NOFO: Brownfield Assessment Grants (Assessment Coalition Grants) – United States

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened submissions for the 2026 Assessment Coalition Grants, designed to help communities collaboratively assess and plan the reuse of brownfield sites. Grants support coalitions led by a single eligible entity working with partners to conduct site inventories, assessments, community engagement, and reuse planning. A total of $58.7 million is available, with individual requests up to $1.5 million over a four-year project period.

Overview of Assessment Coalition Grants

The Assessment Coalition Grants aim to empower communities to evaluate and plan the reuse of brownfield sites—properties affected by hazardous substances or petroleum. By supporting coalitions rather than individual entities, the program enables smaller or under-resourced communities to participate in brownfield assessment and redevelopment planning. Key objectives include:

• Conducting inventories and prioritization of brownfield sites.

• Engaging community stakeholders to guide project priorities.

• Performing planning and environmental site assessments.

• Developing cleanup and reuse plans for brownfield sites.

• Strengthening foundations for future remediation and redevelopment efforts.

This initiative aligns with the national Powering the Great American Comeback strategy and emphasizes equitable participation from communities historically impacted by environmental and economic disparities.

Key Features and Funding Details

• Total Funding Available: $58,700,000 nationwide.

• Maximum Request per Applicant: $1,500,000.

• Project Period: Four years.

• Anticipated Awards: Up to 39.

• EPA Assistance Listing Number: 66.818 (OLEM OBLR 25 05).

• Funding Restrictions:

  • Funds must be used for assessment activities, planning, and community engagement.

  • Funds cannot be used for cleanup or remediation activities.

• EPA reserves the right to make additional, partial, or fewer awards than anticipated.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants under federal law include:

• Units of local government and quasi-governmental entities.

• State-created bodies and regional councils.

• Redevelopment agencies and States.

• Federally recognized Indian Tribes (outside Alaska).

• Alaska Native Regional and Village Corporations.

• Nonprofit organizations and qualified community development entities.

Coalition Structure

• One lead entity applies on behalf of two to four coalition partners.

• Coalition members may lack capacity to manage a grant independently.

• This approach ensures participation from smaller or underserved communities.

Why It Matters

• Supports environmental assessment and strategic planning for brownfield sites.

• Promotes community engagement and equitable involvement.

• Provides data and planning tools that lay the groundwork for future redevelopment.

• Contributes to economic revitalization and local resilience.

• Prioritizes historically impacted communities, ensuring long-term social and economic benefits.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Form a Coalition: Identify a lead entity and two to four partners.

2. Develop a Project Plan: Include site inventories, assessments, reuse planning, and community engagement strategies.

3. Submit Application: Follow EPA guidance under Assistance Listing 66.818.

4. Funding Allocation: Ensure requested funds focus on assessment and planning activities only.

5. Project Implementation: Carry out environmental assessments, community involvement, site prioritization, and reuse planning over the four-year period.

6. Reporting & Compliance: Adhere to EPA cooperative agreement requirements and maintain documentation for all activities.

Common Tips & Best Practices

• Engage community stakeholders early to prioritize sites effectively.

• Ensure equitable participation of historically affected populations.

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities for lead and partner entities.

• Maintain accurate records to support EPA reporting and future funding opportunities.

• Avoid using funds for cleanup or remediation, focusing strictly on assessment and planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount? $1,500,000 per lead entity.
2. Can funds be used for site cleanup? No, funds are restricted to assessment, planning, and community engagement.
3. How long is the project period? Four years.
4. Who can be a lead applicant? Eligible local governments, states, tribes, nonprofits, and community development entities.
5. How many coalition partners can be included? Two to four partners per lead entity.
6. How many awards are expected? Up to 39 awards nationwide.
7. Are historically impacted communities prioritized? Yes, the program emphasizes equitable involvement and benefits for communities affected by environmental or economic disparities.

Conclusion

The EPA Assessment Coalition Grants provide a strategic opportunity for communities to collaboratively assess, plan, and prepare brownfield sites for future reuse. By funding coalitions led by eligible entities, the program ensures inclusive participation, robust planning, and equitable benefits. Communities can leverage this support to gather environmental data, develop actionable reuse plans, and build the foundation for sustainable redevelopment and economic revitalization.