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2026 LSPA Environmental Justice Grant Program  

Grant Program Overview
The LSPA is committed to contributing to and participating in Environmental Justice (EJ) efforts at the community level. Through the LSPA EJ Grant program, the LSPA assists recipients in implementing community-driven projects that provide a better understanding of local environmental and developing strategies for addressing those issues—through direct programming, future planning, career, and/or education efforts.

The LSPA EJ Grant program was launched in 2023 on the organization’s 30th anniversary.  Since that time, the LSPA has awarded $40,000 in grants to nonprofits conducting initiatives that benefit the environment and EJ populations in the Commonwealth.

Grants may be awarded up to $5,000 per award based on scope of work and available funding. Applications must be received by July 1, 2026.

Application Timeline

  • Grant Application Opens: March 31, 2026
  • Grant Applications Due: July 1, 2026
  • Grants Announced: August 31, 2026
  • Grant Funding Awarded: December 31, 2026
  • Projects Completed/Grant Funding Used: December 31, 2027

Applications are reviewed by the LSPA EJ Grant Review Committee.

Click here to apply for a 2026 EJ Grant.
(Please review the full eligibility and application requirements on this page before applying.)

Grant Criteria
Applicant Eligibility: EJ Grants are for not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community-based groups, environmental education organizations, and/or volunteer efforts for local projects that benefit the environment in Massachusetts communities with EJ populations. The LSPA encourages groups and organizations to partner together to achieve their goals.

Project Eligibility: Projects may be new, planned, or ongoing, but must occur within EJ populations in Massachusetts, and improve the environment. Examples of projects include, but not limited to:

  • Property and watershed clean-ups and accessibility (e.g., parks, walkways, etc.)
  • Design, development, maintenance, and restoration of natural habitats 
  • Community gardening
  • Litter and hazardous waste collection efforts
  • Assessing and mitigating climate change impacts
  • Water conservation efforts (e.g., streamside buffers, rain gardens, greywater systems, xeriscaping, etc.)
  • Recycling and composting
  • Facility siting issues
  • Youth education and career development in the environmental field

Award decisions are made based on the following factors:

  • Type and scope of project
  • Financial need
  • Stated objectives of project
  • Ability and stability of the organization, community group, or volunteers to carry out the project
  • Timeframe of project
  • Role and impact of project in larger community

Application Requirements
Applications must include:

  1. Project Description: Clear statement of the problem or opportunity being addressed, a description of the project and an explanation of how the project will benefit EJ populations, and a description of how the work will be carried out.
  2. Scope of Work & Timeline: Key tasks and milestones.
  3. Budget & Funding Request*: Total amount requested (up to $5000), description of how grant funds will be used, and description of other funding sources.
  4. Measurable Outcomes: Specific, measurable goals, and a description of how success will be evaluated.
  5. Agreement of Grant Program terms and conditions: See below.

*Please note that grant funds cannot be used for overhead expenses, staff salaries, and benefits; volunteer transportation expenses; food, gifts, or parties for staff or volunteers; fundraising activities; litigation; lobbying; and/or supplies used for activities outside LSPA’s focus areas.

Grant Terms and Conditions
Applicants must agree to the following terms and conditions:

  • Applications must be submitted by the deadline date. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • Grant awards are subject to execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the LSPA and the Grantee, documenting approved use of funds, goals, and conditions.
  • The Grantee grants the LSPA permission to share and distribute the project deliverables with LSPA members, with appropriate credit given.
  • Grant funds will be distributed by the LSPA to the lead Grantee named in the application.
  • A Grantee liaison must be designated to communicate project progress with the LSPA.
  • Grant-funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2027.
  • The LSPA reserves the right to award more than one grant per grant cycle, partially fund a proposal, or make no awards under this program.
  • The LSPA may publicize grant awards through its website, social media channels, marketing emails, and related materials.

Questions?
We look forward to considering your application. Please contact us with questions at [email protected].