The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced the Environmental Education Grant Program to support projects that enhance environmental knowledge and stewardship in local and regional communities. The program aims to increase awareness of environmental issues among students, educators, and community members, while helping participants develop skills for informed decision-making and responsible action regarding the environment.
According to the EPA, “This program funds projects that design, demonstrate, and disseminate environmental education practices that increase awareness of local environmental issues and help participants develop skills to make informed environmental decisions and to take responsible actions toward the environment.”
The scope of eligible activities includes educational efforts for elementary through postsecondary students as well as training for personnel involved in environmental education. However, technical training aimed at professionals managing environmental systems or research activities not primarily focused on education are not included under this grant. Outreach activities may complement an application but cannot serve as its main focus.
To qualify for funding, applicants must address two specific priorities set by the EPA. The first is an educational priority requiring projects to teach participants about the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling local or regional environmental challenges. This could involve AI applications in data collection, analysis, visualization, or predictive modeling. The second priority focuses on clean and safe water; funded projects must aim to protect drinking water sources or restore aquatic ecosystems.
Funding awards will range from $200,000 to $250,000 per project. Applicants are required to allocate exactly 25% of federal funds towards subawards of $5,000 or less each. Additionally, a cost match equaling 25% of the total project cost (or 33.33% of the federal share) is mandatory.
Projects selected for funding will have a duration between one and two years. Applications must be submitted by March 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (8:59 p.m. Pacific Time). The opportunity is listed under funding number EPA-EE-25-01.
