EPA Awards $1.5 Million to Enhance Data Capacity for Underserved Communities
The awards went to three organizations focusing on improving data capacity and reporting proficiency for underserved communities.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jul 02, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $1.5 million award to support the Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (PREPARED) program. The funds aim to provide grant recipients with technical assistance to generate necessary data, evaluate program outcomes and understand community impacts.
According to a recent release, three organizations have each received $500,000 to implement projects that will build community capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building: the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Palmetto Futures and New Growth Innovation Network.
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will use its grant to enhance community capacity for evidence-based approaches. The project focuses on data dissemination, reporting and integrating lived community experiences for applicants and grantees of EPA and State Revolving Fund programs.
Palmetto Futures will provide comprehensive capacity-building support to community-based organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor. Their initiative aims to boost local organizations' ability to manage EPA projects by improving data proficiency and project reporting. They will collaborate with the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation to engage with local organizations.
New Growth Innovation Network will focus on small, underserved and tribal communities. Their project aims to build capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building. This will enable these communities to apply for current or future EPA grants.
The EPA is also seeking additional proposals to support data and reporting capabilities for small, underserved and tribal communities.The agency plans to award up to $2 million over three years to further support these efforts. Applications for this second round of funding are due by July 29, 2024, and the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted on the grants.gov website.
For more information on this funding opportunity, visit the PREPARED website.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.