May 2021 Special MCQSC Update: Coalition Needs Grant Writing Help

Dear MCQSC members,

As you know, the skies over our communities have become a de facto runway extension for both DCA arrival and departure traffic. Multiple flight tracks have been shifted and condensed into high frequency, channelized superhighways over our homes, schools and parks.  

Because our communities bear a disproportionate burden of the region's noise and air pollution from DCA flight operations, we plan to apply for a grant from the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (details below).  Unfortunately, our communities will face negative environmental consequences of aviation noise for years to come and will require ongoing support from community members via MCQSC efforts and subject matter experts.  This grant would help ensure that these efforts continue as necessary to help mitigate the existing noise and to monitor any future changes to flight procedures and potential noise implications.

We ask for anyone with grant writing experience or anyone willing to help lead this effort to please contact us ASAP.

Your help, as always, is greatly appreciated.  

Grant Information:

https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-small-grants-program

The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program supports and empowers communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues. The program is designed to help communities understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks. Environmental Justice Small Grants fund projects up to $50,000, depending on the availability of funds in a given year. All projects are associated with at least one qualified environmental statute. Incorporated non-profit organizations—including, but not limited to, community-based organizations, grassroots organizations, environmental justice networks, faith-based organizations and those affiliated with religious institutions

Eligible groups include:  
Incorporated non-profit organizations—including, but not limited to, community-based organizations, grassroots organizations, environmental justice networks, faith-based organizations and those affiliated with religious institutions
More info:
Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
Fair treatment means no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies.

Meaningful involvement means:

People have an opportunity to participate in decisions about activities that may affect their environment and/or health;
The public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision;
Community concerns will be considered in the decision making process; and
Decision makers will seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected.
Want to learn more about the EPA's Office of Environmental Justice?
Factsheet on the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice
Memorandum on EPA's Environmental Justice and Community Revitalization (released 23 February 2018)