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Submissions open for Brownfield Cleanup Grants Program in United States

Deadline: 28-Jan-2026

The EPA Brownfields Program provides funding to support the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of contaminated or abandoned properties, known as brownfields. Grants of up to $4 million are available for communities, states, Tribal Nations, and nonprofit organizations to transform these sites into safe, productive spaces. The program prioritizes historically disadvantaged communities and promotes environmental health, economic revitalization, and sustainable redevelopment.

What is the EPA Brownfields Program?

The EPA Brownfields Program aims to restore contaminated or underused properties to productive use while addressing environmental hazards. Brownfields are sites whose redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. The program supports communities in preventing, assessing, cleaning up, and reusing these sites to reduce risks, enhance public health, and revitalize local economies.

Program Objectives

  • Reduce environmental risks associated with contaminated properties.

  • Promote safe, sustainable redevelopment of brownfield sites.

  • Support economic revitalization in underserved communities.

  • Address historical environmental inequities and public health disparities.

  • Foster collaboration across federal, state, local, and Tribal governance.

Funding Details

  • Total Expected Funding: Approximately $107 million.

  • Grant Sizes:

    • Up to 10 grants of $500,000.

    • 26 additional grants ranging between $500,001 and $4,000,000.

  • Project Duration: Up to four years for comprehensive cleanup and redevelopment.

  • Applicants may request funding up to $4 million, depending on project scope and objectives.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • General-purpose units of local government.

  • State-created entities, redevelopment agencies, and regional councils.

  • Federally recognized Tribes outside Alaska (with certain exceptions).

  • Nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(3) entities and nonprofit-led business structures such as LLCs or limited partnerships.

Purpose of Eligibility: Ensures broad access to resources for public-serving and mission-driven organizations capable of leading transformative environmental projects.

Why the Program Matters

  • Supports communities historically burdened by economic disinvestment and environmental inequality.

  • Enhances public health by removing hazardous substances.

  • Unlocks economic opportunities through redevelopment and job creation.

  • Promotes long-term sustainability and cleaner environments for future generations.

  • Aligns with EPA’s mission to deliver clean air, land, and water for all Americans.

How to Apply / Project Considerations

  • Proposals should focus on large-scale cleanup efforts with measurable community impact.

  • Projects must outline comprehensive cleanup and redevelopment plans to maximize environmental and economic benefits.

  • Consider engaging local stakeholders, Tribal authorities, and nonprofit partners to strengthen applications.

  • Ensure alignment with the EPA’s focus on equity, environmental justice, and sustainable development.

Common Mistakes & Tips

  • Failing to demonstrate clear community impact or environmental benefits.

  • Not addressing historical inequities in affected neighborhoods.

  • Submitting incomplete budgets or unclear project scopes.

  • Excluding local partners or stakeholders that enhance project feasibility.

  • Overlooking the four-year implementation period and milestones for deliverables.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $4,000,000 per project.

2. Who can apply for Brownfields cleanup grants?
Communities, states, Tribal Nations (outside Alaska), local governments, redevelopment agencies, regional councils, and eligible nonprofits.

3. How long is the project period?
Up to four years for cleanup and redevelopment activities.

4. How many grants will be awarded?
Approximately 36 grants, depending on application quality and EPA priorities.

5. What is a brownfield?
A property whose redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

6. Why is this program important for communities?
It reduces environmental risks, improves public health, revitalizes local economies, and promotes sustainable redevelopment.

7. Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes, including 501(c)(3) entities and nonprofit-led LLCs or limited partnerships engaged in public service and community development.

Conclusion

The EPA Brownfields Program provides communities, Tribal Nations, and nonprofits with critical funding to transform contaminated or abandoned properties into safe, productive spaces. By addressing environmental hazards, promoting sustainable redevelopment, and supporting historically underserved communities, the program advances public health, economic revitalization, and long-term environmental sustainability.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.