Environmental justice stands at the crossroads of health, sustainability, and equity, aiming to address the longstanding disparities faced by marginalized communities. As the Biden-Harris Administration prepares for potential transitions, the legacy of its commitment to environmental justice faces a critical juncture. The philanthropic community is rallying to preserve this, advocating for the timely release of funds through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. Thriving Communities Grantmaker Support Letter, is a collective effort written and signed by PSO’s in the sector of environmental health & justice that want to continue and support the works of the communities we serve.
A Vision for Thriving Communities
The Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, bolstered by Executive Order 14096, is a cornerstone of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative. This program is designed to infuse historically underfunded communities with resources to address environmental and health challenges like air and water contamination, lead poisoning, and climate-related vulnerabilities.
At the heart of this effort is the Climate Justice Alliance (CJA), which was selected to administer $50 million as part of the UNITE-EJ initiative. This funding aims to empower community-led organizations to enact transformative changes in areas that have long suffered from environmental neglect.
The Urgency of Action
Despite meeting all milestones and leading in the program’s implementation, CJA has yet to receive the allocated funds. This delay jeopardizes the momentum built by the program and places vulnerable communities at further risk. The delay also leaves CJA, which has invested in staff and infrastructure in good faith, in a precarious position.
The philanthropic community—including groups like the Health and Environmental Funders Network, Neighborhood Funders Group, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders, and The Funders Network—has highlighted the transformative potential of the $50 million grant. These funds represent 20% of annual philanthropic investments in environmental justice and could significantly amplify the impact of grassroots organizations working on the frontlines.
The Stakes for Environmental Justice
Failing to release these funds would undermine the Administration’s commitment to environmental justice and its promise to address systemic inequities. Communities relying on this support face disproportionately high rates of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and economic instability. The risk of losing this funding is not just a setback for these communities but a blow to the broader movement for environmental equity and sustainability.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
The Biden-Harris Administration has set an unprecedented standard for prioritizing environmental justice. The successful implementation of the UNITE-EJ initiative would cement this legacy, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they need to thrive. As the philanthropic community urges, the White House and EPA must act swiftly to obligate and release these funds, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s environmental and public health landscape.
Environmental justice is not merely a policy—it is a moral imperative to uplift communities that have borne the brunt of environmental harm for generations. By fulfilling its promises, the Administration can ensure that the path toward a more equitable and sustainable future remains intact.