&EPA
171F04002
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
invironmental Education
jrant Program
Introduction
The Environmental Education Grant Program was
established under Section 6 of the National Environmental
Education Act of 1990. The goal of the program is to
support environmental education (EE) projects that enhance
the public's awareness, knowledge, and skills to make
informed and responsible decisions that affect environmental
quality'. To be considered EE, a project must be based on
sound science and promote environmental stewardship.
The project must enhance critical-thinking, problem-solving,
and effective decision-making skills, as well as teach
individuals to weigh various sides of an environmental issue
to make informed and responsible decisions.
Environmental education does not advocate a particular
viewpoint or course of action.
Project Funding
Since fiscal year (EY) 1992, Congress has annually appropriated almost $3 million to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to award EE grants. The competition for EE grants is
considerable, and about 200 grants arc funded annually from among more than 1,000
applications received. Grants are awarded by either EPA Headquarters or regional offices as
determined by the cost of the grant.
EPA's current educational priorities are for projects that:
(1) build state capacity to deliver environmental
education programs
(2) use EE to advance state education reform goals
(3) improve teaching skills
(4) educate the public through community-based
organizations
(5) educate teachers, health professionals,
community leaders, and the public about human
health threats from pollution, especially as it
affects children
(6) promote environmental careers
Grants of $50,000 or less are awarded by
EPA's 10 regional offices and these grants
make up the vast majority of grants issued.
As mandated by Congress, a significant
number of grants must be awarded by the
regional offices for small grassroots projects.
Grants for more than $50,000 are awarded by
EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.; 12
are usually issued each year. Grants issued by
Headquarters usually range between $85,000
and $100,000.
Matching Funds
Grantees must provide non-Eedcral matching
funds of at least 25% of the total cost of the
grant project. The match may be provided by
the grant applicant or by a partner
organization. The match may be cash or in-
kind contributions, such as salaries paid to
the project managers and equipment
purchased for the project.
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Eligible Organizations
Colleges and universities, local and tribal education
agencies, state education or environmental agencies, not-
for-profit organizations, and non-commercial educational
broadcasting entities are eligible to apply for funds under
the program. Grantees are located in all 50 United
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other
U.S. Territories.
Solicitation Notice
Each year EPA issues a Solicitation Notice that
describes the application procedures and grant
priorities for that year and contains all the necessary
application forms. The Solicitation Notice is published
in the Federal Register and is also available online at the
web site below. Grant writing tips, and other EE grant
information, including descriptions of grants issued by
state, also are provided on this web site.
Evaluation Process
Grant applications arc evaluated in a two-step process
that involves participation by EE experts outside of EPA
at the first level of review. In general, the first ranking
is done by non-federal reviewers from schools,
Usual grant schedule"
Solicitation Notice
Applications due
Evaluation process
Grants awarded
August or September
Mid-November
December - April
May - June
Projects implemented July at the earliest
* The schedule for the current year is specified in
the Solicitation Notice each year.
universities, state education agencies, and not-for-
profit organizations. The second level of review is
conducted by EPA, and the factors listed below may
be considered prior to the awards being approved by
EPA's Regional Administrators or by Headquarters.
Grant Writing Tips
Below are several helpful tips to remember during the
grant writing process. For more specific tips on grant
writing, please refer to EPA's "Tips for Developing
Successful Grant Applications," which is available
online at wmv.epft.gav/enviroed/^ranttips.html.
* Carefully follow the instructions in the Solicitation
Notice
• Write clearly and concisely
• Price the project competitively
• Identify measurable results
Factors considered in making final
selections include:
cost-effectiveness
effectiveness of collaboration and
partnerships
environmental or educational
importance of the project
effectiveness of delivery methods
methods for evaluating and improving
project
measurable results
geographic distribution of projects
Additional information about the EE grant program is available online at:
www.epa.gov/enviroed
Or contact Diane Berger or Sberijojokian at:
(202) 564-0451
Office of Public Affairs
Office of Environmental Education
(1704 A)
EPA-171-F-04-002
November 2004
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