Brownfields Program (Cleanup and Multipurpose Grants)
For those that are new to the Brownfields Program and are interested in developing a grant application, please consider registering for a traditional Bootcamp.
For those that have been through a Brownfields Program Bootcamp before; applied unsuccessfully for the grant; or have a draft grant application; with the goal of helping them get over the finish line to submit a strong final grant application, please consider registering for a bespoke Bootcamp.
Grant Summary
Download the PDF here.
Agency:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Category:
Environment/Community Development
Eligible Applicants:
According to FY24 Guidelines (Cleanup and Multipurpose), eligible applicants include state, regional, and local government entities; qualifying community development corporations; Indian tribes; and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Total IIJA Funding:
Overview:
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law added $1.5 billion over five years to EPA’s annual brownfields appropriation to help return brownfields to productive use and to train residents for brownfields jobs. A brownfield site is a property whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
The Grant Application Bootcamps will offer support for the following Brownfield grant types:
- Cleanup grants provide funding to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites owned by the applicant.
- Multipurpose grants provide funding to conduct a range of eligible assessment and cleanup activities at one or more brownfield sites in a target area.
FY25 Grant Funding:
TBD. For reference, $20 million in Multipurpose funding and $65 million in Cleanup grants were offered in FY24.
Match Requirements:
Per the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Brownfields grants do not require a matching contribution.
Key Dates:
FY25 Cleanup and Multipurpose Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) are expected in Fall 2024.
Key Funding Criteria:
According to the FY24 NOFOs (Cleanup; Multipurpose), the key funding criteria vary for each grant type. Please refer to the FY24 NOFOs for specifics. In general:
- Cleanup Grants: Applicants must be the sole owner of the site at the time of application.
- Multipurpose Grants: Applicants must be the sole owner of at least one site(s) in the target area.
EPA’s Brownfields Grants’ review process typically includes an initial review for determination of eligibility and threshold requirements, and proceeds to a review of ranking criteria:
- Applicant Eligibility, Capacity, and Past Performance
- Threshold Requirements, including Site Eligibility, State Letter
- Community Need and Engagement
- Project Area Description and Revitalization Plans
- Implementation Plan: Tasks, Costs, Measuring Progress
Opportunities for Climate and Racial Wealth Equity:
Redeveloping brownfields sites supports neighborhood economies, creates homeownership opportunities, and creates opportunities for BIPOC developers and contractors. Per the FY24 NOFOs (Cleanup; Multipurpose), applicants are expected to identify whether their target sites are located in underserved communities, which includes communities targeted by the Justice40 Initiative. Projects will also be evaluated based on their application towards environmental justice challenges.
Eligible Activities (based on FY24 NOFO):
- Cleanup Grants: Eligible activities can be used address sites contaminated by petroleum and/or hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Eligible activities also include reuse planning and community engagement activities, up to 10% for health monitoring and monitoring and enforcement of institutional controls.
- Multipurpose Grants: Eligible activities include developing inventories of brownfield sites; prioritizing sites; conducting environmental site assessments; developing cleanup plans and reuse plans related to brownfield sites; carrying out cleanup activities on brownfield sites owned by the applicant; and developing an overall plan for revitalization.