Summary:

The purpose of this program is to support research, investigation, experiments, multimedia service-learning approaches, studies, demonstrations, outreach, education, and training using source reduction approaches. The funding agency is particularly interested in projects that offer hands-on practical pollution prevention (P2) tools, information, and/or innovative P2 multimedia service learning approaches to measurably improve public health and the surrounding environment, by reducing the use of hazardous substances, reducing toxic pollutants, supporting efficiencies in reducing resource use, and reducing business expenditures and liability costs.

Projects should create, promote, and use new and/or existing P2 tools and information, green technology solutions, innovative financing partnerships or approaches, and multimedia and multistakeholder leadership approaches to measurably improve public health and the environment. Beneficiaries may include for-profit and nonprofit businesses, nonprofit organizations, cooperatives and worker-owned businesses, local municipal governments, religious organizations, universities/colleges, secondary schools, consortia and associations, or a combination of beneficiaries.

Refer to page 9 of the NOFA file for a definition of P2 and examples of allowable P2 activities.

All applicants must select at least one of the following technical assistance methods as the primary approach for performing projects:

• Research
• Investigation
• Experiments
• Education
• Training
• Studies
• Demonstration of innovative techniques

All these methods can include technologies and multimedia, service-learning approaches.

All projects must include:

• Local measurable environmental and public health improvements and investments
• An emphasis on P2 technical assistance that can address priorities in communities
• Multistakeholder problem solving, leadership, collaboration, outreach, and capacity building
• Leveraging of existing partnerships and/or the development of new partnerships within communities
• Documenting and sharing methodologies, models, approaches, and solutions identified and developed so that others can replicate these practices and outcomes
• Developing at least one or more P2 case studies and other mechanisms to amplify results
• Documenting and reporting on P2 recommendations, progress, outputs, and outcomes that result from the technical assistance provided to the beneficiaries

Projects must produce at least one, and preferably all, of the following environmental outcomes:

• Reduction in pounds of hazardous material used and of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants released
• Reductions in gallons of water used
• Reductions in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) released
• Dollar savings associated with achieving reductions in hazardous material use, hazardous releases, water use, and energy use, including savings from reduced regulatory burden

Applicants are also encouraged to measure, when appropriate, other important innovative financing, investment, leadership, and service-learning metrics relevant to project settings.

Where feasible and appropriate, the funding agency strongly encourages applicants to emphasize approaches that can address environmental justice (EJ) concerns in disadvantaged communities and/or climate change impacts. Refer to page 5 of the NOFA file for details.

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that apply innovative green technology solutions, use a community-based leadership approaches, use service-learning and multimedia approaches, and/or leverage innovative financing to promote and implement pollution prevention and sustainability-based projects that lead to measurable and beneficial results.

An optional webinar is scheduled for this program. Refer to the Application section for details.