Pollution prevention (P2) grants are federally funded grants awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While the grants are awarded to state agencies, P2 grants allow us to partner with and fund P2 projects in cooperation with those that cannot apply directly on their own, such as:
The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 authorizes EPA to award P2 grants to:
All 50 states, including the District of Columbia.
State entities (e.g., public universities, commissions, government offices).
U.S. territories and possessions
Federally recognized Tribes and Intertribal Consortia.
How to partner with us on a P2 grant proposal
If you are interested in partnering with us on a P2 grant application, please contact us to discuss your P2 project. You may contact us at any time even if the current application window is closed.
Partners can include, but are not limited to:
Nonprofit or for-profit organizations.
Community-based organizations (CBOs).
Trade organizations.
Federal programs.
Environmental assistance programs offered within a state, Tribe, or community.
What kind of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects must:
Provide technical assistance
AND
Meet the definition of P2
P2 is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source before it is created (i.e. before recycling, treatment, or disposal).
Depending on the type of appropriation, the Request for Application (RFA) may require an application to address one or more of the following program priorities:
National Emphasis Areas (NEAs)
EPA adopted National Emphasis Areas (NEAs) to focus technical assistance on certain business sectors and industries.
Environmental Justice
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $100 million to the P2 grant program and launched a new program targeting environmental justice. This program includes grant opportunities with an emphasis on:
Environmental justice in communities: Provide P2 technical assistance to businesses to improve human health and the environment in communities most impacted by environmental harms and risks.
Environmental justice through safer and more sustainable products: Provide P2 technical assistance to businesses to increase the supply, demand, and/or use of safer and more sustainable products.
Climate change
Provide P2 technical assistance to reduce or eliminate greenhouse-gas emissions or increase energy efficiency to benefit the environment and public health.
P2 project examples
Adopt practices that:
Reduce toxic chemical use.
Reduce hazardous waste generation.
Conserve natural resources.
Mitigate climate change.
Promote environmental sustainability.
For example, our Lean & Green Program provided technical assistance to Romac Industries to rework a production line.
Offer or provide financial assistance to staff or employees interested in attending webinars, in-person training, and other opportunities that build technical knowledge related to P2 work.
For example, the Pollution Prevention Resource Center provides spray painting efficiency training. This training helps businesses reduce:
Toxic air emissions.
Hazardous waste generation.
Health risks associated with exposure.
Costs to businesses.
Apply community-engagement strategies to understand the barriers to adopting P2 practices at businesses through community-based participation.
For example, offer surveys or focus groups to community members and compensate them for their time.
Frequently asked questions
The following types of projects are not considered P2 type projects:
Implementing processes that do not involve reductions in the use or release of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, greenhouse gas releases or water use.
If you are unsure if your project qualifies, please contact us.
The application period typically opens in Winter and closes after 90 days.
Please contact us at any time if you have questions, even if the application window is closed to discuss your project.
Funding varies each year. In the past, individual award ceilings have ranged from $300,000 to $800,000. Some opportunities also have a cost-share or match requirement (such as a 50% match).
Cost-share is the amount of money you are required to contribute should you receive funding. For example, if the total award amount is $100,000 and there is a 50% cost share or match requirement, you must provide $50,000 in cash or in-kind contributions to be eligible for $50,000 in federal grant funds from the EPA.
Funding is distributed over a two-year period with the option of extending for a third year.
These practices protect the environment by conserving and protecting natural resources while strengthening economic growth. More efficient production in industries leads to a decreased need for households, businesses, and communities to handle waste.
