Background
The Environmental Protection Agency selected Health Resources in Action (HRIA) to implement the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program (TCGM) for Region One: New England, in partnership with Alternatives for Community & Environment, Inc. (ACE) and New England Grassroots Environmental Fund (Grassroots Fund). Together, we aim to counter historical disinvestment among communities of color, immigrants, Indigenous communities, and low-income groups, among others, on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Purpose of our program: “Grantmaking to Build Sustained Environmental Justice (EJ) Capacity and Networks Across New England” seeks to seed and build deeper capacity for a sustainable environmental justice movement to address environmental hazards, climate resiliency, energy justice, and ultimately to build livable and healthy communities. This funding, which includes $40 million in grants over three years, comes as an effort by the Biden-Harris Administration to strip away traditional barriers communities have faced in applying for federal grants. As core partners, HRIA, ACE and Grassroots hold up the Jemez Principles as foundational values.
We seek individuals to join our Governance Council, prioritizing those from disadvantaged, urban, rural, indigenous, remote, and capacity-constrained communities most impacted by environmental and public health challenges, and individuals who work in organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to serving these communities. Governance Council members are asked to leverage their expertise, lived experience, and their community’s perspectives. The key responsibilities of Governance Council members include to:
- Question if and how the Funds are lowering barriers to access to funding, and centering equity.
- Provide input into/inform the design/approach of the grantmaking model and review process, communication materials for RFP, evaluation and reporting.
- Support outreach to potential applicants, and to help identify and/or recruit application Readers
- and Grantmaking Committee members.
- Hold accountable the Project Team to the stated vision and goals for the funding.
- Assess by reviewing analyses of results and data from awardees to inform future iterations of funding cycles, as well as to assess the broader impact of the Funds
At a minimum, Governance Council members are asked to:
- Uphold the Project Team’s commitment to advancing racial and health equity and addressing the “Grantmaking to Build Sustained EJ Capacity and Networks Across New England” priorities. Review pre-meeting materials and reports as disseminated by HRIA.
- Attend meetings and actively engage in the development of recommendations.
- Leverage personal expertise and networks to inform Committee activities.
- Adhere to HRIA’s Conflict of Interest Policy
- Commit to at least one year of participation (approximately 30-35 hours including meetings and reviews outside of meetings).
Note: The Governance Council is not responsible for developing any funding opportunity materials (e.g., RFPs), reviewing applications or making funding decisions. The Project Team is responsible for these activities, with HRIA taking the lead, under the direction of a Grantmaking Committee. Governance Council members can choose/request to participate on the Grantmaking Committee, which includes another Conflict-of-Interest process and policy.
Membership for the Governance Council will be jointly determined by HRIA, ACE and the Grassroots Fund. Across the Council, and not just solely for any one individual member, we seek representation from New England Stakeholders who collectively bring the following perspectives/skills/knowledge:
- Can provide recommendations based on “lived experience” or knowledge and influence on effective strategies and initiatives that climate and environmental justice efforts and/or expertise.
- Possess a deep understanding of the community-based organization (CBO) structure and EJ across various settings (urban, rural, north and south New England).
- Have experience working as part of and/or with tribal/Indigenous communities in New England.
- Have experience in outreach and communication across New England, including to communities with languages other than English.
- Have experience with/in Federal Funding, including but not limited to Participatory Grantmaking Experience and informing overall grantmaking processes *(i.e) RFP, Application, Evaluation and Reporting Requirements), and Technical Assistance and Capacity Building.
- Experience with consent based decision making, data collection/evaluation
- Embrace our Principles, Values and Agreements that are based on the Jemez Principles.
Committee members must be a minimum of 18 years old.
Governance Council Terms/Length of Service and Compensation
- Members will be asked to serve a term that spans up to 3 years, which covers up to six quarterly grantmaking cycles. In the instance that we have members who serve less than three years, terms will be staggered to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge. If a member leaves the Committee, nominations for a new member will be made during regular recruitment and onboarding cycles throughout any given year.
- Members with “lived experience” or (up to 8) will be eligible for up to $5,000/year honorarium (representatives for Anchor Organizations, Foundations and government agencies will not be eligible). To be eligible for an honorarium, members must participate in 75% of meetings and follow-up work. If you require an honoraria to participate, please let us know in the letter of interest.”
Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and a resume and/or a letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your work or experience to [email protected]. We will prioritize letters of interest submitted by July 1st, 2024, with a rolling deadline until the 12-15 slots are filled. For more information and updates please contact [email protected]