The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making nearly $2 million available in 2010 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.

The purpose of this program is to build partnerships that help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources close to home, and to improve human health and the local environment. Level I awards are for those who wish to establish community-based partnerships that will assess toxic problems and consider options to reduce their risks.  Awards for Level I will range from $75,000-$100,000 each.  Level II awards are for those who have already formed partnerships and wish to implement risk-reduction activities and measure the results.  Awards for Level II projects will range from $150,000-$300,000 each.  Eligible applicants include county and local organizations, non-profits, businesses, schools, and tribes.

Note that this is an extremely competitive grant. In 2009, EPA received 235 eligible proposals and awarded only 9 grants.

Proposals are due by March 9, 2010.  Find more information and examples of CARE projects at: www.epa.gov/care.  See the complete EPA announcement.

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