News & Events
Webinar 2/25! Flooding: How Communities are Adapting & Where to go for Funding
As part of the New England Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTAC) the NEEFC will lead a webinar on Tuesday, February 25 from 12:00-1:00 PM ET spotlighting the issue of flooding. With climate change leading to more heavy rain events and sea level rise, New England communities – both coastal and inland – are increasingly dealing with flooding. Hear how communities in our region are adapting to these impacts, where to go for funding for these projects, and how the TCTAC can help. Key topics include:
- How are New England communities impacted by flooding?
- What actions are communities taking to ensure roads, buildings, waterfront infrastructure, and vulnerable populations can withstand heavy rains and storms?
What funding sources can pay for these types of flood mitigation and adaptation projects? - What services can the TCTAC offer to support EJ communities dealing with these challenges?
Accessing Technical Assistance for Grant Submission Webinar Hosted by the New England Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center
This webinar will be on 1/16/25 at 12 PM and is specifically designed to help community organizations and environmental justice leaders navigate pro-bono technical assistance to secure grant funding. To familiarize communities with the array of resources, this webinar will walk through support systems and processes for organizations provided by our Technical Assistance Team.
Green Infrastructure Webinar Series Hosted by EFCN
Join the Environmental Finance Center Network for the 4th webinar in this 10-part series focused on the financial, managerial, and technical aspects of green infrastructure. Experienced practitioners, policy and funding experts, as well as academics, will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the implementation of green infrastructure. Rural, small, and tribal wastewater personnel, as well as planners, landscape architects, architects, consultants, engineers, managers, board members, elected officials, policy experts, citizens, and community groups are encouraged to join. The 4th session will be on 1/23/25 at 12 PM.
How to Submit a Grant Proposal Webinar Hosted by the New England Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center
This webinar will be on 1/29/25 at 12 PM and is designed to equip community organizations and environmental justice leaders with practical guidance on how to successfully identify and submit proposals for environmental justice projects. To address the unique needs and challenges faced by underserved and/or low-capacity communities, this webinar will walk participants through the submission process, ensuring that proposals stand out and meet funding agencies’ requirements.
NEEFC Joins UConn as Partner in New EPA Regional Environmental Justice Center
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, UConn, in partnership with the NEEFC and others, launched the Environmental Justice Thriving Community Technical Assistance Center (EJ-TCTAC) to provide critical support to communities throughout New England. Supported by a five-year $10 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the center will benefit cities, towns, and recognized Tribes throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. UConn and partners including the NEEFC will offer assistance with navigating the federal grant process, engagement efforts, and identifying funding opportunities as the region embraces evolving environmental challenges.
A USM program will help craft beverage manufacturers in Maine and Vermont prevent pollution
“The University of Southern Maine will receive a grant of $350,000 to help craft beverage manufacturers in Maine and Vermont develop and adopt pollution prevention practices.
The money was awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will go to the New England Environmental Finance Center, which is part of the university’s Catherine Cutler Institute.”
Press Release: Senator Jack Reed Announces $11.5 Million for Rhode Island’s Regional Environment
The Southeast New England Program (SNEP), funded by Congress and managed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), works to restore clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable communities in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. On September 5th, U.S. Senator Jack Reed announced $11.5 million in grants and technical assistance for local organizations working on high-priority environmental projects throughout the region.
EPA and Partners Awards over $7 million for Climate Projects in Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts
Electric Vehicle Pilot Shows the Potential for Electrification in Craft Beverage Distribution
NEEFC Helps Coastal Maine Towns Secure Action Grants for Climate Resilience
Dec. 1, 2022 – The Towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, Westport Island, and Woolwich were each awarded Community Action Grants of up to $50,000 to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the community adapt to climate change impacts. NEEFC and partners helped these neighboring towns identify community climate priorities during a series of workshops this summer and worked with town representatives to apply for state funding through Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership.
EPA Support for Local Groups Will Help Protect and Restore Environment for SNEP Communities
Nov. 7, 2022 – Through the SNEP Network’s 2022 Community Assistance Projects (CAP) Solicitation, the SNEP Network selected 10 projects with 8 SNEP communities and 1 Tribe in which to provide technical assistance. The Community Assistance Projects offer in-depth technical, financial, and training assistance to municipalities, Tribes, and non-profits in the SNEP region to build their local capacity.
Biden-Harris Administration Selects NEEFC as EPA Environmental Finance Center to Help Communities Access Funds for Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON (Nov. 4, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of 29 Environmental Finance Centers (EFCs) that will help communities across the country access federal funding for infrastructure and greenhouse gas reduction projects that improve public health and environmental protection. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the selected EFCs will help underserved communities that have historically struggled to access federal funding receive the support they need to access resources for water infrastructure improvements.
EPA Selects New England Environmental Finance Center for $350,000 Pollution Prevention Grant
FREEPORT, ME (Sept. 8, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of the New England Environmental Finance Center based at the University of Southern Maine (USM) to receive a $350,000 Pollution Prevention (P2) grant made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic $100 million investment in the program. This grant will help support sustainability in the Maine craft beverage industry.
New England Stormwater Retrofit Manual
The recently released Stormwater Retrofit Guidance Manual is a key tool for improving New England’s water resources. The guidance is based on how stormwater treatment occurs within structural controls with the understanding that achieving any water quality improvement is beneficial. It provides approaches for making improvements on sites that don’t fit within a current regulatory framework.
This manual has been developed by the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center and VHB with financial support from the SNEP Network, a project of the New England Environmental Finance Center, and technical support from other SNEP Network partners, state agencies, and EPA Region 1.
New England Sustainable Craft Beverage Program Launches with Five Maine Brewers
PORTLAND, ME (January 3, 2022) – Allagash Brewing Company, Austin Street Brewery, Island Dog Brewing, Maine Beer Company, and Nonesuch River Brewing have completed the New England Sustainable Craft Beverage Program workbook.
SNEP Network announces technical assistance awards to Southeast New England communities
September 1, 2021 – The Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Network is pleased to announce its 2021 technical assistance awards to two Tribal Nations and six Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts communities to advance their stormwater and watershed management, and climate resilience planning.
University of Southern Maine Selected for Pilot Climate Resilience Project
August 18, 2021 – New England Environmental Finance Center and Casco Bay Estuary Partnership (CBEP) are partnering with the Towns of Harpswell, Phippsburg, and West Bath to help them prepare for the effects of climate change and develop climate planning models for other coastal communities in Maine.