200 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. A fact sheet about the proposed changes can be found on our website. Comments are due July 13th and may be submitted at www.regulations.gov under docket OMB-2026-0034.
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!
Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants program supports early-stage, cross-disciplinary projects ($2,500–$50,000) that bring together researchers and practitioners from fields that are often disconnected to better understand and address the health impacts of climate change. The program is designed to spark collaboration across biomedical science, environmental and earth systems science, public health, epidemiology, economics, urban planning, and related disciplines, and also supports innovative approaches to reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare and research systems. Additional areas of interest include preparedness for extreme weather and other climate-related disruptions affecting health and healthcare delivery, as well as public outreach, education, and communication efforts at the intersection of climate and health. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis through July 2026 and reviewed quarterly. Learn more and apply here.
Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund
The Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund through the Solidaire Network provides rapid-response and longer-term support for frontline organizers and movement groups facing legal, physical, digital, or other security threats related to their work. Eligible movements may include those advancing climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty, racial justice, abolition, antiwar organizing, trans liberation, and related causes. The fund supports needs such as legal defense, security measures, crisis response, and mental health and healing resources. The fund will accept applications on a rolling basis beginning July 6, 2026. To learn more about the opportunity and how to apply, join the information session this Wednesday, June 10 at 2pm eastern.
Nathan Cummings Foundation
The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) is accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) year-round for both grants and Program Related Investments (PRIs) through a single online application portal. NCF seeks to support innovative partners and proximate change makers advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice, with a particular emphasis on work that drives systems-level change and builds power in communities, especially in the U.S. South. The Foundation uses a “totality of assets” approach, aligning its financial and non-financial resources to support long-term impact and transformative change. LOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis, with applicants typically hearing back within approximately 12 weeks of submission after completing the initial registration and eligibility review in the portal. Learn more and submit an LOI here.
Federal Highway Administration Reduction in Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Program
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is accepting applications for the FY 2026 Reduction in Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Program. This competitive grant program supports projects that reduce emissions and truck idling at ports and intermodal port transfer facilities while improving freight movement efficiency. Eligible projects include port-related infrastructure and on-truck technologies that reduce emissions from truck idling, efforts to reduce truck congestion near ports, and initiatives that improve overall port operations. Grant funding may cover up to 80% of eligible project costs. Port authorities, local governments, and other eligible applicants interested in improving air quality and freight efficiency should review the Notice of Funding Opportunity for eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications are due June 19 at 11:59pm eastern. Learn more and apply here.
Department of Transportation Rail Infrastructure and Safety Grants
The Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the FY 2026 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. This competitive grant program supports projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail systems in both rural and urban communities. Eligible activities include rail line relocation and improvement projects, locomotive rehabilitation and replacement to reduce emissions, regional rail and corridor planning, environmental analyses, rail safety programs, and research and development of innovative rail technologies. The program also supports projects that reduce congestion, strengthen freight movement, and improve multimodal transportation connections. State and local governments, rail carriers, Tribes, and other eligible entities can find a full list of eligible projects, evaluation criteria, cost share requirements, and other program details on the CRISI Notice of Funding Opportunity. Also, check the CRISI webpage and the FY26 CRISI grants.gov listing for updates and to apply. Applications are due June 22 at 11:59pm eastern.
Law Journal Submissions
Boston University Public Interest Law Journal Submissions
The Boston University Public Interest Law Journal (PILJ) is accepting submissions for its Winter 2027 edition through Friday, June 12. PILJ welcomes previously unpublished articles, essays, case notes, book reviews, and commentaries related to public interest law, broadly defined, and especially encourages interdisciplinary work that combines critical theory with progressive practical application. Topics of interest include environmental law, Indigenous land rights, climate change, criminal justice, family law, constitutional law, civil liberties, voting rights, and international human rights. Submissions from non-lawyers and members of marginalized academic communities are encouraged. Manuscripts should be double-spaced with Bluebook (22nd ed.) citations. Electronic submissions are preferred via Scholastica or by email to pilj@bu.edu with the subject line “Winter 2027 Submission.”
Webinars and Workshops
Direct Pay/Elective Pay Office Hours Session
We Build Progress and Lawyers for Good Government are hosting an upcoming Direct Pay/Elective Pay Office Hours session this Thursday, June 11, at 1pm eastern. This session will provide community-based organizations; local, state, and Tribal governments; schools; houses of worship; nonprofits; and other stakeholders a space to ask clarifying questions about clean energy tax credits and eligible projects, including wind, solar, geothermal, electric vehicles, and EV charging infrastructure. The office hours are designed to be practical and accessible, helping participants better understand how Direct Pay/Elective Pay works and how it may apply to their projects. Those new to the topic are encouraged to review a brief 5-minute overview and FAQ page here in advance. Please note that these sessions are educational only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. RSVP here.
Climate Ready Developing Crisis Communications Protocols
On June 11 at 3pm eastern, join Climate Ready as they guide participants through building or refining crisis communications protocols. In a heightened risk environment, having a universal crisis response plan allows for thoughtful preparation rather than reactive decision-making. Participants will learn how to establish a clear chain of command, identify likely threats and signs of escalation, prepare messaging, and execute on response strategies. For more information and to register, visit our website. Register for the session here.
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 a Protestors Rights + Anti-Authoratarianism Workshop on Monday, June 15, from 12-1:30pm eastern. Learn how to keep yourself and your group safe while engaging in peaceful protest to protect our democracy. Please visit Fair Shake’s events page for the most current workshop information and to register.
Climate Ready Monthly Membership Call
Join Climate Ready on June 25 at 3pm eastern for their monthly membership call. The agenda includes program updates, a “state of play” briefing from SKDK, and a provider spotlight focused on document retention as a form of organizational risk mitigation. The session will explore why document retention matters, how organizations can approach building or strengthening their practices, and what types of support Climate Ready can provide to help implement effective document and data retention systems. Register for the session here.