February 2008

EPA offers CARE grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that approximately $3 million will be available in 2008 to support community-based partnerships that work to reduce pollution at the local level. These grants are awarded by EPA’s Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.

Applications for the CARE grants are due March 17, 2008.

Eligible applicants include county and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and universities. Prospective applicants can ask questions about the application process during three conference calls the EPA will conduct. Conference calls are scheduled for February 11 and February 27.

The EPA anticipates awarding CARE cooperative agreements in two levels. Level I cooperative agreements range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities that have established broad-based partnerships; have identified priorities for toxic risks in the community; and are prepared to measure results, implement risk-reduction activities, and become self-sustaining.

In 2007, more than $3 million was awarded to more than 20 communities.

Information about the CARE program, applying for the 2008 grants, and recipients of previous cooperative agreements is available at EPA’s Web site.