Skip to main content
Michigan Environmental Justice Impact Grants

Michigan Environmental Justice Impact Grants

  • A small group of people standing outside next to a rain garden

    How the EJ Impact Grants are helping communities

    These grants are Michigan's first grants directly focused on environmental justice

The Michigan Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) offers the Environmental Justice (EJ) Impact Grant program to reduce environmental health burdens and impacts in Michigan’s Environmental Justice communities.

The goal of the program is to positively impact residents in Environmental Justice communities by funding place-based and equity-focused projects.

Additional information:

Program documents and application

Program guides

2024 EJ Impact Grant application

  • *Alternative to the required project budget template

    All applicants should attempt to use the primary budget template first. 

     

    If the budget template does not support an accurate reflection of your project’s budget, you may choose to use the alternative budget worksheet provided below. The only difference in the alternative budget worksheet is protections have been removed so applicants can edit as needed. 

     

    Caveats for using the alternative budget worksheet:

    • Only use the alternative budget worksheet if you have moderate comfort with Excel, including Excel formulas. Use of this worksheet has a higher chance for error than use of the original budget template since protections have been removed.
    • Make sure to carry over formulas for any added rows or columns as appropriate.
    • Take care to keep all budget category names unaltered, and do not add any subcategories. These are mandatory categories for EGLE grants.
    • Explain your reasoning for using the alternative budget worksheet within your budget narrative.

    Alternative budget worksheet (Excel file)

Instructions on how to apply for the EJ Impact grant

How to apply

Applications were due by July 15, 2024. 

Watch this webinar recording for a guided walk-through of the entire application process.

Have questions? Get answers

Eligible activity categories

  • Community improvement projects designed to improve public health.
  • Initiating or expanding monitoring of background pollution levels in air, water, or soil.
    • Note: Air monitoring equipment funded through this grant will be classified as air quality sensors and will not be used for regulatory purposes.
  • New or improved equipment or management techniques designed to improve the indoor air quality in schools.
  • Remediation and/or redevelopment of contaminated or blighted sites.

Eligible applicants

  • Federally recognized Tribes
  • Community-based non-profit organizations (including grassroots and frontline organizations)
  • Schools
  • Institutions of higher education
  • Local governments

Award amounts

  • $20,000,000 total funds available
  • $500,000 maximum per applicant

Application and award process

Applications were due by July 15, 2024.

Grants will be selected/announced in December, 2024.

Projects must be completed by September 1, 2027.

  • Regina Strong speaking to audience at Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition meeting April 18 2019

    About the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate

    The Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate was created by Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2019-06 to serve as an external and internal advocate and catalyst for ensuring Environmental Justice throughout the state.

    Led by the Environmental Justice Public Advocate, Regina Strong, the Office works collaboratively across state government to advance Environmental Justice and equity in Michigan, as well as addressing Environmental Justice concerns and complaints.

    Learn more about the Office