Opportunity Information: Apply for EPA OP OEJ 20 02
The State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program (SEJCA) / COVID-19 Projects opportunity is a discretionary funding program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to help address environmental justice challenges while also supporting effective responses to COVID-19. The core idea is to fund projects that directly improve environmental conditions and public health outcomes in communities that have historically carried a heavier share of pollution, health burdens, and limited access to resources. In this reopened round of SEJCA, EPA is specifically inviting proposals that focus on COVID-19-related needs and other priority areas described in the program announcement, with an emphasis on practical, on-the-ground benefits that can be clearly demonstrated.
The program is structured as a cooperative agreement (rather than a simple grant), which generally means EPA expects a higher level of collaboration and engagement during the project. The intent is not just to deliver services, but to work alongside communities and partners to better understand local environmental justice concerns, build capacity, and integrate approaches that lead to meaningful and measurable improvements. The program description underscores partnership and co-development: eligible applicants are expected to work collaboratively with underserved communities to identify needs, design responses, and implement solutions that reflect local realities.
A central element of the opportunity is its focus on underserved communities. For this competition, EPA defines underserved communities as those with environmental justice concerns and/or vulnerable populations. The announcement explicitly includes minority communities, low-income communities, rural communities, tribal and indigenous communities, and people experiencing homelessness. This framing signals that proposals should be grounded in equity and targeted toward places where environmental and health risks are compounded by social and economic vulnerabilities, including heightened COVID-19 impacts.
In terms of eligibility, the opportunity is open to U.S. states, territories, tribal governments, and local governments, with the full details and any nuances provided in the announcement's eligibility section. The funding is tied to the environmental assistance CFDA listing 66.312. The funding opportunity number is EPA-OP-OEJ-20-02, and the administering agency is the EPA, specifically aligned with the agency's environmental justice mission and COVID-19 response priorities.
Funding levels and scale are relatively focused. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $200,000, and EPA expected to make about 5 awards under this announcement. That combination suggests a competitive process aiming to support a handful of targeted projects with clear deliverables rather than a large portfolio of smaller awards. Applicants are therefore typically expected to present a strong, well-scoped project plan that is achievable within the budget and timeframe and that can show tangible outcomes for the community or communities served.
The notice was originally posted on April 30, 2020, with an original closing date of June 30, 2020, and it notes that applicants should consult Section IV of the official announcement for specific submission instructions. Overall, SEJCA / COVID-19 Projects is best understood as a targeted EPA investment in community-centered environmental justice work, prioritizing collaborative projects that can demonstrate real public health and environmental improvements in vulnerable and historically overburdened communities, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Apply for EPA OP OEJ 20 02
- The Environmental Protection Agency in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "STATE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT PROGRAM (SEJCA) / COVID-19 PROJECTS" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 66.312.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 30, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2020 Please see Section IV of the announcement for additional submission information. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment
Next opportunity: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant Program CFDA Number 84.336S
Previous opportunity: Mapping Illicit Supply Networks to Combat Conservation Crimes at their Convergence
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for EPA OP OEJ 20 02
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (EPA OP OEJ 20 02) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| BOEM FY 2020 Environmental Studies Program (ESP) Apply for M20AS00009 Funding Number: M20AS00009 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Category: Environment Funding Amount: $240,000 |
| Offset National Emissions through Sustainable Landscapes (ONE-SL) Apply for SFOP0006915 Funding Number: SFOP0006915 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,900,000 |
| Assessment Tools for Biotechnology Products Apply for EPA G2020 STAR C1 Funding Number: EPA G2020 STAR C1 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $760,000 |
| Early Career: Assessment Tools for Biotechnology Products Apply for EPA G2020 STAR C2 Funding Number: EPA G2020 STAR C2 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $453,333 |
| Data for Jurisdictional Sourcing: Spurring Jurisdictional Approaches and REDD+ Action Apply for SFOP0006918 Funding Number: SFOP0006918 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific Category: Environment Funding Amount: $715,000 |
| Implement Chesapeake Gateways Network Projects in Annapolis Apply for NPS 20 REG1 0006 Funding Number: NPS 20 REG1 0006 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Award to ITCA Apply for BOR LC 20 N013 Funding Number: BOR LC 20 N013 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Apply for BOR LC 20 N009 Funding Number: BOR LC 20 N009 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $46,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award to AZ Game and Fish Dept. Apply for BOR LC 20 N008 Funding Number: BOR LC 20 N008 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| JBLM NR TE Apply for POA CESU 20 05 Funding Number: POA CESU 20 05 Agency: Department of Defense, Alaska District Category: Environment Funding Amount: $380,559 |
| SUPPORTING ANAEROBIC DIGESTION IN COMMUNITIES Apply for EPA OLEM ORCR 20 02 Funding Number: EPA OLEM ORCR 20 02 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY20 Region 3 Wetland Program Development Grants Apply for EPA R3 WPDG 20 02 Funding Number: EPA R3 WPDG 20 02 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| FY20, FY21, and FY22 Region 8 Wetland Program Development Grants Apply for EPA REG8 WPDG 20 01 Funding Number: EPA REG8 WPDG 20 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Estimating Children’s Soil and Dust Ingestion Rates for Exposure Science Apply for EPA G2020 STAR D1 Funding Number: EPA G2020 STAR D1 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,350,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award to Conservation Legacy Apply for BOR LC 20 N016 Funding Number: BOR LC 20 N016 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $53,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award to Conservation Legacy Apply for BOR LC 20 N015 Funding Number: BOR LC 20 N015 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $5,667 |
| Notice of Intent to Award to Nevada Department of Wildlife Apply for BOR LC 20 N010 Funding Number: BOR LC 20 N010 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $55,000 |
| Emerging Technology to Safeguard Ocean Ecosystems and Resources Apply for SFOP0007020 Funding Number: SFOP0007020 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific Category: Environment Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Reducing Mercury Use and Strengthening Supply Chains in Mali’s Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining Sector Apply for SFOP0007026 Funding Number: SFOP0007026 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific Category: Environment Funding Amount: $493,750 |
| Logistics, Meeting Coordination, and Digital Communications Support for Environmental Cooperation Apply for SFOP0007030 Funding Number: SFOP0007030 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific Category: Environment Funding Amount: $197,500 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "EPA OP OEJ 20 02", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.