Greenspace Blog Office of Sustainability & the Environment

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City of Seattle Blog

Seeking Leaders for Seattle’s Environmental Justice Committee

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If you are committed to centering community needs in the City’s environmental work and improving environmental, health and economic conditions for our communities, apply to the Environmental Justice Committee!

Formed in 2017, the Environmental Justice Committee (EJC) strives to uplift those most-affected by environmental inequities. The EJC centers community ownership in decision-making, environmental program/policy design and Equity & Environment Agenda implementation while enhancing partnerships with City departments and better connecting community-based solutions into government.

The EJC consists of twelve members from a wide range of backgrounds and expertise in working with communities of color, immigrants and refugees, Native and Indigenous peoples, and low-income residents and individuals with limited English proficiency. Members increase their understanding of City environmental programs and receive funding to bring their learning back to their communities. Committee terms last two years during which members participate in retreats, monthly meetings and leadership development opportunities.

Applications are due November 15th.  

More details are included in the application materials (below). Contact equityenviro@seattle.gov with any questions.

Application Guidance
Environmental Justice Committee Application

Announcing the 2019 Environmental Justice Fund

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Deadline for proposals in September 16

In partnership with Bullitt Foundation, the Office of Sustainability & Environment is excited to announce the second cycle of the Environmental Justice Fund, a grant opportunity for community-led projects that invest in communities’ ability to improve environmental conditions and respond to impacts of climate change.

The Environmental Justice Fund was co-created by the Environmental Justice Committee—12 people with deep community roots who work closely with communities on environmental justice issues—with support from the Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment.

The Environmental Justice Fund recognizes that the most effective environmental and climate solutions come from the community itself and that community members are in the best position to design and carry out projects that include community, culture, nature, family, health, food and/or education.

Communities of color and people of color-led organizations are invited to submit proposals for projects. Projects should be led by and benefit the people most affected by environmental inequities: communities of color, immigrants, refugees and Native people—including people with low incomes, youth, and seniors—who live, learn, work, worship and play in the City of Seattle.

There is $200,000 in funding available from the City of Seattle, with grants administered by the Bullitt Foundation. The maximum grant award will be $40,000. Projects may begin as soon as January 2020 and must be completed by June 2021. Proposals are due by 4:00 pm on Monday, September 16, 2019.

Proposals for Environmental Equity Projects Now Being Accepted!

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Project proposals are now being accepted for the King Conservation District (KCD) – Seattle Community Partnership Grant Program for natural resource improvement projects led by or are in deep partnership with communities in Seattle that are most impacted by environmental injustice and systemic racism. This year we will distribute roughly $400,000 to established nonprofits, tribal organizations, and community organizations with a fiscal sponsor. Community groups can apply for up to $75,000

The program advances the City of Seattle’s Equity and Environment Initiative and KCD’s natural resource priorities by funding projects that build community awareness about environmental issues, manage stormwater with green infrastructure, protect and restore water bodies, build healthy soil, support the urban forest and a sustainable local food system.

Organizations and groups are encouraged to apply for projects that benefit communities that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and systemic racism and that enhance natural resources through direct improvements, education and outreach, pilot or demonstration projects, or capacity building support.

Letters of Intent (LOI) are due by 5pm on Monday, July 15, 2019. All application materials and information regarding project requirements and eligibility can be found on KCD’s website. For more information, contact Jessica Saavedra, 425.282.1906.