NOFO: EPA Guidelines for Brownfield Multipurpose Grants in US

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Multipurpose Grant Program funds comprehensive community-led efforts to assess and clean up brownfield sites. These grants help local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and redevelopment agencies address hazardous substances or petroleum contamination and plan for long-term revitalization.

What the Program Supports

Brownfield sites are properties where redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous materials. The Multipurpose Grant Program empowers communities to take coordinated action across multiple stages of brownfield redevelopment.

Key Supported Activities

• Creating and updating brownfield site inventories

• Prioritizing sites based on risks and redevelopment potential

• Conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments

• Developing cleanup and reuse strategies

• Performing cleanup activities on sites already owned by the applicant

• Implementing community engagement and public outreach

• Designing comprehensive revitalization plans for the targeted area

Funding Details

• Maximum award: $1,000,000

• Minimum award: No minimum; applicants may request any amount up to $1M

• Total expected funding: $20,000,000

• Estimated number of awards: Up to 20

• Project period: Five years
  Funding levels depend on application quality, federal priorities, and the overall funding pool.

Target Areas for Funding

Applicants must define a specific geographic area, such as:

• Neighborhood

• District

• Corridor

• Census tract
  This area must include one or more brownfield sites requiring assessment, cleanup, or redevelopment planning.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• General Purpose Units of Local Government

• Government-created or state-sanctioned redevelopment authorities

• Regional councils and planning agencies

• States and state entities

• Federally recognized Indian Tribes (with exceptions for certain Alaska entities)

• Intertribal Consortia

• Alaska Native Regional and Village Corporations

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

• LLCs and limited partnerships composed entirely of 501(c)(3) organizations

• Qualified community development entities (CDEs)

Special Notes

• 501(c)(4) organizations may apply only if they meet all eligibility requirements and certify that they do not lobby.

• Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage federal grants and deliver multi-year environmental projects.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following entities cannot apply:

• Individuals

• For-profit companies

• Nonprofits that are not 501(c)(3) organizations

• 501(c)(4) organizations that lobby

• Entities lacking the legal authority to perform brownfield cleanup activities

Why This Program Matters

The Multipurpose Grant Program helps communities:

• Reduce environmental health risks

• Address and remove contamination barriers to redevelopment

• Improve land value and stimulate economic revitalization

• Increase community safety and livability

• Support environmental justice in disadvantaged neighborhoods

• Create long-term, sustainable redevelopment plans
  This program is one of the EPA’s most flexible funding options for brownfield revitalization.

How to Apply

1. Define the Target Area

Identify a neighborhood, district, or corridor containing brownfield sites that require assessment or cleanup.

2. Document Brownfield Needs

Prepare evidence of contamination or suspected contamination affecting redevelopment.

3. Build a Comprehensive Work Plan

Include details on assessments, cleanup planning, community engagement, and long-term redevelopment strategies.

4. Establish Community Partnerships

Engage local groups, residents, and stakeholders to build a strong collaborative approach.

5. Prepare the Budget

Ensure the requested amount (up to $1M) aligns with project scale, capacity, and expected outcomes.

6. Submit a Competitive Proposal

Follow all EPA guidelines, address evaluation criteria, and demonstrate readiness to manage federal funds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to clearly define the target area

• Requesting funds without demonstrating organizational capacity

• Proposing activities not allowed under EPA brownfield regulations

• Submitting incomplete community engagement plans

• Overlooking environmental justice considerations

• Including cleanup activities on sites not owned by the applicant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a brownfield site?

A brownfield is a property where redevelopment is complicated by real or suspected contamination from hazardous substances or petroleum.

2. Can applicants request less than $1,000,000?

Yes. Applicants may request any amount up to $1M depending on project size and readiness.

3. Can funds be used for cleanup?

Yes, but only for cleanup activities on sites owned by the applicant.

4. Are for-profit companies eligible?

No. For-profit entities are not eligible under this program.

5. Can nonprofits apply?

Yes, but only 501(c)(3) nonprofits or eligible LLCs/partnerships composed solely of 501(c)(3) members.

6. How long do projects last?

Each award supports a five-year project period.

7. How competitive is the program?

Highly competitive—only about 20 awards are expected nationwide.

Conclusion

The EPA Multipurpose Grant Program provides vital funding for communities committed to addressing brownfields through assessment, cleanup planning, and long-term revitalization strategies. With up to $1,000,000 available per project and broad flexibility in eligible activities, this program is a major opportunity for local governments, tribes, and nonprofits to transform contaminated areas into safer, healthier, and more sustainable community assets.